Evidence supporting the use of: Cassia fistula
For the health condition: Constipation (children)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 3
Cassia fistula, commonly known as the "golden shower tree," has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda and Unani for the treatment of constipation, especially in children. The pulp of its pods is considered a mild and safe laxative, and it is included in classical Ayurvedic formulations like "Triphala" and "Swarnapatri." The use in children is specifically mentioned in several traditional texts, citing its gentle action and relatively low risk of side effects when compared to stronger stimulant laxatives. Its use is documented in sources such as the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India and referenced in ethnobotanical surveys.
From a scientific perspective, there are limited clinical studies evaluating the efficacy of Cassia fistula in pediatric constipation. Some in vitro and animal studies have demonstrated laxative effects attributed to anthraquinone glycosides present in the plant, which act similarly to those in senna (Cassia angustifolia). However, robust, well-controlled clinical trials in children are lacking. A few small studies and case reports suggest effectiveness, but the evidence remains primarily traditional rather than rigorously scientific. Safety in children is generally considered acceptable in traditional practice, but concerns about overuse and potential for diarrhea or electrolyte disturbances exist, as with all laxative agents.
In summary, Cassia fistula is traditionally used and moderately supported for the management of constipation in children, but high-quality scientific validation is limited.
More about Cassia fistula
More about Constipation (children)
Other ingredients used for Constipation (children)
2'-Fucosyllactosealoe vera
apple
apricot
bacillus coagulans
bamboo
basil
beet
myrobalan
bifidobacterium bifidum
bifidobacterium breve
bifidobacterium infantis
bifidobacterium lactis
bifidobacterium longum
bio ecolian (proprietary)
blackberry
blueberry
bасора
carrot
chamomile
chicory
cinnamon
citrus sinensis (proprietary)
coconut milk
Coptis chinensis
cowage seed
cucumber
turmeric
d-sorbitol
fennel
fiber blend (proprietary)
fructooligosaccharides (FOS)
fruit and vegetable blend (proprietary)
grape
green banana
guar gum
cellulose
Indian tinospora
inulin
isomalto-oligosaccharide
jujube
lactobacillus brevis
lactobacillus bulgaricus
lactobacillus gasseri
lactobacillus reuteri
lemon
mannitol
moringa
nettle
orange
pear
phellodendron amurense
pineapple
plum fruit
pomegranate
potato starch
prebiotic blend (proprietary)
prune
psyllium
pumpkin
raspberry
rhizome
slippery elm bark
sorbitol
spinach
streptococcus thermophilus
tomato
triphala
almond fruit
vegetable and fruit blend (proprietary)
seaweed
watermelon
squawvine
cascara sagrada
tangerine
atractylodes
papaya
mugwort
Indian bael
nut grass
alpinia galangal
anise
punarnava
blackboard tree
root tuber
dioscorea
dodder
sweet flag
polyphenols
senna
peach
indigo leaves
soursop
Agar
Anthraquinone
Ardisia
Amomum
Alexandrian senna
Aloin
Appleblossom Cassia
Asam gelugor
Asteracea
Arabinoxylan
Allium tuberosum
Amor seco
Atractylone
Black Seed
Bifidobacterium
Bifidobacterium adolescentis
Bidens pilosa
Broussonetia
Bishop's Weed
Belleric myrobalan
Bran
Bitter Grass
Bael
Butternut
black salt
Bifidobacterium animalis
Bee products
Bombax
Borassus Palm
Bacteria
Bifidobacteria
Bacillus
Bassia scoparia
Bottle gourd
Borneol
Coconut
Curry leaf
Cascaroside
Cactus
Cynomorium
Citrus
Cantaloupe
Cyclanthera pedata
Chenopodium
Curcuma
Cabbage
Chirata
Clostridium butyricum
Castor Oil
Celosia
Currant
Chondrus
Dianthrone
Date
Eclipta
Fig
Fiber
Galangal
Phosphate Salt
Rhubarb
Wheat
Zucchini
Other health conditions supported by Cassia fistula
Abdominal PainAcid Indigestion
Anal Fistula or Fissure
Anemia
Appetite (deficient)
Backache
Bleeding (external)
Blood in Stool
Blood in Urine
Boils
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Canker Sores
Carbuncles
Chest Pain
Cholera
Cholesterol (high)
Constipation (adults)
Constipation (children)
Cough (general)
Cuts
Diabetes
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dyspepsia
Ear Infection or Earache
Edema
Fever
Gall Bladder (sluggish or removed)
Gall Stones
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Gingivitis