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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
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