Herb & supplement monograph

Cassia Auriculata Drug Interactions, Uses, Safety & More

Medically reviewed by ·Updated June 2026
What is this page for?

First and foremost: how Cassia Auriculata interacts with medications. The heart of this page is the interaction list — every drug Cassia Auriculata is known to interact with, and how serious each one is.

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Cassia Auriculata is, what people use it for and how strong the evidence is, its safety and side effects, and answers to the questions we’re asked most — written and reviewed by the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases, not medical advice, and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

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Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Cassia Auriculata

87 medications have a known interaction with Cassia Auriculata, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.

2,830 drugs
AcarboseGlucobay, Prandase, Precose› AcetohexamideDymelor› AlbiglutideTanzeum› AlogliptinNesina› Alogliptin, MetforminKazano› Alogliptin, PioglitazoneOseni› Antidiabetes, Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 (dpp-iv) InhibitorGlyxambi› CanagliflozinInvokana› Canagliflozin, MetforminInvokamet› Canagliflozin, Metformin HydrochlorideInvokamet XR› CarbamazepineCarbatrol, Carnexiv, Equetro, Tegretol, Tegretol XR› ChlorpropamideChlorpropam, Diabinese› DapagliflozinFarxiga› Dapagliflozin Propanediol, MetforminXigduo XR› Dapagliflozin Propanediol, Saxagliptin HydrochlorideQtern› Dapagliflozin, Metformin Hydrochloride, Saxagliptin HydrochlorideQternmet XR› Dasiglucagon HydrochlorideZegalogue› DulaglutideTrulicity› EmpagliflozinJardiance› Empagliflozin, Linagliptin, Metformin HydrochlorideTrijardy XR› Empagliflozin, MetforminSynjardy› Empagliflozin, Metformin HydrochlorideSynjardy XR› ErtugliflozinSteglatro› Ertugliflozin, Metformin HydrochlorideSegluromet› ExenatideBydureon, Byetta› Exenatide SyntheticBydureon BCISE› GliclazideDiamicron› GlimepirideAmaryl› GlipizideGlucotrol, Glucotrol XL› Glipizide, MetforminMetaglip›
Read The List Like a Pharmacist

What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

  • Major. Clinically significant; generally best avoided, or used only under direct professional supervision.
  • Moderate. May need monitoring, a dose adjustment, or separating the times you take each one.
  • Minor. Generally not clinically significant, but still worth noting and mentioning to your pharmacist.
  • No known interaction. Checked against our sources with nothing documented — not the same as proven safety.

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

  • Likely. Well-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction
  • Probable. Interaction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
  • Possible. Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
  • Unlikely. Interaction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.

Where This Data Comes From

  • Interaction records are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database (TRC Healthcare), the same reference used by pharmacists and hospitals.
  • Each drug listed above links to the full report for that exact Cassia Auriculata combination — clinical detail, likelihood, evidence level, and citations.
  • Content is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.
The big picture

The kinds of drugs Cassia Auriculata affects

Every type of medication (drug category) Cassia Auriculata is known to interact with. Open any category for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

All 2 drug categories Cassia Auriculata interacts with
Antidiabetes DrugsCarbamazepine (tegretol)
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, Cassia auriculata may reduce blood glucose levels and might have additive effects on glucose levels when used with antidiabetes drugs. Monitor blood glucose levels closely. Medication dose adjustments may be necessary. Some antidiabetes drugs include glimepiride (Amaryl), glyburide (DiaBeta, Glynase PresTab, Micronase), insulin, pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia), and others.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)

Theoretically, Cassia auriculata flower may increase carbamazepine levels. Research in animals suggests that concurrent administration may cause a significant rise in carbamazepine blood levels. The mechanism of this interaction is unknown.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Monograph

Cassia Auriculata: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by · Reviewed June 2026 ·
The bottom line

Cassia auriculata (often called Tanner's cassia or Avaram) is a flowering shrub used in traditional Indian medicine, especially for blood sugar and skin concerns. Most evidence comes from laboratory and animal studies, so its benefits in people are not well proven. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor before using it, particularly if you take diabetes medicine or are pregnant.

Scientific name
Senna auriculata
Family
Fabaceae
Part used
Flowers, leaves, bark, seeds, and roots
Common forms
Tea, powder (churna), capsules, and traditional decoctions
People commonly use it for
  • Blood sugar support
  • Skin health
  • Urinary complaints
  • Digestive upset
  • General tonic and antioxidant

Popular and traditional uses — not proof it works. See “Uses & effectiveness” below for the evidence.

Safety at a glance
OverallUse caution

Generally used in traditional diets, but human safety data is limited.

PregnancyInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Read the full pregnancy detail
BreastfeedingInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Read the full breastfeeding detail

Pregnancy & breastfeeding ratings are from Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center). Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.

Jump to a section

Overview

Cassia auriculata, also known by the botanical name Senna auriculata, is a flowering shrub in the legume (Fabaceae) family. It is commonly called Avaram or Tanner's cassia. The plant grows widely across India, Sri Lanka, and other parts of South Asia, and it is known for its bright yellow flowers.

It has a long history in traditional Indian systems of medicine, including Ayurveda and Siddha. The flowers, leaves, bark, and seeds have all been used. One of the best-known traditional preparations is a herbal tea sometimes called "Avaram" or "Kalpa" tea, which is made from the dried flowers.

