Cassia Fistula: From Traditional Medicine to Modern Therapeutics- A Review

Cassia fistula Linn, a member of the Fabaceae family, widely recognized by common names such as Golden Shower tree and Amaltas. The plant has a long history of use in traditional medicine for managing several ailments, including burns, convulsions, constipation, diarrhea, dysurea, epilepsy, leprosy and various skin disorders and syphilis. Phytochemical investigations have revealed that C. fistula contains various bioactive constituents, particularly Tannins, flavanoids and Glycosides. Various pharmacological studies have demonstrated several biological activities with the plant, including antidiabetic, antibacterial, antifertility, antiinflammatory, antioxidant, Hepatoprotective, antifungal and antitumor effects. The review provides overview of the taxonomy and botanical characteristics of C. fistula along with it’s major Phytochemical constituents and reported pharmacological activities.