senna alata

Senna alata (syn. Cassia alata) is a medicinal flowering shrub in the Fabaceae family widely used in traditional medicine for its potent antifungal and antimicrobial properties. Its leaves contain high concentrations of anthraquinones and their derivatives, including rhein, chrysophanol, and aloe-emodin, as well as sennosides and various phenolic compounds. These bioactive constituents are responsible for its efficacy against superficial fungal infections such as tinea versicolor, ringworm, and tinea imbricata. The plant's extract functions by disrupting fungal and bacterial cell membranes, inhibiting critical enzyme systems like DNA gyrase and alpha-glucosidase, and exerting anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. It is formally recognized in the Philippine National Drug Formulary for treating dermatophytic infections and has been the subject of several clinical trials evaluating its safety and efficacy in various topical formulations.

Brand names

Akapulko

Other names

Cassia alataCandle bushRingworm bushEmpress candle plantSeven golden candlesticks