FEDEGOSA

Family: Leguminosae

Genus: Cassia

Species: occidentalis

Synonyms: Senna occidentalis, Cassia caroliniana, C. ciliata, C. falcata, C. foetida, C. frutescens, C. geminiflora, C. linearis, C. longisiliqua, C. obliquifolia, C. planisiliqua, C. sophera, Ditremexa occidentalis

Common names: Fedegoso, fedegosa, yerba hedionda, brusca, guanina, martinica, plata­nillo, manjerioba, peieriaba, retama, achupa poroto, heduibda, folha-de-pajé, kasiah, khiyar shember, pois piante, shih chueh ming, sinamekki, tlalhoaxin, wang chiang nan, senting, kachang kota, menting

Price: £22.50 – 1lb / 454 gm Bag [wp_eStore_add_to_cart id=91]

Parts Used: Roots, leaves, seeds

From The Healing Power of Rainforest Herbs:

Fedegoso is a small tree that grows 5–8 m high and is found in many tropical areas of South America, including the Amazon. Indigenous to Brazil, it is also found in warmer climates and tropical areas of South, Central, and North America. It is in the same genus as senna (C. senna) and is sometimes called “coffee senna.” It is botanically classified as both Senna occidentalis and Cassia occidentalis. Its seeds, found in long seed pods, are sometimes roasted and made into a coffee-like beverage. The Cassia genus comprises some 600 species of trees, shrubs, vines, and herbs, with numerous species growing in the South American rainforests and tropics. Many species have been used medicinally, and these tropical plants have a rich history in natural medicine. Various Cassia plants have been known since the ninth or tenth centuries as purgatives and laxatives, including Cassia angustifolia and Cassia senna.

TRIBAL AND HERBAL MEDICINE USES

Fedegoso has been used as natural medicine in the rainforest and other tropical areas for centuries. Its roots, leaves, flowers, and seeds have been employed in herbal medicine around the world. In Peru, the roots are considered a diuretic, and a decoction is made for fevers. The seeds are brewed into a coffee-like beverage for asthma, and a flower infusion is used for bronchitis in the Peruvian Amazon. In Brazil, the roots of fedegoso are considered a tonic, fever reducer, and diuretic; they are used for fevers, menstrual problems, tuberculosis, anemia, liver complaints, and as a tonic for general weakness and illness. The leaves are also used in Brazil for gonorrhea, fevers, urinary tract disorders, edema, and menstrual problems. The Miskito Indians of Nicaragua use a fresh plant decoction for general pain, menstrual and uterine pain, and constipation in babies. In Panama, a leaf tea is used for stomach colic, the crushed leaves are used in a poultice as an anti-inflammatory, and the crushed fresh leaves are taken internally to expel intestinal worms and parasites. In many countries around the world, the fresh and/or dried leaves of fedegoso are crushed or brewed into a tea and applied externally for skin disorders, wounds, skin fungus, parasitic skin diseases, abscesses, and as a topical analgesic and antiinflammatory natural medicine.

PLANT CHEMICALS

The Cassia plants are well known for a group of chemicals with strong laxative actions called anthraquinones. The most widely used species of Cassia in herbal medicine is known as senna (Cassia senna or C. acutifolia). The actions of the anthraquinones chemicals are the basis of senna’s widespread use as a purgative and strong laxative. While fedegoso does contain a small amount of these anthraquinones, it was shown in a rat study not to have the same strong purgative and laxative effects as senna.

The main plant chemicals in fedegoso include: achrosine, aloe-emodin, anthraquinones, anthrones, apigenin, aurantiobtusin, campesterol, cassiollin, chryso-obtusin, chrysophanic acid, chrysarobin, chrysophanol, chrysoeriol, emodin, essential oils, funiculosin, galactopyranosyl, helminthosporin, islandicin, kaempferol, lignoceric acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, mannitol, mannopyranosyl, matteucinol, obtusifolin, obtusin, oleic acid, physcion, quercetin, rhamnosides, rhein, rubrofusarin, sitosterols, tannins, and xanthorin.

BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES AND CLINICAL RESEARCH

Fedegoso has been the subject of recent clinical research for its beneficial effects on the liver and immune system. In the late 1970s, two research groups published three studies citing the beneficial effects of fedegoso in human patients with liver toxicity, hepatitis, and even acute liver failure. Other researchers followed up on those actions, publishing four different in vivo studies (mice and rats) from 1994 to 2001. These studies report that fedegoso leaf extracts have the ability to protect the liver from various introduced chemical toxins, normalize liver enzymes and processes, and repair liver damage. Some of this research has also demonstrated significant immunostimulant activity by increasing humoral immunity and bone marrow immune cells in mice, and protecting them from chemically-induced immunosuppresion. These researchers and oers also reported the antimutagenic actions of fedegoso. In this research, fedegoso was able to prevent or reduce the mutation of healthy cells in the presence of laboratory chemicals which were known to mutate them.

