A Comprehensive Review on Bauhinia Variegata

Abstract

Bauhinia Variegata Linn. (Fabaceae), also known as Kachnar or Mountain Ebony, is a medicinal tree found in tropical and subtropical climates. This thorough analysis combines the pharmacological, phytochemical, and traditional use of numerous plant parts, such as leaves, flowers, seeds, bark, buds, and roots. Phytochemical analysis has identified various beneficial chemicals, including flavonoids (quercetin, rutin, kaempferol, apigenin), phenolic acids, tannins, steroids (βsitosterol, lupeol), alkaloids, and glycosides. These constituents have a wide range of pharmacological activities, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, anticancer, anti-ulcer, hepatoprotective, hypolipidemic, immunomodulatory, anti-arthritic, wound healing, nephroprotective, antihelmintic, and anti-tubercular properties. Traditional medicine uses B. variegata to treat diarrhea, dysentery, skin illnesses, ulcers, leprosy, bronchitis, tumors, jaundice, and snake poisoning. Additionally, the plant provides food (flowers, buds, seeds), feed, lumber, gum, and fiber. Experimental research with in vitro and in vivo models have proven its efficiency, particularly in free radical scavenging, glucose regulation, and microbial growth inhibition. The insulin-like protein discovered in leaves has potential for diabetic management. This study focuses on Bauhinia variegata's medicinal potential as a natural source of medication candidates for oxidative stress-related disorders, metabolic syndromes, and infectious diseases, highlighting the need for additional clinical research.