Barakol Explained

Barakol is a compound found in the plant Senna siamea,^[1] which is used in traditional herbal medicine. It has sedative and anxiolytic effects.^{[2] [3]} There are contradictory pharmacological research findings concerning the toxicity of Cassia siamea and the active ingredient Barakol. One pharmacological study has shown an hepatoxic effect of Barakol ^[4] while another study did not show any toxic effect at a daily dosage intake.^[5] Further research is needed to verify whether there are toxic effects of Barakol or not.

Notes and References

1. Padumanonda T, Gritsanapan W . Barakol contents in fresh and cooked Senna siamea leaves . The Southeast Asian Journal of Tropical Medicine and Public Health . 37 . 2 . 388–93 . March 2006 . 17125004 .
2. Thongsaard W, Pongsakorn S, Sudsuang R, Bennett GW, Kendall DA, Marsden CA . Barakol, a natural anxiolytic, inhibits striatal dopamine release but off uptake in vitro . European Journal of Pharmacology . 319 . 2–3 . 157–64 . January 1997 . 9042586 . 10.1016/S0014-2999(96)00850-3 .
3. Sukma M, Chaichantipyuth C, Murakami Y, Tohda M, Matsumoto K, Watanabe H . CNS inhibitory effects of barakol, a constituent of Cassia siamia Lamk . Journal of Ethnopharmacology . 83 . 1–2 . 87–94 . November 2002 . 12413711 . 10.1016/S0378-8741(02)00206-4 .
4. Hongsirinirachorn M, Threeprasertsuk S, Chutaputti A . Acute hepatitis associated with Barakol . Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand = Chotmaihet Thangphaet . 86 . S484-9 . June 2003 . Suppl 2 . 12930029 .
5. Wahjoedi B, Pudjiastuti P, Nuratmi B, Sundari D, Chozin A . Toksisitas Subkronik Ekstrak Etanol Daun Johar (Cassia Siamea Lamk.) Pada Tikus Putih [The subchronic toxicity study of the ethanolic extract of Cassia siamea lamk leaf (daun johar) on albino rats] ]. Bulletin of Health Research = Buletin Penelitian Kesehatan = National Institute of Health Research and Development - Ministry of Health of Republic of Indonesia . 27 Suppl. 3 & 4 . S325–332 . December 1999 .