A REVIEW ON BAUHINIA VARIEGATA LINN

Abstract

Bauhinia variegata linn. (Kachnar/Raktakanchan) is a medium sized tree with hairy branches belonging to family Leguminosae. The various parts of trees like flowers buds, flowers, stem bark, stem, leaves, seeds and root are popular in various system of medicines like ayurveda, unani and homeopathy in India for the cure of variety of diseases. This is widely used for the manufacture of wood wool board, production of gum and fibers and for a forestation to conserve the nature. Various traditional claims have been made on this tree for curing in number of diseases; considerable efforts have been made by researcher to verify its utility through scientific pharmacological screenings. The reported biological activities are anti-diabetic activity, anti-inflammatory activity, immune- modulatory activity, anti-tumour activity, hepatoprotective activity, antibacterial activity, haemagglutinating activity, haematinic activity, antimicrobial activity, antiulcer activity, anticarcinogenic activity. This review represents a detailed survey of the literature on pharmacognosy, phytochemistry, traditional, medicinal uses and pharmacological activities of Bauhinia variegata Linn.