Aragvadha (Kritamala)
Medium-sized deciduous tree; yellow pendulous racemes; cylindrical, dark brown, indehiscent pods (40-60cm) containing sweet blackish pulp.
Botanical name: Cassia fistula. Also known as: Golden Shower Tree, Purging Cassia, Indian Laburnum, Aragvadha, Amaltas, Golden Shower, Aragvaadha.
Properties
Stimulation of myenteric plexus increasing intestinal peristalsis, Inhibition of COX-2 and prostaglandin E2 synthesis, Free radical scavenging via phenolic hydroxyl groups, Downregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6), Disruption of bacterial cell wall integrity
Dosage
5-10g (Pulp), 20-40ml (Kashaya)
Classical attributes
- Rasa: Madhura
- Virya: Sheeta
- Vipaka: Madhura
Benefits
- Aragvadha (Cassia fistula) demonstrates multi-systemic benefits in clinical settings
- Sramsana
- Jvaraghna
- Kushthaghna
- Hridya
Traditional uses
- Vibandha (Constipation)
- Kushtha (Skin diseases)
- Jvara (Fever)
- Udavarta
- Hridroga
Dosha effects
- vata: balancing
- kapha: balancing
- pitta: balancing
Preparation methods
- Aragvadhadhi Kashayam: Standard preparation as per API.
- Aragvadha Arishta: Standard preparation as per API.
- Aragvadha Lehya: Standard preparation as per API.
- Aragvadha Taila: Standard preparation as per API.
Contraindications
- Pregnancy and lactation
- Acute diarrhea or dysentery
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Intestinal obstruction
- Children under 12 years
Side effects
- Chronic use may lead to electrolyte imbalance, melanosis coli, and dependency; avoid prolonged administration without medical supervision.
Interactions
- Potassium-depleting diuretics (e.g., Furosemide)
- Cardiac glycosides (e.g., Digoxin)
- Oral anticoagulants (e.g., Warfarin)
- Corticosteroids
- Other stimulant laxatives
Clinical evidence
Aragvadha (Cassia fistula) demonstrates multi-systemic benefits in clinical settings. It is highly effective for pediatric functional constipation (PMID: 26854117) and dermatological conditions like eczema (PMID: 22131759) and melasma (PMID: 30713488), where it rivals standard treatments. Metabolic studies indicate its potential in managing Type 2 Diabetes (PMID: 23559797) and hyperlipidemia (PMID: 28443158) by improving glycemic and lipid markers. While these RCTs show significant p-values, the evidence is limited by small sample sizes, necessitating larger trials for definitive clinical guidelines.
Ayurvedic karmas
- Sramsana
- Jvaraghna
- Kushthaghna
- Hridya
- Kandughna
Classical clinical indications
- Vibandha (Constipation)
- Kushtha (Skin diseases)
- Jvara (Fever)
- Udavarta
- Hridroga