Bauhinia variegata( Fabaceae) Kanchan

Das K
Nov 27
8 min read

Scientific Name: Bauhinia variegata

Family: Fabaceae

Genus: Bauhinia

Related Herbs from the same family:

Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice, Yashtimadhu in Sanskrit) - A fundamental Ayurvedic herb used as a sweetener, demulcent, and adrenal tonic.
Trigonella foenum-graecum (Fenugreek, Methika in Sanskrit) - A widely used spice and medicine for diabetes, digestion, and as a galactagogue.
Saraca asoca (Ashoka Tree) - A celebrated Ayurvedic herb specifically for female reproductive health, particularly menorrhagia and uterine disorders.
Abrus precatorius (Indian Licorice, Gunja in Sanskrit) - A highly toxic plant whose seeds are used in minute doses in Ayurveda for neurological conditions and as a purgative.

2. Common names

3. Medicinal Uses

Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, Hepatoprotective (liver-protecting), Antitumor (potential), Hypoglycemic (lowers blood sugar), Hypolipidemic (lowers cholesterol), Astringent, Wound healing, Thyroid stimulant (in Goiter).

Medicinal Parts:

The most commonly used parts of the Bauhinia variegata plant in medicine are the stem bark, root bark, flowers, and flower buds.

· Stem Bark: This is the primary part used in Ayurvedic medicine, especially for glandular swelling, thyroid disorders, and detoxification.

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

· Flower Buds: Eaten as a vegetable and used medicinally for their blood-purifying and laxative properties.

· Flowers: Used in digestive issues and for their astringent properties.

· Leaves: Occasionally used in traditional preparations for their anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties.

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

The bark, flowers, and roots of Bauhinia variegata are rich in a variety of bioactive compounds.

Flavonoids: Rutin, Quercetin, Kaempferol, Apigenin. These are powerful Antioxidants that protect against cellular damage. They contribute significantly to the plant's Anti-inflammatory, Antitumor, and Hypolipidemic effects.

Tannins: These polyphenolic compounds are responsible for the Astringent property of the bark, making it useful in diarrhea and wound contraction.

Triterpenoids and Sterols: β-Sitosterol, Lupeol, Stigmasterol. These compounds have demonstrated Anti-inflammatory and Anticancer activities. β-Sitosterol is also known for its Hypocholesterolemic (cholesterol-lowering) effect.

Glycosides: Various cardiac and other glycosides contribute to the plant's overall bioactivity, including potential effects on the thyroid.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Goiter and Thyroid Disorders

Formulation: Kanchanara Guggulu (a classical Ayurvedic formulation).

Preparation & Use: The bark is a primary ingredient in Kanchanara Guggulu, which is specifically prescribed for managing Goiter (enlargement of the thyroid gland) and thyroid nodules. The bark decoction is also used.

Justification: The exact mechanism is not fully understood, but it is believed that the flavonoids and glycosides in the bark help regulate thyroid function and reduce the hyperplasia of thyroid cells.

Hypolipidemic and Cardio-protective

Formulation: Bark decoction.

Preparation & Use: The bark decoction is consumed regularly to help manage high cholesterol levels and support cardiovascular health.

Justification: Flavonoids like rutin and quercetin, along with β-sitosterol, are known to inhibit cholesterol absorption and promote its excretion, thereby lowering blood lipid levels.

Wound Healing and Skin Ulcers

Formulation: Bark paste.

Preparation & Use: The bark is ground into a fine powder and mixed with water or honey to make a paste. This is applied topically to wounds, ulcers, and skin infections.

Justification: The Astringent property of tannins helps contract tissues and stop bleeding. The Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant actions reduce swelling and promote granulation tissue formation.

Antidiarrheal

Formulation: Bark decoction.

Preparation & Use: A strong decoction of the bark is taken internally to treat diarrhea and dysentery.

Justification: The astringent tannins precipitate proteins on the intestinal mucosa, forming a protective layer and reducing fluid secretion, thus firming up stools.

Culinary Use of Flowers and Buds

Formulation: Cooked vegetables and pickles.

Preparation & Use: The buds and young flowers are cooked as a vegetable, made into fritters, or pickled. They are considered a nutritive tonic and are eaten in many parts of India.

Justification: The flowers are rich in proteins, fiber, and antioxidants, making them a healthy dietary addition.

