Study of Aragvadha (Cassia fistula Linn.) with special reference to phyto-pharmacological properties: An overview

Abstract

Cassia fistula Linn. is a plant of family febaceae. It is commonly known as golden shower, Indian laburnum, and rajvriksha. It has been popular as a common drug of choice for Ayurveda experts from ancient time due to its various therapeutic properties like laxative, hepato-protective, antibacterial, analgesic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, anticolic, antifertility, etc. and it useful in the management of many diseases like kushtha (skindiseases), jwara (febrile conditions), hridyaroga (cardiac problems), visarpa (herpes), vatarakta (gout), madhumeha (diabetesmellitus), arsha (piles), bhagandar (fistula in ano) etc. It is found in over all India and other adjacent countries, especially in Himalayan tract and outer Himalaya region. Its extract mainly contains Anthraquinone, fisulic acid, resins, flavinoids, rhein glycoside. Beside references from Ayurvedic classical texts, this article described researches which carried out on this plant for its clinical and pharmacological evaluation.