Research Progress on the Pharmacological Effects and Applications in the Field of Food of Cassiae Semen

Cassia Semen, derived from the dried ripe seeds of leguminous plant Cassia obtusifolia Linn. or Cassia. tora Linn., exhibits a variety of pharmacological effects such as clearing heat to brighten the eyes, lubricating the intestine to relieve constipation, lowering blood pressure and lipids, hepatoprotection and anti-diabetes, etc. And due to its homology of medicine and food, it has broad development prospects in the fields of medicine and food. Based on the summary and analysis of the published literatures, this paper systematically reviews the integrated research progress of Cassiae Semen in recent years from the aspects of bioactive ingredients, pharmacological effects, toxicity and its applications in the food field. Additionally, the emerging challenges and possible development directions for the study of Cassiae Semen are discussed as well. In future research on Cassiae Semen, more attention should be paid to the pharmacological effects of naphthopyranones and polysaccharides and their mechanisms underlying improving eye diseases. Meanwhile, it is essential to focus on strengthening the researches on the pharmacokinetics of Cassiae Semen and the safety evaluation of its related functional foods. This article provides new basic information for further research, development, and utilization of Cassiae Semen.