Investigation of<i>Cassia alata</i>, a Plant Used in Nigeria in the Treatment of Skin Diseases

Abstract

AbstractCassia spp. (Caesalpiniaceae) have been extensively studied for their anthracene derivatives. The leaves of Cassiaalata L. are used in the treatment of skin infections in many parts of Nigeria, the juice expressed from the young leaves being applied topically to the affected parts. Previous workers have suggested that the anthranols (and anthrones) present in Cassia spp. could be the active constituents involved in their use as antiseptics in certain skin diseases (Ramstad, 1959). We report our findings on the volatile constituents of Cassia alata.