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Cassia tora
Cassia tora L., (=Cassia obtusifolia L.), Caesalpiniaceae, occurs throughout India as a weed. The leaves, flowers and young fruits are illustrated.
The root is used in snakebite.
The decoction of the leaves is a laxative.
The leaves and the seeds are used in skin diseases, particularly ringworm and itch.
The dried and fresh leaves are used in northern Nigeria in the treatment of ulcers, ring worm and other parasitic skin diseases. In cultures, the leaf extracts of the plant showed anti-bacterial activity. Antiviral activity, particularly against Newcastle disease virus and Vaccinia virus.
The leaves are used as a substitute for coffee. The gum from the plant and the seeds is used as a supporting agent for calomel, kaolin and lactone. The seeds are also used as a mordant in dyeing.
Aloe emodin, rhein and chrysophanol. A pleasant smelling fixed oil were extracted from the plant and the seeds. The dried leaves have a flavonoid glucoside. The seeds also have an oxytocic activity.