Akapulko

Name:
Scientific Name:
Description of Plant:
Uses:
Folkloric
- The seeds used for intestinal parasitism.
- Tincture from leaves reported to be purgative.
- Decoction of leaves and flowers for cough and as expectorant in bronchitis and
asthma. Also used as astringent.
- Crushed leaves and juice extract used for ringworm, scabies, eczema, tinea
infections, itches, insect bites, herpes.

Preparation for a specific use:

Pound enough fresh leaves; express (squeeze out) the juice and
apply on the affected skin morning and evening. Improvement should
be noticed after 2 - 3 weeks of treatment.
- Decoction of leaves and flowers used as mouthwash in stomatitis.
- In Africa, the boiled leaves are used for hypertension.
- In South American, used for skin diseases, stomach problems,
fever, asthma, snake bites and venereal disease.
- In Thailand, leaves are boiled and drunk to hasten delivery.
- As laxative, boil 10-15 dried leaves in water, taken in the morning
and bedtime.
- For wound treatment, leaves are boiled and simmered to one-third
volume, then applied to affected areas twice daily.
- In India, plant used as cure for poisonous bites and for venereal
eruptions.
- In Nigeria locally used for treatment of ringworm and parasitic skin
diseases.
- In the Antilles, Reunion, and Indo-China, plant is used as
hydrogogue, sudorific, and diuretic.
- Decoction of roots used for tympanites.
- Wood used as alterative.
- Sap of leaves used as antiherpetic.
- Leaf tincture or extract used as purgative.
- Juice of leaves mixed with lime-juice for ringworm.
- Leaves taken internally to relieve constipation.
- Strong decoction of leaves and flowers used as wash for eczema.
- Infusion of leaves and flowers used for asthma and bronchitis.
- Strong decoction of leaves used as abortifacient.
- Seeds used as vermifuge.
Ointment preparation
(1) Wash fresh leaves thoroughly and cut in small pieces.
(2) Add one glass of cooking oil or coconut oil to one glass of cut
fresh leaves.
(3) Fry until crispy.
(4) Remove from the heat; strain.
(5) Cut 2 white candles (Esperma No. 5) into small pieces.
(6) In a cooking pot, pour the strained oil together with the candle
pieces; stir until the candle has melted.
(7) Pour the mixture into a clean container; cover when cool.
(8) Apply the ointment to affected areas twice daily.
(Source: <www.doh.gov.ph/pitahc>)

Considerations:

Saponin acts as a laxative and expels intestinal parasites.

• Its fungicide property derives from chrysophanic acid.
• Plant considered alterative, astringent, abortifacient, aperient,
expectorant, purgative, sudorific, hydragogue, diuretic, vermifuge.

Botany
Akapulko is a coarse, erect, branched shrub, 1.5 to 3 meters high.
Leaves are pinnate and 40 to 60 centimeters long, with orange rachis
on stout branches. Each leaf has 16 to 28 leaflets, 5 to 15
centimeters in length, broad and rounded at the apex, with a small
point at the tip. Leaflets gradually increase in size from the base
towards the tip of the leaf. Inflorescences are terminal and at the axils
of the leaves, in simple or panicled racemes, and 10 to 50
centimeters long. Flowers are yellow, about 4 centimeters inn
diameter, at the axils of thin, yellow, oblong, concave bracts which
are 2.5 to 3 centimeters long. Pod is rather straight, dark brown or
nearly black, about 15 centimeters long and 15 millimeters wide. On
both sides of the pods there is a wing that runs the length of the pod.
Pod contains 50 to 60 flattened, triangular seeds.
Distribution
- Abundant throughout the Philippines in settled areas at low and
medium altitudes.
- Occasionally planted as ornamental or for its medicinal properties.
- Introduced from tropical America; now pantropic.

Additional botanical info

• Propagated rapidly by seeds (dispersed by waters) or stem
cuttings. Basal stem may produce coppices (suckers).
• Seeds from mature pods can be collected during the season and
immediately planted or stored for six months.

Parts utilized
Leaves, seeds, and flowers.

