Senna alata, the candle bush or ringworm bush, is a tropical American shrub named for its upright spikes of yellow buds that look like candles. Its Hindi name dadmardan means “ringworm destroyer”, after its long use on fungal skin infections. It is planted in Indian gardens and has naturalised along ditches and wasteland. It is a garden and folk plant, not a food.
- Botanical name
- Senna alata (L.) Roxb.
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Tamil
- Vandukolli
- Hindi
- Dadmardan
- Parts used
- Leaves
- Habit
- Candle senna; shop senna is a genus word
- Last updated
- 2026-10-26
How to recognise Candle bush
It is a large, soft-wooded shrub with big pinnate leaves of eight to fourteen pairs of broad, oblong leaflets that fold together at night.
Flowers grow in tall, upright spikes. The unopened buds are golden-yellow and wrapped in orange bracts, forming the candle, and the open flowers are yellow.
The pods are long, straight and dark, with a papery wing along each of the four angles, which is what alata means.
Coffee senna, Senna occidentalis, is smaller and foul-smelling, with narrow pods and no wings.
Traditional use of Candle bush
Folk practice
Fresh leaves are crushed and rubbed on ringworm and other fungal skin patches across South Asia, Southeast Asia, Africa and the Americas.
Pantropical folk practice
Modern notes on Candle bush
The leaves contain anthraquinones such as chrysophanol, which show antifungal activity in laboratory tests and support the traditional skin use.
The same compounds act as laxatives if taken by mouth, so the leaves should not be eaten.
Candle bush safety
Do not drink leaf preparations. Persistent ringworm needs a doctor, because it often requires prescription antifungals.
Ecology and sourcing
It is native to tropical America and widely naturalised in the tropics, including India.
It grows fast in wet, open ground and can become invasive along drains and riverbanks.
Carpenter bees pollinate its flowers by buzzing pollen out of the anthers.
Related plants
Also in Fabaceae
Questions about Candle bush
Why candle bush?
Its upright spikes of golden buds look like candles.
What older names does Senna alata go by?
Cassia alata.
Does Candle bush treat ringworm?
It is a traditional remedy with lab support, but see a doctor for persistent infections.
Sources
- Senna alata (L.) Roxb. — Plants of the World Online, Kew (search) (accessed 2026)
- Wikidata item Q41504 (Senna alata)
Educational page about a plant. It is not medical advice, not a diagnosis, and not an offer to sell. Traditional use is historical. If you need care, ask a licensed clinician. Questions: hello@meevamed.com.