Know the herbs

Scientific name

Cassia alata

Family

Fabaceae

Local name

Gelenggang, candle bush, seven golden candlesticks

Description

Cassia alata is a shrub 1–2m but sometimes up to 5m in height and has horizontally spread branches. The leaves are parippinnate, 30–60cm long and glabrous. Flowers are densely in axillary racemes, about 20–50cm long and 3–4cm broad. The fruits are thick, wing and flattened.

Usage

Cassia alata is known to have laxative properties (Elujoba et al. 1989). Its leaves are recommended for primary health care in Thailand to treat ringworm and skin diseases (Farnsworth & Bunyaprapatsara, 1992).

Malaysia Herbal Monograph (source: Globinmed)