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Medicinal Plants: Akapulko / Acapulco (Cassia alata)
| By pinoyfarmer | March 12, 2010 |  |
Akapulko or Acapulco in English is a shrub found throughout the Philippines. It is known under various names in different regions in the country. Locals call the plant katanda, andadasi, and palochina in Tagalog, Ilocos and in the Visayas regions, respectively. The shrub belongs to the family of Leguminosae, and grows about one to two meters tall. It has thick branches and the leaves are embraced with 8 to 20 leaflets that are oblong-elliptical in shape. The flowers of the Akapulko have oblong sepals, and its fruits are tetragonal, which are also winged and glabrous. A medicinal herb that contains chrysophanic acid, a fungicide used to treat fungal infections, like ringworms, scabies, and eczema. Akapulko also contains saponin, a laxative that is useful in expelling intestinal parasites.
The primary part used for herbal purposes are the leaves, although the roots and flowers are also used for certain preparations with medicinal value. The extracts from the Akapulko plant is commonly used as an ingredient for lotions, soaps, and shampoos.
Benefits & Treatment of Akapulko
- External Use:
- Treatment of skin diseases:
- Tinea infections, insect bites, ringworms, eczema, scabies and itchiness.
- Mouthwash in stomatitis
- Internal use:
- Expectorant for bronchitis and dyspnoea
- Alleviation of asthma symptoms
- Used as diuretic and purgative
- For cough & fever
- As a laxative to expel intestinal parasites and other stomach problems.
Note: A strong decoction of Akapulko leaves is an abortifacient. Pregnant women should not take decoction of the leaves or any part of this plant.
Preparation & Use
- For external use, pound the leaves of the Akapulko plant, squeeze the juice and apply on affected areas.
- As the expectorant for bronchitis and dyspnoea, drink decoction (soak and boil for 10 to 15 minutes) of Akapulko leaves. The same preparation may be used as a mouthwash, stringent, and wash for eczema.
- As laxative, cut the plant parts (roots, flowers, and the leaves) into a manageable size then prepare a decoction Note: The decoction looses its potency if not used for a long time. Dispose leftovers after one day.
- The pounded leaves of Akapulko has purgative functions, specifically against ringworms.
It should be noted that the pounded leaves of this plant may be applied thinly on the affected part twice a day. Marked improvement may be expected after two to three weeks of continuous application to the affected area(s) where the prepared Akapulko leaves were applied.
Source(s):
Wikipedia.org
Topics: Medicinal Plants (Halamang Gamot) | 13 Comments »
April 5th, 2010 at 10:20 pm
hello i need dehydrated acapulco leaves..do you know farms of acapuolco in the philippines?
April 5th, 2010 at 10:31 pm
hello i need to know where is the farm of acapulco plants i need supplier of dried acapulco leaves..hope you can help me
August 3rd, 2010 at 3:38 pm
where can I buy acapulco leaves/plants?
August 25th, 2010 at 11:56 pm
Hello, I can suppy dried cassia alata leaves. Can call me in: +62.821.3305.9401
Or Email: vie_vied@yahoo.com
Tks. Mrs Viviana-Indonesia
September 28th, 2010 at 1:07 pm
We have local sources of cassia alata. We provide trainings on production of acapulco ointment for treatment against fungal infections of the skin. We use the formula recommended by the Department of Health. We are in Southern Philippines, in Sarangani Province and General Santos City.
November 19th, 2010 at 6:21 pm
I am raising Akapulko/Acapulco (Cassia alata) plants in a 10 acre forest land in India and can do regular supply based on your requierment.
Let me know if you need any further informations
Thanks
May 28th, 2011 at 1:03 am
I have 10 acre of Cassia alata plants in Malaysia which can be harvested starting Dec 2011. Please let me know if anyone need consistent supplier…tq
July 8th, 2011 at 5:42 am
I live in the united states and am trying to find someone who farms acapulco plants and ships to americas
July 18th, 2011 at 2:18 am
hello am a botanist i live in Abuja Nigeria i have lots of them in my garden
July 31st, 2011 at 10:33 pm
I want to buy 300 tons of Akapulko/Acapulco (Cassia alata) seeds.Tell me your contact way.
August 22nd, 2011 at 9:12 pm
where can I buy acapulco leaves/plants? i really need it will you please help me:)
November 12th, 2011 at 5:18 pm
Where can I buy here in the Philippines particularly in Cavite an Akapulko plants/leaves?
March 29th, 2012 at 10:29 am
Where can i buy alcapulko leaves here in cainta Philippines?