Cassia abbreviata Oliv. A review of its ethnomedicinal uses, toxicology, phytochemistry, possible propagation techniques and Pharmacology

A variety of ethnotherapeutic properties and pharmacological actions has been attributed to Cassia abbreviata Oliv. which belong to the family Caesalpiniaceae. Reports from the literature have indicated the presence of a variety of compounds including alkaloids. Studies by various groups of investigators revealed that C. abbreviata possess antidiabetic, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity, thus lending pharmacological support to the plant’s folkloric uses in African indigenous medicine. This review is aimed at collating presently available information on pharmacological, toxicological, propagation techniques, phytochemical ingredients and both ethnomedicinal and other uses of C. abbreviata. Key words: Cassia abbreviata Oliv., ethnomedicine, pharmacological properties, toxicity.