Botanical Overview
Senna alata, belonging to the Fabaceae family, is a tropical plant commonly known as candle bush, ringworm bush, or empress candle plant. The primary parts used medicinally include the leaves, flowers, and seeds. It is native to tropical America but is widely naturalized in West Africa and Southeast Asia.
- Latin name: Senna alata
- Family: Fabaceae
- Parts used: Leaf, Flower, Seed
- Common names: Candle bush, Ringworm bush, Empress candle plant, Candelabra bush
Energetics
Senna alata is considered to have a cooling temperature and drying moisture energetics. It presents mainly bitter, astringent, and sweet tastes. The tonicity tends toward relaxing, conducive to its use as a laxative and anti-inflammatory agent.
Primary Actions
- Laxative
- Antifungal
- Anti-inflammatory
- Purgative
Indications
Western
- Constipation
- Fungal skin infections
- Itching
- Inflammation
Syndromes
- Fungal dermatoses (tinea infections)
- Chronic constipation
- Hemorrhoids
TCM
No specific indications documented.
Ayurveda
- Skin fungal infections
- Constipation
Syndromes
- Kushtha (skin diseases)
- Vibandha (constipation)
Unani
- Dermatitis
- Constipation
Syndromes
Not specifically listed.
Constituents & Mechanisms
The principal phytochemical constituents include anthraquinones such as sennosides, flavonoids, and triterpenoids, which contribute to its purgative and antifungal activities.
Dosage & Preparations
- Leaf decoction 10-30 g/day
- Topical application of leaf extract for fungal infections
- Powdered leaf 2-3 g/day as laxative
Safety & Contraindications
Senna alata should be used with caution in pregnancy and lactation due to potential uterine effects and limited safety data. Prolonged or excessive use may cause electrolyte imbalance and dependency. Avoid in cases of intestinal obstruction and inflammatory bowel disease. It may interact additively with diuretics and other laxatives.
Astrological Correspondences
No well-established planetary or elemental rulers are documented for Senna alata.
Selected References
- Phytotherapy: A Quick Reference to Herbal Medicine – Plants For A Future (2023)
- World Health Organization Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants, Volume 1 (1999)
- Handbook of Medicinal Herbs – James A. Duke (2002)
- Ayurvedic Medicinal Plants – Various Authors
- Pharmacological and phytochemical studies of Senna alata – PubMed Review (2018)