Evidence supporting the use of: Five-Leaf Cassia
For the health condition: Colds (with fever)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Five-Leaf Cassia (Cassia alata, also known as Senna alata) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly in Southeast Asia and parts of Africa. Traditionally, its leaves have been prepared as decoctions or infusions to help manage symptoms of colds and fevers. Ethnobotanical records indicate that healers and local practitioners have recommended Five-Leaf Cassia for its perceived "cooling" properties, which are believed to help reduce fever and alleviate discomfort associated with common colds. The plant contains various bioactive compounds, such as anthraquinones and flavonoids, that may have mild antimicrobial or anti-inflammatory effects, though these are better documented for skin conditions than for respiratory illnesses.
However, scientific research directly evaluating the efficacy of Five-Leaf Cassia for treating colds or fevers is limited. Most of the available studies focus on its use as a laxative or as a topical treatment for fungal and bacterial skin infections. There is a lack of high-quality clinical trials or pharmacological studies supporting its benefit for colds with fever. Therefore, while its use is well rooted in traditional medicine, scientific validation for this specific application is lacking, and the evidence strength is rated as 2 out of 5, reflecting anecdotal and traditional support without rigorous scientific confirmation.
Other ingredients used for Colds (with fever)
aloe veragreen chiretta
anthocyanins
basil
bilberry
black cumin
black currant
blueberry
capsaicinoids
chamomile
citrus oil
clove
coconut milk
cowage seed
turmeric
elderberry
forsythia
garlic bulb
ginger
grape
green tea
lemon
licorice root
pear
plantain
pomegranate
quercetin
rhizome
rosemary
sage
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
vitamin C
vitamin D
zinc
xanthium (cockleburs)
mugwort
nut grass
alpinia galangal
pistacia integerrima gall
blackboard tree
boxthorne
buckthorn
yerba santa
sweet flag
hyacinth bean
trichosanthes
aster root
indigo leaves
Avens
Agastache
Ardisia
acacia
Amomum
Asarum heterotropoides
Aconite
Ajuga
Andrographolide
Aerva lanata
Asam gelugor
Andrographis
Asteracea
Amor seco
Arani
Atractylone
Bermuda Grass
Baikal Skullcap
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bishop's Weed
Bayleaf
Black galingale
Bitter Grass
Bael
Baccharoides anthelmintica
Bur-Reed
Bee products
Black Nightshade
Bassia scoparia
Capillary Artemisia
Chinese Raisintree
Cowherb
Cistus
Common madia
Cinnamaldehyde
Celosia
Chrysophanics
Dragonhead
Eclipta
Little ironweed
Mallow
Vervain
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)