Chakragaja: Benefits, Evidence & Safety

TL;DR

Chakragaja is a Sanskrit synonym of Chakramarda (Senna tora), the sickle-senna whose seeds and leaves Ayurveda uses for skin disorders, worms and constipation. Its seeds' anthraquinones show antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects in lab and animal studies; a 2023 review found no human trials. (44 words. Sources: J Ethnopharmacol 2023; Raj Nighantu.)

What it is

Chakragaja is a Sanskrit synonym of Chakramarda, the sickle senna: Cassia tora Linn., now accepted as Senna tora (Fabaceae) (Wisdom Library: definition of cakragaja; Charak Samhita research database: Talk:Edagaja). The Raj Nighantu (4.198–200) lists Cakragaja among 19 Sanskrit synonyms of Cakramarda. Other names include Edagaja, Dadamari and Chakramarda; English names include sickle senna and foetid cassia. The part used is principally the seed, called Cassiae Semen in Chinese medicine, with leaves and stems also used (Wisdom Library: definition of cakragaja; IJRPR review of Chakramarda). Note: one unclassified web source maps "cakragaja" to Avalguja (Psoralea corylifolia), a different plant, the dominant classical reading, which this article follows, is Chakramarda = Senna tora (Wisdom Library, definition of cakragaja).

Traditional use

Chakramarda (under which Chakragaja falls) is described in the Charak Samhita research database as indicated for skin disease (kustha), tinea (dadru), scabies (pama), itching (kandu), wounds (vrana), constipation (vibandha), colic (gulma), worms (krumi), cough and asthma (kasa, swasa), and paralysis. Its Ayurvedic pharmacology is pungent taste (katu rasa), hot potency (ushna virya), with light and dry qualities pacifying kapha and vata (Charak Samhita research database: Talk:Edagaja). Externally it is used in Siddhatama churna pradeha (Cha.Sa.Su 3/3) for skin disorders. Classical formulations containing it include Nimbadi churna, Kasisadi ghruta, Maha vishagarbha taila and Bruhata marichyadi taila. Ethnomedicinal reports add rheumatism, bronchitis, ringworm, leprosy, dyspepsia, and liver/heart disorders, and Chinese medicine uses Cassiae Semen as an aperient, antiasthmatic and diuretic that also supports vision (IJRPR review of Chakramarda). These are traditional claims, not clinical proof: the research record is assessed below.

What modern research says

Seed review (Cassiae Semen)

A 2023 review of Cassiae Semen, the seeds of Cassia obtusifolia or Cassia tora, identified 137 compounds including anthraquinones, naphthopyranones, naphthalenes, flavones and polysaccharides. Traditional uses (laxative, hepatoprotective, eye benefits, diabetic-complication support) and pharmacological mechanisms were surveyed, with toxicity and quality control also addressed: but no human clinical trials were found (review, PMID 36702448).

Laboratory and animal research (not human evidence)

What the evidence does not support (yet)

No human clinical trials of Senna tora were identified. Traditional uses for skin disorders, worms, constipation, liver conditions and vision remain untested in people; the laboratory findings above are early-stage leads, not treatments.

Dosage

The only citable traditional reference found is the Charak Samhita research database, which lists a 1–3 g powder dose of Chakramarda (Charak Samhita research database: Talk:Edagaja). This is a classical reference, not a pharmacopoeial (API/AFI) dose and not a personal recommendation: do not self-dose; consult a qualified practitioner.

Safety & contraindications

Human safety data for Senna tora are essentially absent; all toxicity information comes from the laboratory and animal studies above (PMID 36747926; PMID 36702448). The seeds contain anthraquinones, a laxative class also found in senna (Cassia angustifolia), so the usual caution for stimulant-laxative herbs applies: avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding, do not use long-term or for acute abdominal pain, and keep away from children without clinical guidance. The Cassiae Semen review notes that toxicity and quality control have been studied, reinforcing the need for authenticated material and professional supervision (PMID 36702448). Safety data is limited: talk to a clinician.

FAQs

What is chakragaja?

Chakragaja is a Sanskrit synonym of Chakramarda, the sickle senna (Cassia tora, accepted name Senna tora), listed among 19 Sanskrit synonyms in the Raj Nighantu (Wisdom Library: definition of cakragaja). The seeds (Cassiae Semen) and leaves are the parts used. One unclassified source maps it to a different plant, so buy only material labeled with the Latin name.

What is chakramarda used for in Ayurveda?

Traditional indications include skin diseases (kustha, dadru, pama, kandu), wounds, constipation, worms, colic, cough and asthma, per the Charak Samhita research database (Charak Samhita research database: Talk:Edagaja). Ethnomedicine adds rheumatism, ringworm and liver disorders. These are classical claims, not clinically proven uses.

Does chakramarda protect the liver?

A review of Cassiae Semen notes traditional hepatoprotective use and includes pharmacological and toxicity coverage (PMID 36702448), and ethnomedicine reports liver-related uses (IJRPR review of Chakramarda). But no human trial has tested liver benefits, so there is no clinical evidence for it.

Is there any human research on chakramarda?

None was identified. The published record is a 2023 review plus laboratory, cell-culture and animal studies: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and neuroprotective findings in the lab (PMID 36747926; PMID 28714346). No human clinical trial exists.

What dose of chakragaja is safe?

The only citable reference is a classical 1–3 g powder dose of Chakramarda, not a modern safety-tested dose (Charak Samhita research database, Talk:Edagaja). Because the seeds are anthraquinone laxatives, avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding and do not use long-term. Safety data is limited: talk to a clinician.

Is chakragaja the same as avalguja or bakuchi?

No, in the dominant classical reading, chakragaja is Chakramarda (Senna tora), not Avalguja (Psoralea corylifolia), the plant behind bakuchi seeds (Wisdom Library, definition of cakragaja). One unclassified web source applies the name to avalguja, which is why the Latin botanical name matters when buying.

Sources

This article is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult a qualified practitioner before using any Ayurvedic formulation.