Nutritional and Therapeutic Potential of <i>Cassia fistula</i> Pods: A Comprehensive Study on Mineral Composition, Immunomodulation, Antidiabetic Benefits, and Safety of Amaltas Tea in Southeast Punjab, Pakistan

<i>Cassia fistula,</i> a plant belonging to the Leguminosae family, grows in various regions, including South Africa, Asia, China, America, Canada, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Brazil, and West India. Southeast Punjab, Pakistan, has long utilized <i>C. fistula</i> tea, which is becoming more popular due to its high mineral content, phytochemical compounds, and possible medical properties. This study investigates how to improve immunity, control diabetes, and ensure that it is safe to use. Knowing its makeup and effects might help justify its use in functional tea. The pods of <i>C. fistula</i> have been found to possess antidiabetic, anti-enzyme, and immunomodulatory properties, as demonstrated by various tests. This work focuses on assessing properties and mineral profile analysis using the Association of Official Analytical Chemists standard protocol. The brine shrimp lethality method was employed to evaluate <i>C. fistula</i> pod-based functional toxicity. Results of mineral contents demonstrated that copper (0.08 ± 0.03 ppm), iron (0.44 ± 0.01 ppm), manganese (0.14 ± 0.01 ppm), and zinc (0.27 ± 0.01 ppm) are present, enhancing the nutritional values of the pods. The functional tea from <i>C. fistula</i> pods showed the highest percentage of inhibitory activity against <i>α</i>-glucuronidase, with a percentage of 60.66%, followed by <i>β</i>-glucuronidase, <i>α</i>-glucosidase, and <i>α</i>-tyrosinase. According to immunomodulatory and toxicity studies, animals treated with <i>C. fistula</i> pod-based functional tea showed lower blood glucose levels, increased serum antibody titer, and safety for human health. <i>C. fistula</i> pods, rich in minerals, have potential nutritional and therapeutic benefits, making Amaltas tea a safe and effective natural remedy in Southeast Punjab.