Bauhinia purpurea (Fabaceae) Rakta Kanchan

Bauhinia purpurea (Purple Orchid Tree)

1. Taxonomic insights

Species: Bauhinia purpurea

Family: Fabaceae

Genus: Bauhinia

Related Herbs from the same family:

• Bauhinia variegata (Kachnar): A closely related species often used interchangeably in traditional medicine for glandular disorders and detoxification.

• Senna auriculata (Avartaki): A key Ayurvedic herb for diabetes and skin diseases.

• Saraca asoca (Ashoka): The premier uterine tonic in Ayurveda.

• Glycyrrhiza glabra (Yashtimadhu): A fundamental rejuvenative and demulcent herb.

The Fabaceae family provides a vast array of medicinally significant plants, and the Bauhinia genus is particularly noted for its utility in Ayurvedic and folk medicine for glandular and metabolic health.

2. Common Names:

Scientific Name: Bauhinia purpurea | English: Purple Orchid Tree, Butterfly Tree, Hong Kong Orchid Tree | Sanskrit: Kovidara, Kanchanara | Hindi: Kachnar, Khairwal | Tamil: Mandarai, Iruvatchi | Telugu: Deva Kanchanam | Kannada: Basavanapada, Kanchivala | Malayalam: Suvarna Mandaram | Marathi: Kanchan, Raktakanchan | Bengali: Kaanchan, Rokto Kanchan | Nepali: Koiralo | Chinese: Zǐ Yáng JIÁ (紫羊蹄甲) |

3. Medicinal Uses:Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, Hypoglycemic (lowers blood sugar), Hypolipidemic (lowers cholesterol), Hepatoprotective (liver protective), Astringent, Antitumor, Analgesic (pain-relieving).

Medicinal Parts:The stem bark, root bark, flowers, flower buds, and leaves are used medicinally.

• Stem Bark: The primary part used in decoctions and powders for internal use.

• Flower Buds and Flowers: Eaten as a vegetable and used for their blood-purifying and digestive properties.

• Root Bark: Used similarly to the stem bark, often considered potent.

• Leaves: Used in poultices for external inflammation.

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

Flavonoids (Quercetin, Rutin, Apigenin): Potent Antioxidants that help neutralize free radicals, providing Anti-inflammatory, Anticancer, and Cardioprotective effects.

Tannins (Gallic Acid, Ellagic Acid): These polyphenolic compounds are responsible for the Astringent action, helping to contract tissues, heal wounds, and reduce secretions.

Sterols (β-Sitosterol): A phytosterol with documented Hypolipidemic (cholesterol-lowering) and Anti-inflammatory properties.

Glycosides: Various glycosides in the plant contribute to its observed Hypoglycemic and Hepatoprotective activities in studies.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Gandamala (Goiter) & Galaganda (Scrofula)

Formulation: Bark decoction (Kashayam).

Preparation & Use: A decoction made from the dried bark of Bauhinia purpurea is consumed, similar to B. variegata, to reduce swelling of the thyroid gland and lymph nodes.

Reasoning: The bark is considered a powerful cleanser for the lymphatic system and kapha dosha. Its astringent properties are believed to help reduce abnormal tissue growth and fluid accumulation in glands.

Madhumeha (Diabetes) & Medoroga (Lipid Disorders)

Formulation: Bark powder or flower juice.

Preparation & Use: The bark powder is taken with water, or the juice of the flowers is consumed in folk medicine to help manage blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

Reasoning: Phytochemicals like flavonoids and sterols help improve insulin sensitivity and modulate lipid metabolism, supporting its traditional use as a metabolic regulator.

Raktashodhaka (Blood Purifier) & Vrana (Wounds)

Formulation: Flower buds as a vegetable; bark paste for external application.

Preparation & Use: The flower buds are cooked and eaten as a seasonal vegetable to purify the blood and treat skin conditions. A paste of the bark is applied topically to wounds and ulcers to promote healing.

Reasoning: The flowers have mild laxative and diuretic properties, aiding detoxification. The tannins in the bark provide astringent and antimicrobial action, cleansing and contracting the wound.

6. Healing recipes, Teas, Decoctions and Culinary use (if any):

The flower buds are a popular wild edible and are cooked as a vegetable, much like those of Bauhinia variegata.

Kachnar Bud Sabzi (Vegetable Dish)

Purpose: A seasonal blood-purifying and nutritious dish.

Preparation & Use:

• Clean and wash the fresh, tender flower buds.

• Sauté with cumin seeds, onions, ginger, and spices like turmeric, coriander powder, and red chili powder.

• Cook until tender. This dish is commonly enjoyed in North India with roti (flatbread).

Detoxifying Bark Decoction

Purpose: For glandular health and detoxification.

Preparation & Use:

• Boil 1-2 teaspoons of dried, crushed bark in 2 cups of water until it reduces to 1 cup.

• Strain and drink this decoction warm once a day, preferably under the guidance of an Ayurvedic practitioner.

7. Disclaimer:The flower buds of Bauhinia purpurea are generally safe when consumed as a food. However, the therapeutic use of the bark, especially for internal conditions, should be undertaken with caution and under professional supervision. Its hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects mean individuals on medication for diabetes or cholesterol should monitor their levels closely. This information is for educational and academic purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

8. Reference Books, Books for In-depth Study:

• Indian Materia Medica by Dr. K.M. Nadkarni

• Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

• Wealth of India by CSIR

• Dravyaguna Vijnana by Dr. J.L.N. Sastry

9. Further study: Plants that might interest you due to similar medicinal properties

1. Bauhinia variegata (Kachnar)

• Species: Bauhinia variegata | Family: Fabaceae | Genus: Bauhinia

• Similarities: This is its closest relative and the more classically referenced "Kachnar" in many Ayurvedic texts. They share nearly identical medicinal uses, phytochemical profiles (flavonoids, tannins, sterols), and are both used in the famous formulation Kanchnar Guggulu. The primary differences are often regional preferences and minor variations in chemical concentration.

2. Commiphora wightii (Guggulu)

• Species: Commiphora wightii | Family: Burseraceae | Genus: Commiphora

• Similarities: Guggulu is the key synergistic herb in Kanchnar Guggulu. Both are considered deep cleansers that penetrate into deep tissues (dhatus) and are specifically used for reducing glandular swellings, cysts, and managing lipid disorders.

3. Cassia fistula (Amaltas)

• Species: Cassia fistula | Family: Fabaceae | Genus: Cassia

• Similarities: As a member of the same Fabaceae family, Amaltas is also a potent blood purifier and mild laxative. Both herbs are used to treat skin diseases arising from blood impurities and have significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

-x-x-x-End-x-x-x-