Multidimensional Uses of Medicinal Plant Kachnar (Bauhinia variegata Linn.)

Bauhinia variegata Linn. (Kachnar) (Fabaceae- Leguminosae) is popular ornamental plants, commonly known as Cow’s paw. Bauhinia variegata is a widely used as medicinal plant distributed in the tropical regions. According to WHO third world countries depends mainly native medicinal plants for their health purpose. various part i.e. flowers, buds, stem, roots, bark, seeds, leaves have been used since ancient times for the treatment of a wide range of diseases. It is used traditionally in dysentery, diarrhea, hemorrhoids, piles, edema, laxative, anti-helmintic, astringent, anti-leprotic, wound healing, anti-goitrogenic, anti-tumor, antidote for snake poisoning, dyspepsia and carminative disease. It have numerous chemical values and is rich phytochemicals such as flavonoids, tannin, kaempferol, terpenoids, saponins, reducing sugars steroids, cardiac glycosides and quercetin. Studies on the medicinal and biological importance of B. variegata have been reported. In modern studies and scientific knowledge on the biological/ medicinal properties is demonstrate that B. variegata used as a anti-bacterial, anti-helmintic, anti-arthritic, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, immunomodulatory, hepatoprotective, anti-oxidant, trypsin inhibitor and anti-carcinogenic activity. B. variegata can be used as molluscicidal agent against harmful vectors/pests. The present review highlights the current status of researches on the advancement of pharmacological/ biological aspect of B. variegata and their multidimensional use in various diseases.

Author(s): Kanchan Lata Singh, D. K. Singh and Vinay Kumar Singh

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