Toxicity potentials of Cassia fistula fruits as laxative with reference to senna

Abstract

The aqueous extract of the pods of Cassia fistula Linn (Leguminosae - Caesalpinoideae), cultivated in Ile-Ife, Nigeria were investigated for pharmacological and toxicological properties. The in-vitro effect of Cassia fistula infusion on isolated guinea-pig ileum was examined. The acute and sub-chronic toxicity of the infusion of C. fistula and Cassia acutifolia Del. Pod- (Senokot tablet) as the reference drug were also determined. The results obtained for C .fistula infusion when compared with senokot tablet showed that the infusion of Cassia fistula pods possessed very low levels of toxicity, having the LD50 of 6600mg/kg and also without any pathological effects on the organs examined microscopically. It is therefore concluded from the study that C. fistula pod infusion could be safely utilized as laxative drugs and as a substitute for the official Senna.