Afr J Med Med Sci. 2000 Jun; 29(2): 141-4.

Seasonal variations of hydroxyanthraquinone content of cultivated Cassia spectabilis DC.

Abo KA, Adeyemi AA, Sobowale AO.

Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.

Seasonal variations and spectrophotometric estimation of the anthraquinone content of cultivated Cassia spectabilis DC are presented. Concentrations of anthraquinones peaked in the leaves (1.03%) at flowering Significant (P < 0.05) variations in anthraquinone content were observed in the cultivated species. Anthraquinones reached peak levels during the months of September to January (dry season). There was a significant (P < 0.05) drop in anthraquinone content during the rainy season. The diagnostic microscopic features of this little studied species are also described. This study has provided vital information on the best period of harvest and seasonal distribution of anthraquinones in the leaves of the species.