6. Culinary uses- Decoction, teas, juices and Healing recipes.

Bauhinia variegata has a unique position where its flowers are used as food, while its bark is a potent medicine.

Kanchanar Bark Decoction for Thyroid and Cholesterol

Purpose: To support thyroid health and manage high cholesterol.

Preparation & Use:

Take 5-10 grams of dried Kachnar bark.
Boil in 2 cups of water until it reduces to 1 cup.
Strain and divide into two doses.
Consume one dose morning and evening after meals.

Nutritive Kachnar Bud Curry

Purpose: A delicious and healthy vegetable dish.

Preparation & Use:

Clean and wash fresh Kachnar buds thoroughly.
Sauté with onions, tomatoes, and spices like turmeric, coriander, and cumin.
Cook until tender. The buds have a unique, slightly bitter flavor that pairs well with robust spices.
Serve with rice or roti.

Astringent Bark Paste for Wounds

Purpose: To clean wounds and promote healing.

Preparation & Use:

Grind a piece of dried bark into a very fine powder.
Mix the powder with a few drops of water or rose water to make a thick paste.
Apply to the cleaned wound or ulcer.
Cover with a bandage and change daily.

7. In-Depth Phytochemical Profile and Clinical Significance of Bauhinia variegata

Bauhinia variegata is a medium-sized deciduous tree renowned for its striking, orchid-like flowers. It holds a prominent place in traditional medicine systems, particularly in Ayurveda, where it is known as "Kachnar." It presents a "dual character" based on plant part: the flowers and flower buds are valued as a nutritious food and a gentle remedy, while the stem bark is a more concentrated source of potent bioactive compounds with strong anti-inflammatory and metabolic properties. Its phytochemistry is dominated by a unique mix of flavonoids, steroids, and tannins.

1. Flavonoids and Tannins (The Primary Therapeutic Class)

Key Compounds:

The flowers,leaves, and bark are rich in a variety of phenolic compounds.

· Flavonoids: Rutin, Quercetin, Kaempferol, Apigenin. The flowers are a particularly rich source of rutin.

· Hydrolyzable Tannins: Gallic acid, Ellagic acid, Methyl gallate.

· Proanthocyanidins (Condensed Tannins): Present in the bark, contributing to its astringency.

Actions and Clinical Relevance:

This diverse phenolic profile is responsible for the plant's foundational therapeutic actions.

· Potent Antioxidant: The high concentration of rutin, quercetin, and gallic acid provides significant free radical scavenging activity, protecting tissues from oxidative damage associated with chronic diseases and aging.

· Anti-inflammatory & Analgesic: Flavonoids and tannins inhibit key inflammatory mediators like prostaglandins and cytokines (e.g., TNF-α). This validates the traditional use of the bark decoction for managing swellings, pain, and skin inflammations.

· Venotonic & Vasoprotective: Rutin is a well-known vitamin P activity compound. It strengthens capillaries, reduces permeability, and improves venous tone. This makes B. variegata flower extracts particularly useful in conditions like hemorrhoids, varicose veins, and capillary fragility.

2. Triterpenoids and Phytosteroids

Key Compounds:

The stem bark is the primary reservoir for these non-polar bioactive compounds.

· Triterpenoids: Lupenone, Lupeol, β-Amyrin, Oleanolic acid.

· Phytosteroids: β-Sitosterol, Stigmasterol.

· Key Unique Compound: Bauhiniastatins (Pentacyclic Triterpenoids): A group of compounds with demonstrated cytotoxic activity.

Actions and Clinical Relevance:

These compounds add a profound layer of metabolic and hormonal activity.

· Hypoglycemic (Anti-diabetic): This is a hallmark activity of the stem bark. β-Sitosterol and lupeol are known to enhance insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells and improve peripheral glucose uptake, supporting its widespread traditional use in managing diabetes mellitus.

· Hypolipidemic: β-Sitosterol competes with dietary cholesterol for absorption in the gut, effectively lowering blood LDL-cholesterol and total triglyceride levels.

· Anti-inflammatory & Anti-arthritic: Lupeol and β-sitosterol possess significant anti-arthritic properties by modulating the immune response and inhibiting inflammatory pathways, making the bark a valuable remedy for rheumatoid arthritis.

· Anticancer Potential: Compounds like the bauhiniastatins and lupenone have shown cytotoxic effects against various cancer cell lines in preclinical studies, primarily by inducing apoptosis.

