Chemical and biological analyses of Nigerian Cassia species for laxative activity

The leaves of 10 Cassia species (Leguminosae), cultivated in Nigeria, were assayed spectrophotometrically for combined anthraquinone content and also pharmacologically for their laxative properties in male albino rats using official senna leaves (Cassia acutifolia Del.) as the reference standard. Leaves of C. podocarpa Guill, and Perr. and of senna had identical laxative potency. The results of both the chemical and the biological experiments suggested that C. alata L. and C. podocarpa are the most likely candidates for drug development in Nigeria. The use of a laxative index is proposed for the comparative study of Cassia (or any plant species) and its possible application to the quality control of these drugs is discussed.