Cassia grandis

Botanical

What is it

Cassia grandis is a tropical tree native to Central and South America. Its pulp, seeds, and bark are used in folk medicine, particularly for digestive support and anemia.

How it works

Cassia grandis pulp contains iron, tannins, anthraquinones, and various phenolic compounds. The iron content is the basis for traditional use in anemia. The anthraquinones may contribute a mild laxative effect. Modern clinical evidence for Cassia grandis is limited. Most research is preclinical or focuses on its iron content as a food source.

Dosage

There is no established daily intake recommendation. Traditional use of the pulp ranges from a teaspoon to a tablespoon. Iron content varies by preparation.

When and how to take it

Traditional use of the pulp is at meals or as a tonic. Modern supplement timing follows product label.

1 commercial form

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Cassia grandis pulp

Traditional Central American preparation, often consumed as a syrup or paste.

Iron is moderately absorbed; anthraquinones act in the colon.

Safety

Generally well tolerated in traditional doses. Anthraquinone content may produce a laxative effect with higher intake. Iron content can interact with iron-overload conditions.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in pregnancy without medical advice. Use cautiously in people with iron-overload conditions (hemochromatosis) or chronic constipation requiring laxatives.

Interactions

Iron content can reduce absorption of certain antibiotics, levothyroxine, and bisphosphonates. Separate timing by at least 2 hours.

Frequently asked questions

Can Cassia grandis treat anemia?⌄

Traditional use focuses on its iron content. For diagnosed anemia, work with a clinician on appropriate iron repletion.

Is it safe?⌄

Generally well tolerated in food amounts. Concentrated supplements have less safety data; avoid in pregnancy.

References

Cassia grandis on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Cassia grandis on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Cassia grandis (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.