Studies
• Antifungal / Leaves and Bark:Crude ethanol and aqueous extract
of Cassia alata (GELENGGANG BESAR) leaves and bark were
tested for antifungal activity in vitro against three fungi – Aspergillus
fumigatus, Microsporum canis and Candida albicans. The study
showed the C. alata to be effective against C. albicans, confirming its
potential as a natural source of antifungal remedy. (1) Study
evaluated the safety and efficacy of C. alata leaves in the
management of fungal infectious diseases. Results showed dose
dependent antifungal activity of both aqueous and ethanolic leaf
extracts on five selected clinical isolates of pathogen fungi. Cassia
alata showed greater antifungal activity against some human
pathogenic fungi. Inhibition of Candida albicans, Microsporum canus,
and Trichophyton mentagrophytes was better than ketoconazzole
200 mg as control. (55)
• Anthraquinone / Antifungal: Study yielded an anthraquinone high-
yielding Senna alata leaf extract with antifungal activity against
dermatophytes – Tricophyton rubrum, T mentagrophytes and
Microsporum gypseum. (7)
• Antidermatophytic: Study of ethanolic extract of CA leaves
showed high activity against various species of dermatophytic fungi
but low activity against non-dermatophytic fungi. (4) In a study using
methanolic, ethanolic and petroleum ether extracts to screen for
phytochemicals, antibacterial and antifungal activities, the methanolic
extract showed the highest activity.
• Analgesic: (1) Ethanol and hexane extract of Senna alata leaves
showed analgesic effect in mice. (2) Study of leaf extract of C. alata
in mice showed analgesic activity. Fifty milligrams of kaempferol 3-O-
sophoroside was equivalent to 100 mg of the extract.

