Amaltas – Uses, Benefits, Side Effects & More!

The content has been written by a medical expert.

Introduction:

Amaltas, also known as Cassia fistula or Golden shower tree is a popular herb in Ayurvedic medicine known to be useful in a variety of health conditions. This tree has many names, out of which Pupping pipe; Golden Shower, Aragvadha, and Indian Laburnum are the most common ones. 

Amaltas is prevalent in India and Pakistan and is also found in a few parts of Southeast Asia. Due to its extensive beneficial properties, it is cultivated in many parts of India.¹  

Properties of Amaltas:

All the parts of  Amaltas- The leaves, seeds, root, pulp, fruit, and bark have various potential properties that are responsible for its various uses.  It may also helpful in pacifying all three body energies:  Vata, Pitta, and  Kapha.²  

1. Leaves:  

The leaves might possess laxative properties.    

2. Seeds: 

• The seeds of Amaltas might possess laxative,
• It may have antipyretic (fever-reducing) properties
• It may also have carminative (expelling gas from the stomach) properties.    

3. Fruits: 

• The fruit extracts may contain laxative properties
• It may have antipyretic relieving fever
• It might have analgesic effect    

4. Flower: 

• The flowers of Amaltas may contain laxative properties
• It may have astringent (tightening skin tissues) properties
• It may have wound-healing properties.    

5. Pulp: 

• The pulp of Amaltas may function as a safe laxative for pregnant women and children.  
• It may have anti-microbial properties

6. Bark: 

• The bark of Amaltas contains antioxidants (prevention of cell damage) properties
• It may have anti-inflammatory properties.  ^3,4

Other than loads of health benefits, Amaltas may be beneficial for taking care of a stomach illness. I recently read in an article that it may be a perfect choice to aid in acid reflux since it is a rich source of anti-oxidants.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S M.D (Ayu)

Potential Uses of Amaltas:

1. Potential Uses of  Amaltas for Constipation:

Amaltas may be a remedy for constipation. The emulsion obtained from Amaltas may be effective in the 3-week treatment of functional constipation in children.  Amaltas may be used as a mild laxative in pregnant women as well. The  Amaltas pulp can be mixed in hot water and taken for constipation.^{5, 6}    There is a need for more scientific research to prove these claims.

1. Potential Uses of  Amaltas for Suppressing Cough:

Amaltas may have antitussive (cough-suppressing) properties. The pods are burnt, made into ash, mixed with salt and honey. This mixture may be used for relieving cough. It may also have some effect on fevers.    The leaves of Amaltas also may be effective in relieving cough.  Amaltas may help to boost immunity and protect the body against infections.⁷ There is a need for more scientific research to prove these claims. You must consult a doctor for better advice.

3. Potential Uses of  Amaltas for  Skin Diseases:  

The leaves of Amaltas can be used in skin conditions like ringworms, eczema, and skin eruptions.  Amaltas root may help with dermatological problems. The fruit pulp of  Amaltas was also found to be beneficial in treating skin diseases and worms. The leaves of amaltas may be used in erysipelas.⁸ However, these properties of amaltas to manage skin problems would need further studies. Therefore, you should not amaltas without guidance from a doctor.

4. Potential Uses of  Amaltas for the Heart:

Amaltas may contribute in strengthening heart muscles, reducing blood cholesterol levels, and preventing the build-up of lipids. Hence, it decreases the risk of heart diseases, blood clot formation, etc.⁴ These activities, however, are yet to be proved in humans. Moreover, heart conditions must be properly diagnosed and treated by a specialist doctor. Therefore, kindly ensure to consult a doctor.

5. Potential Uses of Amaltas for Urinary Problems:

Amaltas can also be used in problems related to urination like burning during urination, urinary retention and obstructions in the abdomen.⁴ There is a need for more scientific research to prove these claims. You should consult a doctor for prescriprion and guidance.

Though studies show the benefits of amaltas in various conditions, these are insufficient and there is a need for further studies to establish the true extent of the benefits of amaltas on human health.  

Also Read: Tejpatta – Benefits, Side Effects & Precautions

Amaltas may be used as an anti-venom to snakebites. I recently read an article that suggests due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties, Amalatas is a potential anti-venom for snakebites.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

How to Use Amaltas:

Amaltas is available in different forms:¹

• Flower powder 
• Fruit pulp 
• Amaltas Vati (tablets) 
• Amaltas Avaleha (syrup) 
• Decoction (essence) 

You must consult a qualified doctor before taking any herbal supplements. Do not discontinue or replace an ongoing treatment of modern medicine with an ayurvedic/herbal preparation without consulting a qualified doctor.  