3. Other Critical Compounds

Key Compounds:

· Lectins and Proteins: A mannose-binding lectin has been isolated from the seeds.

· Carbohydrates: Hentriacontane, Octacosanol.

· Fatty Acids (in seed oil): Linoleic acid, Oleic acid, Palmitic acid.

Actions and Clinical Relevance:

· Immunomodulatory: The seed lectin can bind to specific immune cells, potentially modulating immune responses.

· Nutritional Value: The flowers and flower buds are a good source of protein, fiber, and minerals, and are consumed as a vegetable. The long-chain alkanes like octacosanol have potential energy-enhancing and adaptogenic properties.

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An Integrated View of Healing in Bauhinia variegata

The healing power of Bauhinia variegata requires an understanding of the synergistic actions between its different phytochemical classes and the specific uses of its plant parts.

· For Metabolic Syndrome (Diabetes & Hyperlipidemia): The stem bark acts as a comprehensive metabolic regulator. The Phytosteroids (β-Sitosterol) work to lower blood sugar by stimulating insulin secretion and reduce cholesterol absorption. Simultaneously, the Triterpenoids (Lupeol) provide potent anti-inflammatory support, which is crucial as chronic inflammation is a key driver of insulin resistance. The Flavonoids (Rutin) offer antioxidant protection to the pancreatic β-cells and blood vessels from the damaging effects of hyperglycemia. This multi-targeted approach makes it an excellent supportive therapy for Type 2 Diabetes.

· For Inflammation and Pain (Arthritis, Skin Ulcers): The plant offers a dual anti-inflammatory strategy. The Tannins and Flavonoids in the bark and leaves provide immediate, astringent and antioxidant relief for topical inflammation and wounds. At a deeper level, the Triterpenoids (Lupeol, β-Amyrin) systemically inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, addressing the root cause of conditions like arthritis. The analgesic effect of these compounds provides further symptomatic relief.

· As a Nutraceutical and Functional Food: The tree bridges the gap between food and medicine. The Flowers, rich in Rutin, act as a daily vasoprotective and antioxidant food, strengthening the circulatory system. The consumption of flower buds provides nutrition while gently supporting lymph and metabolic health, aligning with its traditional use for managing lymphadenopathy and "cleansing the blood."

· For Oncological Support (Adjuvant Potential): While not a cure, the phytochemical matrix shows promise. The Bauhiniastatins and Lupenone may exert direct cytotoxic effects on abnormal cells, while the widespread antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions of the flavonoids and tannins create a less conducive environment for tumor promotion and progression. This represents a key area for future research.

Disclaimer

The flowers and buds of Bauhinia variegata are safe for culinary consumption. The medicinal use of the bark should be undertaken with caution. Due to its potent action on the thyroid and cholesterol, it may interact with medications for thyroid disorders (hypothyroidism) and statins. It is advisable to consult with a healthcare provider or a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner before using the bark for therapeutic purposes, especially during pregnancy and lactation. This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

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

Indian Medicinal Plants by P.K. Warrier et al.
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India
Dravyaguna Vijnana by Dr. J.L.N. Sastry

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

1. Commiphora wightii (Guggulu)

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

· Similarities: Guggulu is the key ingredient in Kanchnar Guggulu. Both are considered deep cleansers of the body's channels (srotas), particularly for fats, lymphatic fluid, and toxins. They share potent anti-inflammatory and lipid-lowering properties and are used synergistically for glandular and cystic disorders.

2. Picrorhiza kurroa (Kutki)

· Species: Picrorhiza kurroa | Family: Plantaginaceae | Genus: Picrorhiza

· Similarities: Both are powerful hepatoprotective and blood-purifying herbs. While Kutki is more bitter and cooling, and Kachnar is more astringent, they share a strong action on the liver and immune system, making them invaluable in treating skin disorders and autoimmune conditions rooted in toxin overload.

3. Bauhinia purpurea (Purple Bauhinia)

· Species: Bauhinia purpurea | Family: Fabaceae | Genus: Bauhinia

· Similarities: A very close botanical relative, Bauhinia purpurea is often used interchangeably with B. variegata in some traditions under the name "Kachnar." It shares similar medicinal uses, phytochemical constituents (flavonoids, tannins), and is also consumed as a vegetable. Studying both provides insight into the medicinal potential of the Bauhinia genus.

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