Introduction

Aragvadha is a drug mentioned in Indian systems of medicines. It is commonly known as golden shower, Indian laburnum, purging cassia, Rajvruksha.^[1] In Ayurveda, different parts of Aragvadha are used in several conditions. Aacharya’s explained several methods of usage according to indications like Lepa, Udavartana, Kwatha. Argawadha Patra has indicated in Vrana Shotha, Granthi, Shotha, Vatarakta, Amavata, Sandhivata, Kandu, Jwaraa, Hridrogaa, Raktapittaa, Shoolaa, Kusthaa, Gulma, Vrana, etc.^[2] Aacharya’s have also classified Aragwadha under various groups. Acharya Charaka organized Aragvadha in the group of Kushtaghna, Kandughna, Phalini Varga, Tikta Skanda, Virechana Dravya, etc.^[3] Acharaya Susruta Aragvadadi Gana, Syamadi Gana, Adhobhagahara, and Acharaya Vagbhatta have been mentioned only in Aragvadadi Gana.^[4] In Ayurveda Charaka and Sushruta described Aragvadha in the use of the treatment of different skin diseases (Kusth). The phytochemicals present in the leaf of Cassia fistula possesses Anti-fungal, Antibacterial, and Antiulcer activity. Acharya Shaligram described the importance of leaf of Aragvadha for the drying of Kapha and Meda. Leave is also beneficial for the purgation of Mala and Dosha. Usually, the fruits of Amaltas are used primarily but medicinal properties are present in its stem, leaves and roots. Leaves are considered as a laxative and external emollient. As a poultice they are used for chilblains, insect bites, swelling, rheumatism and facial paralysis. The leaves possess antiperiodic properties and are used in jaundice, piles, rheumatism, ulcers, external skin eruptions, wounds, prurigo, pruritus and eczema. The juice of the leaves has been used as a dressing for ringworm, relieving irritation and dropsy, inflammation and in jaundice treatment. If we talk about Panchvidh Kashaya Kalpana, then Juice, powder, Kalk, Kwath, Phant, all can be prepared from the leaves but Amaltas leaves can be used more in the form of Kalk and powder. Usually in the month of March-April, new leaves start appearing in it which are very soft and reddish which matures by the middle of June. Leaves and flowers appear simultaneously in the plant. If we talk about powder preparation, then powder is prepared by drying the leaves in the shade.

For internal use, its new and soft leaves are used. After becoming old, they are not edible.

Microscopic study of Cassia fistula Linn. Leaf:- The powdered sample of cassia fistula leaf is light green with characteristic distinct odour or taste. Diagnostic characters of powder include unicellular covering trichomes, anomocytic and paracytic stomata, xylem vessels with reticulate thickening and prism shaped calcium oxalate crystals. Various leaf constants were established which can be important in detecting adulteration and mishandling of the crude drug.

Physiochemical study of leaf

Phytochemical Study of leaf

Chemical compound present in leaf of Cassia fistula Linn.as per IMPPAT Database.^[7]

Antiulcer activity^[14]

The ethanolic leaf extract of Cassia fistula Linn was evaluated for antiulcer activity against pylorus ligation- induced gastric ulcer.

Larvicidal and Ovicidal Activity^[15]

Leaves of Cassia fistula Linn also found to possess pesticidal activity. When leave extract of varying concentrations applied topically, they not only inhibit hatching of eggs but also makes them nonfunctional to produce any diseases. In another study larvicidal activity of Cassia fistula Linn leaves methanolic extract was tested against Culex quinquefasciatus and Anopheles stephensi.

The methanolic leaf extract show more activity against A. stephensi at larvae stage. Less larvicidal activity was reported against C. quinquefasciatus. Thus, it was proved that Cassia fistula Linn does possess good larvicidal activity

Wound Alleviating Activity^[16]

Wound healing potential of Cassia fistula Linn was explored by using its methanolic leaves extract in different in vivo wound models in rats. Leaves extract in 5 and 10% w/w concentration was incorporated in ointment base.

In these concentrations the ointment was found to be effective in treating both types of wounds. The wound healing effect was equivalent to standard control drug nitrofurazone in every aspect. Wound healing activity of Cassia fistula Linn was demonstrated in another study using albino rat model. Ointment base formulation of alcohol leaves extract was prepared and wound healing effect was analyzed on wounds infected with Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. It was observed that wounds treated with Cassia fistula Linn ointment showed faster healing, better tissue reanimation and rapid wound reduction rate. These findings provided a scientific proof of traditional use of Cassia fistula Linn in wound management.

Anti-oxidant Activity^[17]

Alcoholic extracts of Cassia fistula Linn pulp, leaves, flowers and stem bark also exhibit good antioxidant activity. Significant antioxidant activity was reported in stem bark followed by leaves and flowers while pulp showed minor activity as level of phenolic constituents was found low in pulp.