Medicinal Uses Of Cassia Alata (Acapulco)

Cassia alata, an ornamental plant famously known as Acapulco has been revealed to have strong anti-inflammatory properties that help alleviate edema. In a study published in the African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines, researchers examined the effects of extracts from Cassia alata on mice models of paw edema.

Distilled water and plant extract or diclofenac were given to the animal models. They were also injected with the drug Carrageenan to bring hind paw swelling. According to results, the animals showed more than a 50% decline in paw inflammation after receiving extracts of Cassia alata. What played a significant role in easing this inflammation are the plant’s phytochemical components which include flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, phenols, triterpenes, anthraquinones, and saponins.

The researchers stated that:

“Dichloromethane extract of Cassia alata showed anti-inflammatory effects. The findings of the present study have demonstrated that [the plant] has potent anti-inflammatory activity and justify its use in traditional medicine to treat inflammation. The results also show evidence that the beneficial effects of this plant may be due to its free radical scavenging activities.”

Study: Cassia Alata Also Contains Strong Antioxidant Properties

Moreover, the plant was also found to be a viable remedy to a plethora of illnesses. Researchers in a study published in the journal Medicinal & Aromatic Plants have discovered that the strong antioxidant compounds of Acapulco, which are vitamins A and C, carotenoids, flavonoids, and anthraquinones, can help strengthen the immune system and scavenge free radicals.

A rabbit model was used in the study and after receiving aqueous leaf extract it displayed an increase in red blood cell count, blood hemoglobin content, and total leucocyte count compares to their non-treated counterparts. The plant extract was also observed to have the ability to boost levels of peritoneal macrophages in the animal models. These macrophages enable immune stimulation, tumor cell lysis, and tumor growth prevention. Researchers also added that extracts of Cassia alata displayed immune-modulating or immune-stimulating potency.

The researchers concluded that:

“Today a lot of antioxidant products are available in the market. Though a burning topic of the day, plants need to be evaluated for their antioxidant potential, which will definitely be the right step towards the benefit of the mankind, keeping in view the present study, may certainly be a positive step towards green chemistry in the field of modern drug discovery, and this novel plant Cassia alata may extensively be used in therapeutic medicines as a resource of natural antioxidants and immune stimulating agent. However, further research is needed for its safety level and judicious use.”

Medicinal Uses Of Cassia Alata

Cassia alata is commonly used to treat the following:

Inflammatory diseases
Skin problems and diseases
Stomach problems
Mouth disorders
Lung conditions

Here are a few ways on how to use the plant in order to optimize nutrient uptake and improve the body’s overall health.

Infused Tea And Decoction

You can make infused tea and decoction using its leaves, flowers, and seeds. Cut a cup of plant parts and let it steep in boiling water for about 10 to 15 minutes. Drink the herbal tea at least three times a day. However, the tea’s potency lasts only for a day, therefore a new batch should be made daily.