Cassia tora

Cassia Tora is a plant species belonging to the Fabaceae family. It is commonly known as sickle senna, sickle pod, coffee pod, tovara, chakvad, and ringworm plant. The plant is native to the tropics and is found in various parts of Asia, including India, China, and Thailand. It is also found in some parts of Africa and Central America.

Description

Cassia Tora is an annual foetid herb, which grows up to 90 cm in height. The plant has pinnate leaves, which are about 10 cm long. Each leaf has three pairs of leaflets that are opposite, ovate, oblong and oblique at the base. The yellow flowers are borne in axillary racemes. The fruit is a flat, oblong pod, 10-15 cm long, with 30-50 seeds.

Uses

Cassia Tora has various uses in traditional medicine and is used in the treatment of various diseases. The seeds, leaves, and roots are used in the treatment of leprosy, ringworm, flatulence, colic, dyspepsia, constipation, cough, bronchitis, and cardiac disorders. The plant is also used as a natural pesticide in organic farms.

Cultivation

Cassia Tora is a tropical plant and prefers a warm climate. It can be grown in a variety of soils, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. The plant prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate drought.

Chemical Constituents

The seeds of Cassia Tora contain anthraquinones, which are known for their laxative properties. The seeds also contain emodin, chrysophanol, and rhein, which have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal properties.

References

• Flora of China Editorial Committee. 1994. Flora of China (Leguminosae through Pseudolarix). 10: 1–642. In C. Y. Wu, P. H. Raven & D. Y. Hong (eds.) Flora of China. Science Press & Missouri Botanical Garden Press, Beijing & St. Louis.

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