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Cassia Seed

Also known as: Cassia obtusifolia, Jue-ming-zi, Semen Cassiae, Decision seeds, Fo-ti-tieng

Evidence under review. — Not yet rated

Traditional herb with early evidence for cholesterol and waist reduction, but human data is very limited.

  • What it does

    Cassia seed is the dried seed of Cassia obtusifolia, a plant used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine, primarily for eye and digestive complaints. One randomized controlled trial found...

  • Evidence quality

    Evidence base hasn't been formally rated yet. See research below.

  • Clinical dose

    No established dose (insufficient research data)

See full breakdown ↓ Methodology →

What the Science Says

Cassia seed is the dried seed of Cassia obtusifolia, a plant used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine, primarily for eye and digestive complaints. One randomized controlled trial found that 3 grams daily for 24–36 weeks reduced waist circumference and lowered total cholesterol and LDL in overweight patients with schizophrenia. Lab and animal studies suggest its active compounds — including anthraquinones and polysaccharides — have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and blood-sugar-regulating properties, but these effects have not been confirmed in healthy human populations.

What It Doesn't Do

Not proven to cause significant weight loss in healthy adults. No human evidence it treats eye disease on its own. Animal results on blood sugar don't automatically translate to people. Don't expect dramatic cholesterol drops — the one human trial showed modest effects in a very specific population. Not a substitute for prescribed medications.

Evidence-Based Benefits

Reduced waist circumference in overweight patients after 24–36 weeks at 3 g/day.

Weak Evidence

Effective at: 3.0 g daily

Lowered total cholesterol and LDL levels after 36 weeks in overweight individuals.

Weak Evidence

Effective at: 3.0 g daily

Cassia seed polysaccharides show strong free-radical scavenging activity in lab tests.

Weak Evidence

Effective at: No established dose

Active compound chrysophanol reduced retinal cell death in a mouse model of retinal degeneration.

Weak Evidence

Effective at: No established human dose

Absorption & Bioavailability

Unknown — no human pharmacokinetic data in the provided studies. Animal and in vitro work suggests active compounds are absorbed, but bioavailability in humans has not been characterized.

Red Flags to Watch For

  • Contains anthraquinones (e.g., emodin), which can act as laxatives and may cause digestive upset at higher doses
  • The only human RCT was conducted exclusively in patients with schizophrenia on antipsychotics — results may not apply to the general population
  • Long-term safety data in humans is lacking; anthraquinone-containing herbs have raised concerns about potential liver and kidney effects with prolonged use
  • Widely sold in supplements despite very limited clinical evidence — marketing claims often far outpace the science
  • Potential interactions with blood sugar or cholesterol medications have not been studied in humans

Research Sources

  • PubMed
  • NIH DSLD

This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-05-25