This name is not universally accepted. The Flora of Tropical Africa treats this species as Cassia absus L., and treats Chamaecrista absus as a synonym[].

Common Name: Pig's Senna

General Information

Chamaecrista absus is a sparsely-branched, erect or sometimes more or less clambering, annual plant growing up to 1 metre tall[, ].
Often found as a weed of cultivation, it is commonly harvested from the wild and used in traditional medicine in both Asia and Africa[]. It is occasionally cultivated for medicinal use and the seeds sold in local markets[, ].
A common and widespread species, it is not seen as being under threat. It is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2011)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

Widely spread through the tropical regions of Africa, Asia and the Americas.

Habitat

Ruderal localities, old farmland, along roadsides, in grassy savannah, in open localities in deciduous bushland, on granite outcrops and on sand dunes, from sea-level up to 1,700 metres[].

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Annual
Height	1.00 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Plants are well adapted to the semi-arid tropics[].

The risk of this species becoming a weed should be taken into account before introducing it to areas where it does not occur naturally[].
This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[].

Edible Uses

Seeds - boiled or roasted[].

Medicinal

Pig's ear is often used in traditional medicine in both Africa and Asia. Research has shown the presence of several medically active compounds including alkaloids, anthraquinones and flavonoids[].
All parts of the plant contain the alkaloids chaksine and isochaksine. Chaksine has antifungal, hypotensive and antibacterial activity, suppresses the respiratory, vasomotor and heat-regulating centres and inhibits muscle activity and the sense of balance. Isochaksine has similar activities to chaksine but in general at higher dose[].
The anthraquinones chrysophanol and emodin, found in the roots, have laxative activities[].
Flavonoids in the seeds have shown anti-tumour activities in vitro, and some also in vivo. Sugars in the seed include galactomannan, which induces the mucilaginous properties of the endosperm[].

The dried and powdered leaves, a leaf extract or occasionally the pounded ripe fruits are widely applied to eczema, ringworm, wounds, sores, abscesses, ulcers and venereal inflammations[]. The fresh plant is pounded and mixed with butter for use as a suppository against haemorrhoids[].
A tea of the leaves is considered depurative[]. Mixed with Heterotis rotundifolia, the leaves are pulped and diluted with palm wine to promote conception in women[]. In part the mix is ingested, and in part it is rubbed on the underbelly[].

In many parts of Africa and Asia the powdered seeds or seed extracts are sprinkled on the eye to treat eye diseases such as conjunctivitis and cataracts[]. The powdered seeds are also taken to treat diabetes and chlorosis[].

A decoction of the roots, combined with palm wine and chillies, is used as a purgative to expel worms[]. An infusion of the roots is taken to treat stomach-ache299].

Different plant parts are also taken in infusion as an aphrodisiac[].

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant is sometimes grown as a green manure in maize[].

Other Uses

The leaves yield a weak yellow dye[].

Propagation

Seed - to increase germination nicking or abrasion of the seeds is recommended. A temperature of 24°C is optimum for germination[].
Seed - it has a hard seedcoat and may benefit from scarification before sowing in order to speed up and improve germination. This can usually be done by pouring a small amount of nearly boiling water on the seeds (being careful not to cook them!) and then soaking them for 12 - 24 hours in warm water. By this time they should have imbibed moisture and swollen - if they have not, then carefully make a nick in the seedcoat (being careful not to damage the embryo) and soak for a further 12 hours before sowing.

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