Evidence supporting the use of: Five-Leaf Cassia
For the health condition: Colds (antiviral)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Five-Leaf Cassia (Senna pentaphylla or sometimes Cassia alata depending on regional terminology) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly in Southeast Asia and tropical regions. Traditionally, its leaves and extracts have been used as remedies for various ailments, including skin conditions and infections, and occasionally for colds or respiratory symptoms. Folk practices sometimes attribute antiviral or immune-supporting properties to the plant, though these uses are based on anecdotal evidence and local herbal traditions.
From a scientific perspective, there is limited direct evidence supporting the antiviral efficacy of Five-Leaf Cassia specifically for colds or respiratory viral infections. The majority of modern research on related Senna species focuses on their laxative effects due to anthraquinone content, and a few studies have looked at antimicrobial activity (mainly antibacterial or antifungal rather than antiviral). There is a lack of robust clinical trials or phytochemical studies demonstrating clear antiviral effects relevant to the common cold.
In summary, Five-Leaf Cassia's use for colds is primarily rooted in traditional medicine. The supporting evidence is weak and rated 2/5, as the tradition is real but substantiated scientific validation for antiviral or anti-cold effects remains minimal.
Other ingredients used for Colds (antiviral)
allspicealoe vera
anthocyanins
arabinogalactan
waterhyssop
basil
berry flavor
beta-pinene
bilberry
bisabolol
black cumin
black currant
black garlic
blueberry
Indian frankincense
cat's claw
catechins
cinnamon
citrus bioflavonoids
citrus oil
clove
turmeric
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
forsythia
garlic bulb
ginger
green tea
honeysuckle
knotweed
lactoferrin
lactoperoxidase
lauric acid
lemon
licorice root
luteolin
mastic gum
monolaurin
oregano
perilla
phellodendron amurense
phenolic acids
pineapple
pomegranate
quercetin
resveratrol
rhizome
rosemary
schizonepeta
shiitake mushroom
spirulina
thyme
vitamin C
vitamin D
wasabia japonica
zinc
xanthium (cockleburs)
hyssop
papaya
mugwort
neem tree
nut grass
alpinia galangal
commiphora
buckthorn
pau d'arco
morus
lemongrass
chrysanthemum
ganoderma
morinda
oriental arborvitae
zanthoxylum
fulvic acid
goji berry
indigo leaves
soursop
Ash
Agastache
Autumn elaeagnus
Alpha-terpineol
Apigenin
Allicin
Anamu
AHCC
Andrographolide
Amentoflavone
Asam gelugor
Acacetin
Aureobasidium pullulans
Andrographis
Asteracea
Allyl Sulfide
allyl isothiocyanate
Alliin
Allium tuberosum
Atractylone
Bee Propolis
Black Seed
Baikal Skullcap
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bidens pilosa
Broussonetia
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Black galingale
Bitter Grass
Bee hive
Basidiomycota
berry
Bee products
Black Nightshade
Bombax
Baicalin
Bassia scoparia
Borneol
Caffeic Acid
Camellia sinensis
Coconut
Curry leaf
Chinese Mountain Ant
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Coriolus mushroom
Carrageenan
Carvacrol
Capillary Artemisia
Citron
Citrus
Chinese Raisintree
Cowherb
Cistus
Common madia
Cinnamaldehyde
Costus
Celosia
Chondrus
Deoxyandrographolides
David's Milkberry
European Elder
Echinacea
Elder
Essential Oil Blend
Flavonoids
Flavonones
Goldthread
Garlic
Galangal
Sandalwood
Other health conditions supported by Five-Leaf Cassia
Abdominal PainAbrasions
Abscesses
Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Appetite (deficient)
Arthritis
Asthma
Backache
Bites and Stings
Boils
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Canker Sores
Carbuncles
Chest Pain
Chills
Cholera
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
Circulation (poor)
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Constipation (adults)
Cuts
Dandruff
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dislocation
Dizziness
Ear Infection or Earache
Eczema
Edema
Endurance (lack of)