• Phytochemistry / Antimicrobial Activity: (1) Nigerian studies

showed activity of the methanol leaf extract on Bacillus subtilis,
Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus,
Proteus vulgaris. Secondary metabolites were identified (saponins,
tannins, phenolic compounds, eugenol, glycosides and
anthraquinones). (2) Study of methanolic extracts of flowers, leaves,
stem and root barks of CA showed a broad spectrum of antibacterial
activity, with the flower extract the most effective.
• Antiseptic Soap: A Nigerian study on Cassia alata-based soap
exhibited high antimicrobial potency against Staph aureus, the
organism most widely encountered and undesirable of the normal
skin flora. At a reduction time of 5 minutes, the herbal soap made a
94.78% reduction of the microbial load, findings of economic,
industrial and medical significance. (4)
• Anti-Inflammatory: (1) Leaf extract of S. alata showed anti-
inflammatory activity through inhibition of histamine secretion. (2) Anti
inflammatory activity of heat-treated CA leaf extract and kaempferol
3-O-gentiobioside (K3G), an abundant flavonoid glycoside isolated
from CA were compared with the activities of sun-dried CA leaf
extract. Both extracts exhibited strong inhibitory effects on
Concanavalin A-induced histamine release from rat peritoneal
exudate.
• Antibacterial: Study showed the water extract of leaves to have
more portent antibacterial activity than the ethanol extract against S.
aureus.
• Purgative Effect: Study showed Cassia alata fresh leaves showed
significant purgative efficacy on volume and frequency compared to
placebo. (8)
• Hematologic & Toxicity Effects: Study of aqueous leaf extract in
albino showed significant dose-dependent decreases in hemoglobin
levels and erythrocyte counts with emaciation, loss of appetite and
weight loss as signs of toxicity.
• Phytochemistry & Antibacterial Activity of Senna alata
Flower: Study of crude plant extracts yielded steroids, anthraquinone
glycosides, volatile oils and tannins with good inhibitory activity
against S aureus, S faecalis, B subtilis among others. (10)
• Antimicrobial / Leaves: Study of crude ethanol and water extract
of leaves and barks from CA showed concentration-dependent
activity against C albicans. The water extract showed antibacterial
activity against S aureus.
• Bioactivity of Leaf Extracts: Hexane (H), chloroform (C),
ethylacetate (EA) extracts of CA leaves showed analgesic (H), anti-
inflammatory (H/EA), antimutagenic (C), antimicrobial (H/EA),
hypoglycemic activities (EA). All extracts effected a decrease in
motor activity, enophthalmos, hyperemia, micturition and diarrhea.
(14)
• Constipation Treatment: Leaves have been claimed effective as a
laxative, presumed to be due to anthraquinones. In a study testing
the efficacy of CA leaves for treatment of constipation compared to
placebo, the differences were statistically highly significant. Minimal
side effects – nausea, dyspepsia, abdominal pain and diarrhea –
were noted in 16-25 percent of patients. (15)
• Hepatoprotective / Paracetamol / Leaves: An alcoholic extract
study of dried leaves of Cassia alata on paracetamol-induced hepatic
injury in albino rats showed hepatoprotective activity that is attributed
to the flavonoids present in the leaves. (18)
• Hepatoprotective / Carbon Tetrachloride: Study of crude extracts
of petals of the plant showed hepatoprotective activity in rats with
CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity. The effect was attributed to anthocyanin
present in the extract. (25)
• Weight-Lowering Effect / Hypolipidemic: Study showed C. fistula
and S. alata significant and effectively reduced the body weight and
weight of parametrial fat in mice due to their tannin contents. Both
plants present as potential sources of anti-obesity and hypolipidemic
compounds. (20)
• Pityriasis versicolor / Leaves: A 10-year human study indicates
the leaf extract of Cassia alata can be reliably used as a herbal
medicine to treat Pityriasis versicolor. The leaf extract has no side-
effects. (21)
• In-vitro Antifungal Activity: Study of crude stem bark extract on
clinical test dermatophytes showed marked antifungal effects on M.
canslaslomyces, T verrucosum, T mentagrophytes and E. floccosum.
The extract was fungicidal for all tested dermatophytes.
• Antifungal Activity / Leaves: Study evaluated a crude leaf extract
on clinical test Dermatophytes. Results showed the leaf exudates
and ethanol extract of leaf exhibited marked antifungal effects on
Microsporum canis, Trichophyton jirrucosum, Tricophyton
mentagrophytes, and Epidermophyton jllorcosum. Phytochemical
analysis yielded alkaloids, saponins, tannins, anthracionones and
carbohydrates. (28)
• Effect on Smooth Muscle Activity / Toxicity Study /
Roots: Study evaluated the effect of ethanolic and aqueous roots
extract on smooth muscle activity in rat and rabbit. Results showed
marked dose dependent spasmodic effect on drug-induced
contractions of the gastrointestinal tract and uterus/fallopian smooth
muscle preparations tested. The ethanolic extract of roots is
moderately toxic with a lethality dose (LD50) of 263±25 mg/kg. (30)
• Immune Stimulating / Antioxidant / Leaves: Study investigated
the antioxidant potency and immune stimulating property of a
methanolic extract of CA. Results showed very high DPPH radical
scavenging activity in contrast to standard synthetic antioxidant BHT.
CA also showed strong immune-modulating or immune-stimulating
potency, as evidenced by rise in leukocyte count with concomitant
increase in granulocytes and significant increase in peritoneal
macrophages in rabbits treated with the extract. (31)
• Anthelmintic / Leaves: Study evaluated the efficacy of CA against
cestode Hymenolepis diminuta. Results showed decreased parasite
motility. Microscopic studies showed changes similar with worms
treated the known drug praziqunatel. Results suggest a potential
alternative anthelmintic drug. (32)
• Antidiabetic / α-glucosidase inhibition / Leaves: A methanol
extract of leaves showed potent α-glucosidase inhibitory activity far
better than the standard drug, acarbose. Fractionation of crude
extracts yielded kaempferol (56.7±7.7µM) and kaempferol 3-O-
gentiobioside. (33)