In other in vivo studies, fedegoso leaf extracts have demonstrated an anti-inflammatory, hypotensive, smooth-muscle relaxant, antispasmodic, weak uterine stimulant, vasoconstrictor, and antioxidant activities in laboratory animals. These documented actions certainly help to explain its uses in traditional medicine systems for menstrual cramps and other internal inflammatory conditions. Fedegoso has also been used for many types of bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections for many years in the tropical countries where it grows. In vitro clinical research on fedegoso leaves over the years has reported active antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic, insecticidal, and antimalarial properties.

CURRENT PRACTICAL USES

Although the seeds of fedegoso are used in herbal medicine in small amounts (and even roasted and brewed as a coffee substitute in some countries), several clinical studies have demonstrated the toxicity of the fresh and/or dried/roasted seeds. Ingestion of large amounts of the seeds by grazing animals has been reported to cause toxicity problems and even death in cows, horses, and goats. Due to the well-known and well-documented toxicity of these seeds, they are best avoided altogether. Toxicity studies on the aerial parts, leaves, and roots of fedegoso have been published by several research groups. These studies reported that various leaf and root extracts given to mice (administered orally and injected at up to 500 mg/kg) did not demonstrate any toxic effect or cause mortality.

Health practitioners today are employing fedegoso in their practices much the same way it has been in traditional medicine for many years. It is an excellent natural remedy for bacterial and fungal infections and now is clinically shown to boost immune function simultaneously. As a liver tonic, science supports its beneficial action and use in various liver conditions including anemia, hepatitis, and liver damage (drug- or alcohol-induced). New research suggests, with its antimutagenic actions, fedegoso could possibly help keep damaged liver cells from turning into cancerous ones, as often happens with chronic hepatitis B and C infections.

Traditional Preparation:

The therapeutic dosage is reported to be 1 cup of a standard leaf infusion twice daily. If desired, 3–4 ml of a tincture twice daily or 1–2 g in tablets or capsules twice daily can be substituted. See Traditional Herbal Remedies Preparation Methods page if necessary for definitions.

Contraindications:

Fedegoso leaf extracts have demonstrated weak uterine stimulant activity and smooth-muscle relaxant actions in rats. As such, the use of this plant is contraindicated during pregnancy.

Fedegoso has demonstrated hypotensive activity in dogs and, as such, is probably contraindicated in people with low blood pressure. Individuals taking medications to lower their blood pressure should check with their doctor first before taking fedegoso (and monitor their blood pressure accordingly, as medications may need to be adjusted).

Long-term ingestion of small amounts and single high dosages of fedegoso seeds cause toxic reactions including myodegeneration and death. Do not use fedegoso seeds without the supervision of a qualified professional who is familiar with the mechanisms, chemicals, actions, and toxicity of these seeds.

Drug Interactions: It may potentiate the effects of antihypertensive drugs. Fedegoso has demonstrated significant antihepatotoxic (liver protective), hepatotonic (liver tonic), and hepatic detoxification (liver detoxifing) effects in animal and human studies. As such, the use of this plant might interfere with the metabolism of some drugs in the liver by increasing the clearance of them and/or reducing their half-life (which may reduce the effects of those drugs that require metabolization in the liver).

 

The above text has been printed from The Healing Power of Rainforest Herbs by Leslie Taylor, copyrighted © 2005

All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage or retrieval system, including websites, without written permission.

A complete Technical Data Report is available for this plant.

† The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information contained in this plant database file is intended for education, entertainment and information purposes only. This information is not intended to be used to diagnose, prescribe or replace proper medical care. The plant described herein is not intended to treat, cure, diagnose, mitigate or prevent any disease. Please refer to our Conditions of Use for using this plant database file and web site.

Third-Party Research on Fedegoso

All available third-party research on fedegoso can be found at PubMed. A partial listing of the third-party published research on fedegoso is shown below:

Antimicrobial Actions:

Evans CE, et al. “Efficacy of some nupe medicinal plants against Salmonella typhi: an in vitro study.” J. Ethnopharmacol. 2002 Apr; 80(1): 21-4.

Samy, R. P., et al. “Antibacterial activity of some folklore medicinal plants used by tribals in Western Ghats of India.” J. Ethnopharmacol. 2000; 69(1): 63–71.

Anesini, C., et al. “Screening of plants used in Argentine folk medicine for antimicrobial activity.” J. Ethnopharmacol. 1993; 39(2): 119–28.

Caceres, A., et al. “Plants used in Guatemala for the treatment of dermatophytic infections. 1. Screening for antimycotic activity of 44 plant extracts.” J. Ethnopharmacol. 1991; 31(3): 263–76.

Hussain, H., et al. “Plants in Kano ethomedicine: screening for antimicrobial activity and alkaloids.” Int. J. Pharmacog. 1991; 29(1): 51–6.