Today people take it as a tea, a dried powder, or in capsules, mostly for blood sugar support, skin care, and general wellness.

Uses & effectiveness

People most often use Cassia auriculata for blood sugar control, skin problems, urinary complaints, and as a general health tonic. It is important to understand that these are traditional uses, not proven medical treatments.

Most of the research on Cassia auriculata comes from laboratory studies and animal experiments. Some of these early studies suggest it may have antioxidant effects and may lower blood sugar in animals. However, high-quality human studies are very limited, and we do not have strong evidence that it works for any health condition in people.

Because the evidence is weak and preliminary, Cassia auriculata should not be used as a substitute for proven treatments, especially for diabetes. If you are interested in trying it, check with your pharmacist or doctor first.

How it works

Cassia auriculata contains a mix of natural plant compounds, including flavonoids, tannins, and other polyphenols. These compounds are thought to have antioxidant properties, meaning they may help reduce certain types of cell stress in the body.

In laboratory and animal research, extracts of the plant have been studied for effects on blood sugar, possibly by slowing the breakdown of carbohydrates or supporting how the body handles glucose. Some studies also explored possible effects on the liver and on inflammation.

It is important to remember that these proposed mechanisms are mostly based on test-tube and animal studies. We cannot assume the same effects happen in the human body, and the amounts used in research may differ greatly from what is in supplements.

Safety & precautions

Cassia auriculata flowers have been consumed as a tea and food in some traditional diets, which suggests typical food amounts may be reasonably well tolerated. However, there is limited safety data for concentrated supplements, extracts, or long-term use.

People with diabetes should be especially careful, since the plant may affect blood sugar and could add to the effects of diabetes medicines. Watch for signs of low blood sugar if you use it. People with liver or kidney conditions should also speak with a healthcare provider first.

For pregnancy and breastfeeding, there is not enough reliable safety information. To be safe, it is best to avoid Cassia auriculata supplements during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. As with any supplement, choose products from reputable manufacturers, since quality and purity can vary.

Side effects

Reported side effects are not well documented in formal studies. Based on general experience with herbal teas and supplements, possible mild effects could include upset stomach, nausea, or digestive discomfort.

As with any plant product, an allergic reaction is possible, especially in people allergic to other plants in the legume family. Stop use and seek medical care if you notice rash, swelling, or trouble breathing.

Because human safety data is limited, it is wise to start with small amounts and stop if you notice any unusual symptoms.

Dosing

There is no well-established, standardized dose for Cassia auriculata. Traditional use has varied widely depending on the part of the plant and the preparation, such as a tea made from dried flowers or a powder.

Because supplements differ in strength, the best advice is to follow the directions on the product label and not exceed the recommended amount. Talk with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, especially if you take other medicines or have a health condition.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Cassia Auriculata & Pregnancy

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Cassia Auriculata & Breastfeeding

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

© 2026 Therapeutic Research Center

Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

References & further reading

The 4 references that drive our Cassia Auriculata monograph and interaction data, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Citations with a link open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

  1. Latha M, Pari L. Antihyperglycaemic effect of Cassia auriculata in experimental diabetes and its effects on key metabolic enzymes involved in carbohydrate metabolism. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2003;30:38-43.
  2. Pari L, Ramakrishnan R, Venkateswaran S. Antihyperglycaemic effect of Diamed, a herbal formulation, in experimental diabetes in rats. J Pharm Pharmacol 2001;53:1139-43. PubMed
  3. Thabrew I, Munasinghe J, Chackrewarthi S, Senarath S. The effects of Cassia auriculata and Cardiospermum halicacabum teas on the steady state blood level and toxicity of carbamazepine. J Ethnopharmacol 2004;90:145-50. PubMed
  4. Nambirajan G, Karunanidhi K, Ganesan A, et al. Evaluation of antidiabetic activity of bud and flower of Avaram Senna (Cassia auriculata L.) In high fat diet and streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. Biomed Pharmacother. 2018;108:1495-1506. PubMed
Keep reading

This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Cassia Auriculata: Common Questions

Does Cassia Auriculata interact with prescription medications?
Yes. We list 87 medications with a known interaction with Cassia Auriculata. Use the checker above to see how Cassia Auriculata interacts with a specific drug.
How are Cassia Auriculata interactions rated?
Each interaction is graded major, moderate, or minor based on how clinically significant it is and the strength of the evidence behind it. Major interactions are the most serious and are best avoided, or used only under close professional supervision.
Is it safe to take Cassia Auriculata with my medications?
It depends on the specific medication. Some combinations are fine, while others call for monitoring, timing changes, or should be avoided. Check your exact drug above and confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing anything.
Where does this Cassia Auriculata interaction information come from?
Our interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database — an evidence-graded reference for vitamins, herbs, and supplements — and is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists, who may add clinical context.
What is Cassia Auriculata used for?
It is traditionally used for blood sugar support, skin health, urinary complaints, and as a general tonic. These are traditional uses, and strong human evidence is lacking.
Is Cassia Auriculata safe to take?
Flower tea has been consumed in some traditional diets, but safety data for concentrated supplements is limited. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor before using it, especially if you have diabetes or other health conditions.
Can I take Cassia Auriculata if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
There is not enough reliable safety information, so it is best to avoid it during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Does Cassia Auriculata lower blood sugar?
Some animal and laboratory studies suggest possible blood sugar effects, but this has not been well proven in people. Do not use it in place of your prescribed diabetes treatment.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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