• Immunostimulatory Effects on Staph Infection: Study evaluated
the immunostimulatory effect of the ethanolic extract on Swiss albino
rats infected with Staphylococcus aureus. In the extract treated group
there was lower WBC count, with decrease in neutrophil-lymphocyte
ration indicating suppression of infection/inhibition of proliferation of
Staphylococcus aureus infection. (34)
• Pityriasis versicolor / Leaves: Study reports on 10-year study
indicating the therapeutic efficacy of Cassia alata leaf extract against
Pityriasis versicolor in humans. The leaf extract has no side effects.
(35)
• Comparative Antimicrobial Effects of Leaf Extracts: Study
compared the antimicrobial activities of aqueous and ethanolic leaf
extracts on bacteria and fungi. The extracts showed dose dependent
antimicrobial effect with greater activity against K. pneumonia, P.
aeruginosa, C. albicans and T. mentagrophytes. The extracts
showed more activity against fungi than bacteria, with the aqueous
leaf extract showing better antibacterial activity against K. pneumonia
and the ethanol leaf extract against P. aeruginosa. (37)
• Antimicrobial / Flowers: Study evaluated the antimicrobial activity
of various extracts of flowers on some bacterial and fungal strains.
Results showed 2.5 and 3% crude extracts completely inhibited the
growth of dermatophytes. A methanol extract was the most active
against E. coli, Microsporum gypseum and Trichophyton
mentagrophytes. (38)
• Antipyretic / Leaves: Study evaluated the antipyretic effect of
aqueous and ethanol leaf extracts of Cassia alata in Brewer's yeast
induced pyrexia. Results showed dose dependent reduction in
temperature, with the ethanol extract showing higher reduction than
the water extract. Both extracts showed significantly higher effect
than paracetamol. (40)
• Antimalarial Terpenes/ Leaves: Eleven terpenes extracted from
C. alata and O. gratissimum leaves were screened for in vitro
antimalarial activity against Plasmodium falcifarum. Nine terpenes
showed promising antimalarial activity with IC50 values below 1
µg/ml; two terpenes showed good activity with IC50 below 4 µg/ml.
(41)
• Abortifacient / Effect of Post-Coital Leaf Alkaloids: Study
investigated the pregnancy terminating effects of alkaloids from S.
alata leaves on pregnant rats. The leaf alkaloids exhibited anti-
implantation, anti-gonadotropic, anti-progesteronic, embryonic
resorptive, feto-maternal toxic activity. The alkaloids may not be the
sole abortifacient bioactive agent in the leaf extract. (43)
• Bronchorelaxant, Genotoxic and Antigenotoxic Effects: Study
evaluated an aqueous-ethanolic extract of C. alata (AECal) and its
fractions for bronchorelaxant, genotoxic, and antigenotoxic effects.
Results suggest (1) muscarinic receptors contribute in part to the
relaxant effects of CF-AECal; (2) CF-AECal interferes with
membrane polarization; and (4) AECal is not genotoxic in vivo and
contains chemopreventive phytoconstituents offering protection
against CP-induced genotoxicity. (44)
• Inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase / Antidiabetic: Study
investigated the inhibitory effect of S. alata leaf extracts on α-
amylase and α-glucosidase, and its potential for reducing
postprandial blood glucose level of rats.. Results showed S. alata leaf
extracts inhibit α-amylase as well as as α-glucosidase and reduced
postprandial hyperglycemia in rats. (45)
• Nutritional Analysis / Leaves and Flowers: Antinutritional
analysis of flowers and leaves yielded alkaloids (L 6.75 g/100g, F
5.16), saponins (L 2.00, F3.50), and oxalates (L8.03, F 3.50). Vitamin
analysis showed the leaves and flowers are excellent sources of ß-
catotene, vitamin C and vitamin E. The leaves and flowers are rich in
some nutrients, and antinutritional factors should pose no problem
since they may be lost during the process of domestication. (see
constituents above) (47)
• Leaf Essential Oil / Antimicrobial: Study of leaf essential oil
yielded seven compounds. Extract exhibited marked antimicrobial
activity against S. aureus, S. faecalis, E. coli, and P. mirabilis which
was attributed to the presence of hydrocarbon sesquiterpenes and
monoterpenes, as well as monoterpene lactone through its
synergistic effects. (see constituents above) (48)
• Acute and Sub-Acute Toxicity Studies / Leaves: Study evaluated
the toxicological effects of aqueous dried leaf extracts in Wistar rats.
In acute toxicity testing, no deaths were recorded up to 10 g/kbw. In
sub-acute toxicity study at doses of 250 to 1000 mg/kg for 14 days in
wistar rats, while the extract did not exhibit changes iin RBC
parameters, there were significant differences (p<0.05) were noted in
WBC, platelet, urea, AST, AP, TC, HDL and LDL. Histopath of the
liver and kidney did not reveal pathologic changes. Results suggest
aqueous dried leaf extract is not toxic at tested doses. (50) Study
evaluated acute and sub-acute toxicity of leaf extracts in Swiss albino
mice using doses of 1000, 2000, and 3000 mg/kbw. Test animals
were observed for signs of acute toxicity every two hours for 24 hours
and for subacute toxicity with further administration for 15 days,
measuring physical, biochemical, hematologic, and histopathological
parameters. The highest dose did not produce mortality or changes
in general behavior. All parameters were unaltered. Results indicate
safety with oral administration of the extract. (54)
• Antimicrobial / Roots and Leaves: Study evaluated the
antimicrobial activity of root and leaf extracts of Senna alata plant
against some infectious bacteria (E. coli, P. mirabilis, P. aeruginosa,
etc.) and fungi (A. flavus, A. niger, C. albicans, etc.). All extracts
showed considerable activity against Gram negative and Gram
positive bacteria and some fungi with organic extracts showing higher
activity than aqueous extracts. (see constituents above) (51)
• Antiviral / Dengue Virus Serotype-2 / Leaves: Study evaluated
the activity and toxicity of 4 subfractions of C. alata leaves to Dengue
virus serotype-2 strain New Guinea C in human cell line Huh-7 it-1.
CA and CA3 showed potent antiviral activity against DENV-2. Further
studies were suggested to explore inhibition mechanism. (52)
• No Effect in Colorectal Cancer Model / Leaves: Study evaluated
