Senna alata
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Scientific Classification: ·
Kingdom: Plantae ·
Clade: Angiosperms ·
Order: Fabales ·
Family: Fabaceae ·
Genus: Senna ·
Species: S. alata Synonyms: Cassia alata Common Names: Candle bush,candlesticks,crawcraw or
ringworm plant,senna Local Names: candlesticks (English), asuwon oyibo (Yoruba), ogalu (Igbo)
and Filisko (Hausa) Species ID: NMP-156;wfo-0000214728;NCBI_Taxonomy ID: 53923 Basic Description: Senna alata, commonly
known as Candle Bush, is a perennial shrub or small tree that can grow up to
3-4 meters tall. It features pinnately compound leaves, which are 30-60 cm
long, and oblong leaflets that are smooth and thinly leathery. The plant is
known for its striking vertical yellow flowers that resemble a lit candle,
giving it one of its common names, Candle Bush. Distribution and Habitat: Native to tropical
regions of the Americas, Senna alata has been widely distributed across
tropical and subtropical areas worldwide. It thrives in a variety of habitats
but is commonly found in wet soil, wastelands, and flood plains.. Medicinal Properties: Senna alata is
renowned for its medicinal properties, particularly its effectiveness against
skin ailments like ringworm and other fungal infections due to its fungicidal
properties. It contains chrysophanic acid, which is used to treat these
conditions by applying a mixture of ground leaves and vegetable oil to the
affected areas. Additionally, its leaves and pods have a laxative effect due to
their anthraquinone content, which is also used for purging intestinal
parasites. Known Toxicity: While Senna alata is beneficial for its medicinal uses, care should be taken as parts of the plant, especially when consumed in large quantities, might have laxative effects. The use of this plant should be under guidance if used for medicinal purposes due to the powerful active ingredients it contains. Additional Information: Senna alata is not
only medicinal but also ornamental, adding beauty to landscapes due to its
distinctive flowers. It's also used as an ingredient in shampoos and soaps in
the Philippines due to its anti-fungal properties. The plant is easy to grow
and can be propagated by seeds, with flowering occurring about six months after
planting. References:
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| Compounds of Senna alata | |
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