Since the advent of modern drug treatments, traditional medicine has greatly receded in occidental societies. Moreover, only a limited number of medicinal plants have received detailed scientific scrutiny thereby prompting the World Health Organization to recommend that this area be comprehensively investigated. Cassia fistula Linn. belonging to the family Casesalpinaceae is commonly called as Amaltas an Indian Labernum and is native to India, the Amazon, Sri Lanka and is extensively diffused in various countries. Cassia fistula Linn. is used extensively in various parts of the world against a wide range of ailments, the synergistic action of its metabolite production being most probably responsible for the plant’s beneficial effects. Cassia fistula Linn. plant organs are known to be an important source of secondary metabolites, notably phenolic compounds. The study provides taxonomical, Pharmacognostical, physicochemical details helpful in laying down standardization and pharmacopoeial parameters. The innumerable medicinal properties and therapeutic uses of Cassia Fistula Linn. as well as its phytochemical investigations prove its importance as a valuable medicinal plant.