the effect of Cassia alata leaves extract in Intraperitoneal DMH
(dimethyl hydrazine) induced tumors in rats. Results showed Cassia
alata leaves extract was not able to reduce inflammation and
dysplasia and failed to reduce tumors in DMH induced colorectal
cancer model. (53)
• Antibacterial / Nucleic Acid Degradation Property /
Leaves: Phytochemical screening of leaves yielded tannins,
phlobatanins, saponins, flavonoids, steroids, terpenoids, and
alkaloids. Multiple solvent soxhlet extract of C. alata showed
promising activity against S. typhi but failed to control K. pneumonia.
Multiple solvent based hot extract significantly degraded the total
nucleic acids content in sensitive S. typhi but not degrading total
nucleic acids of extract of resistant K. pneumonia. Results suggest a
promising lead for the formulation of new antimicrobial drugs. (54)
• Cytotoxicity / Antioxidant / Leaves: Study evaluated chloroform
fraction of leaves for potential antitumor properties in vitro. MTT
assay examined the cytotoxic effect on three human cancer cell lines
viz., HepG2, MDA-MB-231 and Caco2. The chloroform fraction
showed remarkable cytotoxicity against HepG2 cells with IC50 37.4
µg/ml. The fraction exhibited weak anti-proliferative effect on Caco2
and MDA-MB-231 cells. (see constituents above) (58)
• Studies on Laxative Properties / Antibacterial / Senna alata and
Hollandia yoghurt: Study evaluated aqueous extract of Senna alata
and Hollandia yoghurt for compounds responsible for their laxative
properties. Phytochemical screening of S. alata yielded alkaloids,
tannins, saponins, terpenoids, and steroids. S. alata showed activity
against Penicillium spp., Trichophyton spp. and Rhizopus spp. The
antibacterial property and bioactive compounds provided insight into
their usage for relieving constipation. (59)
• Nutrient Content of Seeds / Potential Livestock Feed: Study
investigated the nutrients and anti-nutrients in the seed of Senna
alata. Results showed a high nutrient content for the plant seed and
a potential as alternative feed source for livestock. (see constituents
above) (60)
• Formulation of Herbal Ointment / Antimicrobial / Leaves: Study
reports on the formulation of a dermal ointment from whole leaves of
Cassia alata Linn. Physicochemical characteristics of formulation viz.,
pH, composition and chromatographic profile were studied.
Gentamicin and ketoconazole discs were used as controls. The
formulated herbal ointment was evaluated against Staphylococcus
aureus and Candida albicans strains. Overall, the ointment
demonstrated higher antifungal activity than antibacterial activity
based on zones of inhibitions. (61)
• Anti-Inflammatory / Antioxidant / Leaves: Study evaluated
ethanol extracts of leaves of Cassia alata, Eleusine indica, Carica
papaya, Eremomastax speciosa, and stem bark of Polyscias fulva
collected in Cameroon. Ethanol extracts showed strong antioxidant
properties against both H2O2 and superoxide anion. Cassia alata
showed the highest antioxidant activity. Effect of plant extracts on γδ
T cells and imDC was evidenced by dose dependent reduction in
TNF-a production in the presence of Cassia alata, C. papaya, E.
speciosa, E. indica and P. fulva. (62)
• Treatment for Tinea imbricata / Leaf Decoction: Tinea imbricata
is a rare form of tinea corporis caused by Trichophyton concentricum,
which is endemic among the T'boli tribe in Sarangani, Philippines.
There are anecdotal reports on the use of S. alata for treatment of T.
imbricata. Study evaluated the efficacy and safety of a community-
prepared Senna alata leaf decoction for the treatment of tinea
imbricata to be applied as a body wash once a day for 28 days.
Results have been submitted but is not available on-line at present.
(63)
• Silver Nanoparticles / Antioxidant and Antibacterial /
Leaves: Study reports on the green synthesis of nanoparticles using
aqueous extract of Cassia alata leaves as reducing agent. Inhibition
of bacterial growth was highly dependent on concentration of the
extract. The SNPs exhibited better percentage inhibition at 1000
µg/ml on DPPH and DMPD assays. Among the extract, standard and
SNPs tested for antioxidant activity, SNPs showed highest activity at
300 µg/ml at TAC (0.224 ± 0.01) assay. (64)
• Healing of Burns / Leaves: Study evaluated the optimization of S.
alata leaves extract in healing burns using white rats
(Tattusnorvigicus). Results showed S. alata leaves extract
demonstrated significant effects in healing burns based on treatment
concentration; a 95% concentration gave optimal effect. (65)
• Herbal Antimicrobial Gel / Enhanced Wound Healing /
Leaves: Study evaluated the in vivo wound healing potential of an
herbal antimicrobial gel containing pure bioactive leaf extract of
Cassia alata (1% w/w) in a rat model with surgical site infection in the
dorsal area. The methanolic leaf extract exhibited significant
antibacterial and antifungal activity against tested bacteria (S. aureus
MTCC 9542) and fungi (Candida albicans MTCC 4842). The leaf
extract gel significantly enhanced wound healing as evidenced by
contraction of wound length and bio burden characteristics. Results
suggest a promising and innovative non-toxic topical alternative for
treatment of skin infections caused by bacteria and fungal strains.
(66)
• Toxicity Evaluation / Stems: Study evaluated phytochemicals,
proximate, and toxicity effect of aqueous stem extracts of S. alata
using wistar rats. Acute toxicity testing at 10 g/kbw orally did not
produce any mortality. In subacute toxicity using doses of 250, 500,
and 1000 mg/kg for 14 days, there were significant differences
(p>0.05) on ALT, AST, and ALP. Results showed dried stem of S.
alata is not toxic at the tested doses. (67)
• Mosquitocidal Against Dengue and Zika Virus Vector / Aedes
aegypti / Leaves: Study evaluated the effects of S. alata methanolic
leaf extract on larvicidal, pupicidal, ovicidal and ovipositional
deterrence against dengue and zika virus vector Ae. aegypti. Results
showed larvicidal and pupicidal property of the plant. Young larvae
were relatively more susceptible than the older ones. Results suggest
the leaf extract can be used as alternative in dengue and zika virus
vector management programs. (68)