Gaind, K. N., et al. “Antibiotic activity of Cassia occidentalis.” Indian J. Pharmacy 1966; 28(9): 248–50.

Immunostimulant Actions:

Bin-Hafeez, B., et al. “Protective effect of Cassia occidentalis L. on cyclophosphamide-induced suppression of humoral immunity in mice.” J. Ethnopharmacol. 2001; 75(1): 13–18.

Liver Protective & Detoxification Actions:

Jafri, M. A., et al. “Hepatoprotective activity of leaves of Cassia occidentalis against paracetamol and ethyl alcohol intoxication in rats.” J. Ethnopharmacol. 1999; 66(3): 355–61.

Sharma, N., et al. “Protective effect of Cassia occidentalis extract on chemical-induced chromosomal aberrations in mice.” Drug Chem. Toxicol. 1999; 22(4): 643–53.

Saraf, S., et al. “Antiheptatotoxic activity of Cassia occidentalis.” Int. J. Pharmacog. 1994; 32(2): 178–83.

Subbarao, V. V., et al. “Changes in serum transaminases due to hepatotoxicity and the role of an indigenous hepatotonic, LIV-52.” Probe 1978; 17(2): 175–78.

Sethi, J. P., et al. “Clinical management of severe acute hepatic failure with special reference to LIV-52 in therapy.” Probe 1978; 17(2): 155–58.

Sama, S., et al. “Efficacy of an indigenous compound preparation (LIV-52) in acute viral hepatitis—A double blind study.” Indian J. Med. Res. 1976; 64: 738.

Antimutagenic (cancer preventative) Actions:

Bin-Hafeez, B., et al. “Protective effect of Cassia occidentalis L. on cyclophosphamide-induced suppression of humoral immunity in mice.” J. Ethnopharmacol. 2001; 75(1): 13–18.

Sharma, N., et al. “In vitro inhibition of carcinogen-induced mutagenicity by Cassia occidentalis and Emblica officinalis.” Drug Chem. Toxicol. 2000; 23(3): 477–84.

Sharma, N., et al. “Protective effect of Cassia occidentalis extract on chemical-induced chromosomal aberrations in mice.” Drug Chem. Toxicol. 1999; 22(4): 643–53.

Laxative Actions:

Elujoba, A., et al. “Chemical and biological analyses of Nigerian Cassia species for laxative activity.” J. Pharm. Biomed. Anal. 1989; 7(12): 1453–57.

Anti-inflammatory & Antispasmodic Actions:

Sadique, J., et al. “Biochemical modes of action of Cassia occidentalis and Cardiospermum halicacabum in inflammation.” J. Ethnopharmacol. 1987; 19(2): 201–12.

Feng, P., et al. “Pharmacological screening of some West Indian medicinal plants.” J. Pharm. Pharmacol. 1962; 14: 556–61.

Antimalarial & Antiparasitic Actions:

Tona, L., et al. “In vitro antiplasmodial activity of extracts and fractions from seven medicinal plants used in the Democratic Republic of Congo.” J. Ethnopharmacol. 2004 Jul; 93(1): 27-32.

Tona, L., et al. “In-vivo antimalarial activity of Cassia occidentalis, Morinda morindoides and Phyllanthus niruri.” Ann. Trop. Med. Parasitol. 2001; 95(1): 47–57.

Gasquet, M., et al. “Evaluation in vitro and in vivo of a traditional antimalarial, ‘Malarial 5.’” Fitoterapia 1993; 64(5): 423.

Schmeda-Hirschmann, G., et al. “A screening method for natural products on triatomine bugs.” Phytother. Res. 1989; 6(2): 68–73.

Ingredients: 100% pure fedegoso leaf (Cassia occidentalis). No binders, fillers or additives are used. It is a wild harvested product—grown naturally in the Brazilian Amazon without any pesticides or fertilizers.

Suggested Use:

This plant is best prepared as an infusion (tea): Use one teaspoon of powder for each cup of water. Pour boiling water over herb in cup and allow to steep 10 minutes. Strain tea (or allow settled powder to remain in the bottom of cup) and drink warm. It is traditionally taken in 1 cup dosages, twice daily. For more complete instructions on preparing herbal infusions see the Methods for Preparing Herbal Remedies Page.

Contraindications:

Fedegoso leaf extracts have demonstrated weak uterine stimulant activity and smooth-muscle relaxant actions in rats. As such, the use of this plant is contraindicated during pregnancy.

Drug Interactions:

Fedegoso has demonstrated significant liver protective, tonic, and detoxifing effects in animal and human studies. As such, fedegoso may speed the clearance (or reduce the half-life) of some drugs that require metabolization in the liver.

Other Observations:

Fedegoso has demonstrated hypotensive activity in animal studies. People with low blood pressure should use with caution and monitor their blood pressure levels for this possible effect.