Akapulko

Akapulko (Cassia alata) is a shrub found in the Philippines with

various names within and outside the country:

Katanda (Tagalog) Palochina (Bisaya)

Bayabas-bayabasan(Tagalog) Ringworm bush (English)

Andadasi (Ilokano) Candlestick plant (English)

Components:

Chrysophanic acid - Fungicide

Aloe-emodin - Laxative

Cassic acid (Rhein) - Laxative and Antibacterial agent

Cassiaxanthone - Treat Ringworms

Abundant in South East Asia. Tannins - Reduce blood pressure

Planted throughout the
Saponins - Antimicrobial
region for medicinal and
Alkaloids - Alleviate skin inflammation
ornamental purposes.

Benefits Dangers

Treats fungal infections such as Allergies may be triggered due to

scabies, athlete's foot, herpes, and ingestion for sensitive individuals.

eczema. Consuming coagulant drugs,

Treats insect bites, rheumatism, and corticosteroids, or cyclosporine while

injury-related swelling because it taking Akapulko causes

contains alkaloids. immunosuppressive action.

A purgative. May lead to auto-immune diseases

Eases asthma, cough, and bronchitis. due to Canavanine.

Expelling intestinal parasites e.g May lead to blood cell breakdown

Ringworms Reduce effectiveness of drugs for

diabetes and hypertension.

Law or Regulations

Traditional Medicine Program in 1992. This program aims to promote an effective

and safe use of traditional medicine.

Traditional and Alternative Medicine Act (TAMA) of 1997. This gave rise to the

creation of Philippine Institute of Traditional and Alternative Health Care (PITAHC).

Akapulko is one of the 10 medicinal plants endorsed by the Philippine Department of

Health (DOH) through its "Traditioinal Health Program".

Chung, K., Wong, T. Y., Wei, C., Huang, Y., & Lin, Y. (1998). Tannins and Human Health: A Review. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition,38(6), 421-464. doi:10.1080/10408699891274273
Joung, D., Joung, H.., Yang, D., Kwon, D., Choi, J., Woo, S., Shin, D., … Kweon, K. (2012, January 25). Synergistic effect of rhein in combination with ampicillin or oxacillin against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Exp Ther Med. 3 (4): 608–612. doi:
10.3892/etm.2012.459
MedicalHealthGuide (2011). Akapulko (Cassia alata) Herbal Medicine, Health Benefits, Dosage, Side Effects. Retrieved March 7, 2019 from http://www.medicalhealthguide.com/articles/akapulko1.html
Medical Health Guide. (2011). 10 Philippine Herbal Medicine Approved by DOH. Retrieved March 8, 2019 from http://www.medicalhealthguide.com/philippineherbalmedicine.html
National Museum Collections. (2014, February 10). Senna alata (L.) Roxb. Retrieved from http://www.nationalmuseum.gov.ph/nationalmuseumbeta/Collections/Botany/Senna.html
National Toxicology, Program. (2010). "Photocarcinogenesis study of aloe vera CAS NO. 481-72-1(Aloe-emodin) in SKH-1 mice (simulated solar light and topical application study)". National Toxicology Program Technical Report Series (553): 7–33, 35–97, 99–103 passim.
PMID 21031007.
RNSpeak. (2018, January 21). Philippines Herbal Medicine plants approved by DOH. Retrieved March 8, 2019 from https://www.rnspeak.com/philippines-herbal-medicine-plants-approved-by-doh/
Saba. (2018, August 31). 13 Amazing Benefits And Uses Of Senna Plant. Retrieved March 7, 2019 from https://www.stylecraze.com/articles/benefits-and-uses-of-senna-plant/#gref
Stuart Jr., G. (2017, March). Akapulko. Retrieved March 7, 2019, from http://www.stuartxchange.org/Akapulko.html