Availability
- Wild-crafted.
- Commercially available as lotion and ointment, in 5- and 10-gm
containers for ringworm, pityriasis versicolor, athlete's foot.

Akapulko (Cassia alata) is an erect, shrubby legume with dark green

compounds leaves.

According to information published at APA Med Central, this herb has

anti-fungal and anti-microbial properties, which are useful for treating
skin fungal infections.
Here are the healthy benefits if Akapulko.
Akapullko leaves contain chrysophanic acid, a fungicide that is used to
treat fungal infections, like ringworm, scabies, and eczema.

In the Philippines, Filipinos also used Akapulko as an herbal medicine to

treat bronchitis and asthma. This herb is known to alleviate symptoms
related to inflammation and is used in treating, arthritis, gout,
rheumatism, and other joint and muscle problems.
Due to its anti-microbial properties, Akapulko is used as a mouthwash for
various mouth problems that includes ulcers, sores, and toothache.
The methanol extracts from leaves, flowers, and stems of Akapulko
showed a broad spectrum of anti-bacterial property.
Recent studies suggest that it is a strong antioxidant that may have ant-
peroxidation activities that are beneficial I preventing the development
of cancer.

Note:
Akapulko leaves are safe for most of the adults, however, the seeds
should not be taken for long-term.
An erect, shrubby legume reaching 6 ft tall, Akapulko grows throughout the Philippines. It
has dark green leaves and yellow-orange flowers, producing as much as 50 to 60 small,
triangular seeds. For medicinal purposes, leaves, flowers and seeds are used.
The akapulko leaves contain chrysophanic acid, a fungicide that is used to treat fungal
infections, like ringworms, scabies and eczema
Medicinal Uses:

 Decoction of leaves and flowers is very effective in easing asthma, cough and
bronchitis.
 The seeds are effective in expelling intestinal parasites.
 Juice from leaves aids in controlling fungal infections like; eczema, athlete’s foot,
ringworm, scabies, and herpes.
 Pounded leaves reduce injury-related swellings, treat insect bites, and ease
rheumatism.
 Leaves and flowers concoction used as mouthwash in treating stomatitis.
 Juice from leaves ease fetid discharges.
 The leaves stain is an effective purgative.