Side Effects of Amaltas:

Generally, Amaltas is safe even when used for children. However, an overdose of leaves and barks of Amaltas produces side effects like⁸

• Cramps 
• Abdominal pain 
• Nausea 
• Vomiting 

Therefore you must consume amaltas as per advise of you doctor only. He will guide you for suitable form and dose.

Precautions to Take Amaltas:

• When taken raw, all parts of  Amaltas may be poisonous.  
• Taking high doses of this drug can lead to conditions like severe diarrhea and dysentery.    
• Amaltas  is not recommended  in infants and pregnant women.¹

Also Read: Nagkesar – Uses, Benefits, Side Effects, Precautions & More

Interactions with Other Drugs:

There is a lack of sufficient data regarding the interaction of amaltas with any other drugs. Therefore, consult a doctor before taking it, especially if you are on medication and/or are receiving treatment for any condition.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Also Read: Shankhpushpi – Benefits, Side Effects, Precautions & More

References:

1. Planet Ayurveda. Cassia fistula- Uses, health benefits, dosage, medicinal properties. [Internet] Available from: https://www.planetayurveda.com/library/amaltas-cassia-fistula-uses-health-benefits/ 

2. Research gate. Medicinal properties of Aragvadha (Cassia fistula Linn.). [Internet] Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/49612832_Medicinal_Properties_of_Aragvadha_Cassia_fistula_Linn/link/5da6d0a34585159bc3d021dc/download 
3. Ayesha Maqsood, Ayesha Munir, Dr. Sammia Shahid; A Phytopharmacological Evaluation of Cassia fistula. A Comprehensive Review. Int. J. Pharm. Sci. Rev. 2020 May-June; 62 (2): 45-53. Available from: https://globalresearchonline.net/journalcontents/v62-2/09.pdf 

4. National center for biotechnology information. The effect of Cassia fistula emulsion on pediatric functional constipation in comparison with mineral oil: a randomized, clinical trial. [Internet] Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3556012/ 

5. Planet Ayurveda. Amaltas, purging Cassia (Cassia fistula). [Internet] Available from: https://www.planetayurveda.com/library/amaltas-cassia-fistula/  

6. T. Bhakta, Pulok K. Mukherjee, Kakali Saha, M. Pal & B.P. Saha; Studies on Antitussive activity of Cassia fistula (Leguminosae) leaf extract. 140-143 Pharmaceutical biology. 2004 May; 36 (2): 140-143 Available from: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1076/phbi.36.2.140.4598 

7. International journal of pharmaceutical sciences and research. Cassia fistula Linn: A review of phytochemical and pharmacological studies. [Internet] Available from: http://ijpsr.com/bft-article/cassia-fistula-linn-a-review-of-phytochemical-and-pharmacological-studies/?view=fulltext 

8. Research gate. Cassia fistula Linn. (Amulthus)- An important medicinal plant: A review of its traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacological properties. [Internet] Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/216410159_Cassia_fistula_Linn_Amulthus-_An_Important_Medicinal_Plant_A_Review_of_Its_Traditional_Uses_Phytochemistry_and_Pharmacological_Properties 

9. Research gate. Therapeutic uses of Cassia fistula: Review. [Internet] Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/313366837_Therapeutic_Uses_of_Cassia_Fistula_Review 

10. Research gate. Prophylactic anti-arthritic effect of Cassia fistula in murine rheumatoid arthritis model. [Internet] Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/335335383_Prophylactic_Anti-Arthritic_Effect_of_Cassia_fistula_in_Murine_Rheumatoid_Arthritis_Model 

11. PubMed. Wound healing potential of Cassia fistula on infected albino rat model. [Internet] Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16242721/ 

12. National center for biotechnology information. Antibacterial and antifungal activities from leaf extracts of Cassia fistula L: An ethnomedicinal plant. [Internet] Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3217694/ 

13. Research gate. Antidiabetic activity studies on Cassia fistula fruits. [Internet] Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/286624066_ANTIDIABETIC_ACTIVITY_STUDIES_ON_CASSIA_FISTULA_FRUITS/link/566c5bba08ae430ab4fd4f80/download 

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

4

1