Akapulko
Cassia alata Linn.
RINGWORM BUSH

Other scientific names  Common names
Herpetic alata Raf.  Adadisi (Ting.) 
  Akapulko (Sul., Tag.)
  Ancharasi (Ig.)
  Andadisi (Ilk.)
  Andadasi-a-dadakdel (Ilk.)
  Amdadasi-ñg-bugbugtong (Ilk.)
  Andalan (Sul.)
  Bayabasin (Tag.)
  Bikas-bikas (Tag.)
 a Buni-buni (Bag.)
a Gamotsa-buni (Tag.)
  Kapurko (Tag.)
  Kapis (Sub.)
  Katanda (Tag.)
  Kasitas (Bik., Bis.)
  Pakagonkon (Tag.)
  Pakayomkom-kastila (Pamp.)
  Palo-china (Bis.)
  Sunting (C. Bis.)
  Sonting (Tag.)
  Ringworm bush or shrub (Engl.)

Botany
Erect, shrubby legume with dark green compound leaves on stout branches. Leaves have orange rachis. Each leaf has 16-28 leaflets. An axis of golden yellow flowers produces 4-winged pods containing 50-60 flattened, triangular seeds. Flowers enclosed by yellow-orange bracts that are later shed. Usually upper 3 stamens sterile.

Constituents
Chrysophanic acid (chrysophanol); oxymethyl anthraquinone, 2.2%; aloe-emodin; rhein; cassiaxanthone; tannins; saponins; alkaloids.

Distribution
Sporadic in open wastelands near watery areas. 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.

Uses
Folkloric
Intestinal parasitism: The seeds used for intestinal parasitism.
Tincture from leaves reported to be purgative.
Cough: Decoction of leaves and flowers for cough.
Ringworm, scabies, eczema, tinea infections, insect bites, herpes: Crushed leaves and juice extract.
Preparation: 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.
New applications
Commercial lotions and ointments for ringworm, pityriasis versicolor, athlete's foot

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>)

Availability
Wild-crafted.
Commercially available as lotion and ointment, in 5- and 10-gm containers.