The information below details the medicinal herb Senna sophera (also known as Cassia sophera) based on your provided data and search results.
Herb's Introduction
Senna sophera (L.) Roxb., commonly known as Pepper-leaved Senna or Kasondi, is a perennial, erect shrub belonging to the pea family, Fabaceae (Leguminosae). This plant is a significant component in traditional medicine systems, including Ayurveda and Unani Medicine, particularly throughout India and other tropical regions where it is now widely naturalized. Its medicinal use is largely attributed to its content of anthraquinones, chemical compounds well-known for their laxative and purgative effects. All parts of the plant—leaves, seeds, bark, and roots—are utilized for their therapeutic properties, most notably for treating respiratory ailments and various skin diseases.
Name in Different Countries
Senna sophera is known by various names across different regions and languages, reflecting its widespread use. Language / Country Name Scientific Name Senna sophera (L.) Roxb. Family Fabaceae (Leguminosae) English Pepper-leaved Senna, Sophera Senna, Kasondi Senna Nepali ताप्रे (Taapre) Hindi Kasaunda Sanskrit Kaasamarda Bengali Kolkasunda (কল্কাসুন্দা) Malayalam Ponnanthakara (പൊന്നാന്തകര), Ponnavirum Tamil Sulari, Gnalal (ஞாழல்), Ponnaavaarai Gujarati કાસુંદરી Portuguese cássia caromendeliana Spanish algarrobilla Marathi Rantakada Export to Sheets
Terminology
Botanical Name: Senna sophera (L.) Roxb. Synonyms: It was historically classified under the genus Cassia, and is often referred to by its homotypic synonym, Cassia sophera L. Etymology: The genus name Senna is derived from the Arabic word sanā, which describes plants with cathartic and laxative properties. The species epithet, sophera, is an Arabian name for a pea-flowering tree resembling those in the genus Sophora.
Availability
Senna sophera is a widely distributed plant, native to Tropical America (South Mexico, Caribbean islands, and tropical South America) but now naturalized throughout the tropics, including the Indian subcontinent. Global Distribution: Found across India, South-Eastern Asia, the Caribbean islands, and Tropical South America. Availability in Nepal: Senna sophera (listed as Cassia sophera in older records) is present in Nepal, particularly in the lower regions. It is included in the Annotated Checklist of the Flowering Plants of Nepal. Ethno-botanical surveys in Nepal, such as those in the Terai region of Morang, document the traditional use of the leaves and seeds of C. sophera (along with C. occidentalis and C. tora) for treating ringworm and other skin issues by local communities. It typically grows wild in wastelands, on roadsides, and in forests.
External Look
Senna sophera is a perennial, erect shrub that can grow up to 2 meters tall. Part of the Plant Description Stem Woody below (shrubby habit), 1–2 meters tall, erect, often profusely branched. Stems are solid, and young twigs can be sparsely or densely hairy. Leaves Alternate, even-pinnate (ending in a pair of leaflets), with small, deciduous stipules at the base. The leaflets are opposite, 5–many in number, ovate to oblong, and may have an extrafloral nectary gland on the petiole. Flowers Arranged in axillary racemes (clusters) of 2–6 flowers. They are somewhat irregular to zygomorphic, with five petals, typically yellow or orange, about 3 cm in diameter, and non-fragrant. Fruit A long, cylindrical, often slightly compressed or turgid legume (pod). It is lengthy, green turning to brown, and internally septate (divided) between the seeds, freely dehiscent (splits open when mature). Seed Numerous, small, circular, compressed, ovoid to rounded in outline, with a smooth, brown surface. Export to Sheets
Healing Properties
The plant's medicinal efficacy is derived from its rich composition of bioactive compounds, particularly anthraquinones (like chrysophanol and emodin), which impart laxative properties, along with ascorbic acid and β-sitosterol. Medicinal Property Activity / Effect Respiratory Expectorant, anti-asthmatic, bronchodilating, anti-allergic, and anti-inflammatory activity. Dermatological Considered a specific for ringworm and other skin diseases like pityriasis, psoriasis, and scabies. It is antiseptic and antifungal for conditions like Candida albicans infection. Gastrointestinal Cathartic, laxative, and purgative. It is also a digestive and carminative (relieves flatulence). Metabolic Exhibits significant hypoglycemic (anti-diabetic) and anti-lipidemic activity by increasing peripheral glucose and restoring pancreatic β-cells. Pain & Inflammation Possesses anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain-relieving) properties. Antimicrobial Demonstrated antibacterial activity against various bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli. Export to Sheets
Advantages
Broad-Spectrum Remedy: It is used to treat a wide range of ailments, from chronic conditions like asthma and diabetes to acute issues like fever, skin infections, and constipation. Traditional Validation: It is an important drug in ancient systems of medicine, including Ayurveda and Unani Medicine, suggesting a long history of safe traditional use. Multiple Usable Parts: The leaves, seeds, bark, and roots are all utilized, making it a highly resourceful plant. Pest Repellent: The leaves have shown insect repellent and insecticidal properties, sometimes leading to its cultivation among other crops for protection.
Uses
The different parts of Senna sophera are used to treat the following specific conditions: Plant Part Used Ailments Treated Leaves Cough, asthma, acute bronchitis, fever, malaria, conjunctivitis, ringworm, itches, piles (paste application), and jaundice (infusion with sugar). Seeds Fever, convulsions of children, urinary problems, and used as an anticonvulsant (anti-epileptic) and analgesic. Bark Diabetes (mixed with honey), ringworm, and pimples (paste application). Root Relieves painful menstruation and serves as a postpartum remedy, also considered expectorant. Leaves & Seeds (General) Used as a laxative, purgative, and cathartic; effective in treating skin diseases and in the management of epilepsy. Export to Sheets
Using way
Traditional preparation methods utilize various forms of the herb: Decoction/Infusion: Plant parts (especially leaves or roots) are boiled or steeped in water to create a liquid that is drunk to treat fever, respiratory ailments (cough, bronchitis), and as a postpartum remedy. Poultice/Paste (External Application): A warm poultice of the leaves is applied topically to treat hydrocele. A paste made from the bark or seeds is applied directly to the skin to treat ringworm and pimples. A leaf juice is applied externally as an antiseptic and anthelmintic (anti-worm) agent. A paste of the leaves is used externally for treating piles. Powder: Powdered dry leaves are used as an insecticide and insect repellent. Powdered seeds mixed with honey are given orally for diabetes.
Conclusion
Senna sophera (or Cassia sophera) is a highly valued and pharmacologically significant medicinal shrub with a strong history of use in traditional Asian medicine systems, including those in Nepal. Its versatile medicinal properties—ranging from treating respiratory disorders (asthma, bronchitis) and skin diseases (ringworm, psoriasis) to demonstrating potent anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and laxative effects—make it a 'miracle herb' in ethno-botany. Scientific studies have confirmed many of its traditional uses, particularly its hypoglycemic and antiasthmatic activities, validating its importance as a natural source of therapeutic compounds. The perennial nature and widespread availability of this shrub ensure its continued role in the primary healthcare of rural communities.
