The anti-obesity potential of Cassiae Semen: A review based on ethnopharmacology and modern pharmacology.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Cassiae Semen (dried mature seeds of Senna tora (L.) Roxb., leguminous) has a medicinal history tracing to the Divine Farmer's Classic of Materia Medica. Traditionally used in TCM and folk practice, the roasted seeds are steeped as tea, with dual medicinal-edible value. It clears liver heat, improves vision, relieves constipation, and eases metabolic issues like hyperlipidaemia. Merging its traditional effects with modern "multitarget lipid metabolism regulation" validates ancient experience and supports natural medicine development for obesity-related disorders.

AIM OF THE STUDY: This review aims to elucidate the mechanism of Cassiae Semen in treating obesity, with a focus on its mechanism of action. This study endeavors to provide a theoretical basis for in-depth exploration of the effectiveness of Cassiae Semen in managing obesity-related diseases, and to point out the direction for future development.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Web of Science and Google Scholar for literature on Cassiae Semen's anti-obesity potential. This review focuses on examining the consistency between modern research and traditional efficacy claims regarding this herb's anti-obesity properties, as well as the depth of understanding concerning its mechanisms of action.

RESULTS

Cassiae Semen helps maintain gut microbiota stability by increasing the abundance of beneficial bacterial groups such as the phyla Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes, while reducing the proportion of Proteobacteria. They activate the key metabolic regulator AMPK is activated, promoting fatty acid oxidation and downregulating lipid synthesis genes such as SREBP-1c, thereby enhancing hepatic lipid metabolism. Furthermore, it mitigates lipid peroxidation, insulin resistance, and chronic inflammation. Through these multi-target mechanisms, Cassiae Semen contribute to stabilising glucose and lipid metabolism, thereby supporting systemic metabolic homeostasis.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, Cassiae Semen has shown great potential in treating obesity in both traditional Chinese medicine and modern pharmacological research, particularly in regulating the intestinal microbiota and lipid metabolism. However, the transformation of Cassiae Semen into a clinical application still faces important issues such as toxicological safety, and further in-depth exploration is required.