Cassia Seed Extract

Cassia Seed Extract: A Comprehensive Overview Introduction Cassia seed extract, derived from the seeds of Cassia obtusifolia L. or Cassia tora L. (family Fabaceae), is a potent botanical extract with a rich history in traditional medicine and modern applications. Known as "Juemingzi" in Chinese, this plant has been utilized for centuries for its therapeutic properties, particularly in promoting eye health, aiding digestion, and supporting metabolic balance. Today, cassia seed extract is widely employed in pharmaceuticals, functional foods, cosmetics, and animal feed industries due to its bioactive compounds, including anthraquinones, flavonoids, and other secondary metabolites. Botanical Description and Source The cassia plant is an annual or biennial herbaceous shrub, reaching heights of 1–2 meters. Its leaves are pinnate, with 3–4 pairs of leaflets, and its yellow flowers are arranged in axillary or terminal racemes. The fruit is a long, flat pod, and the seeds are oblong, greenish-brown, and have a sweet, slightly bitter taste. The seeds are harvested in autumn when the pods mature, dried, and processed to obtain the extract. Chemical Composition The primary active constituents of cassia seed extract are anthraquinones, which include: Chrysophano Emodin Physcion Emodin-8-O-β-D-glucoside Emodin-1-O-β-D-glucoside Aurantio-obtusin Obtusin Chryso-obtusin Rubrofusarin Norrubrofusarin Norsennosides Sennosides A and B Additionally, the extract contains flavonoids, such as kaempferol and quercetin, which contribute to its antioxidant properties. The seeds also harbor vitamins, including vitamin A, and other compounds like norsesquiterpenes and fatty acids. Pharmacological Effects Laxative Properties: The anthraquinones in cassia seed extract stimulate intestinal peristalsis, increasing the secretion of water and electrolytes into the intestines, thereby promoting bowel movements.