Leaves of Cassia fastuosa Willd., Leguminosae, were subjected to extraction methods of anthracenic compounds. Three aglicon were detected in the ethereous extract: aloemodin, emodin and rhein (2.48%). Sennosides A and B were detected in the ethanolic extract. Preliminary biological assay in 10% aqueous extract confirmed the laxative activity and no toxic effect was observed in this concentration.
Anthracenic compounds; sennoids B; Cassia fastuosa; biological essay