Asian Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology 2018; 4(5): 546-562 546 Review Article Historical aspects, Medicinal uses, Phytochemistry and Pharmacological review of Bauhinia variegata Pragati Khare1*, Kamal Kishore2, Dinesh Kumar Sharma3 1 Department of Pharmacy, Bhagwant University, Raj., India. 2 Department of Pharmacy, M.J.P. Rohilkhand University, Bareilly, U.P., India. 3 Department of Pharmacy, Devsthali Vidyapeeth College of Pharmacy, Rudrapur, U.K., India. Received: 1 July 2018 Revised: 28 July 2018 Accepted: 9 August 2018 Abstract Bauhinia variegata Linn (Mountain Ebony) belongs to the family Leguminosae (Caesalpinioideae). It is a mediumsized, deciduous tree, ascending to an altitude of 1,300 m in the Himalayas. The reported biological activities are anthelmintic, antiulcer, antitumour, antimicrobial, antileprosy, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antigoitrogenic, hepatoprotective and haemagglutination. The plant is widely used by the tribals throughout India and popular in various indigenous systems of medicine like Ayurveda, Unani and Homoeopathy. Carbohydrates, tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids are the important constituents of Kachnar. Maharishi Charaka and Sushruta have mentioned the properties of Kovidara and Karbudara in their Samhitas (Treatise). Both flower and bark of Kanchnara are used as medicine because of the presence of hentriacontane, octacosanol, β-sitasterol, stigmasterol, lupeol and amino acids. Kanchanara is one of the major ingredients of many important formulations used in Ayurveda system of medicine such as Kanchanara guggulu, Kanchan gutika, Gulkand kanchanara and Kanchanaradi kwatha, Ushirasava, Chandanasava, Kanchanara drava. In this review article, we discussed about synonyms, botanical description, phytochemicals, pharmacological activity and medicinal uses of Kachnar. Keywords: Bauhinia variegata, Kachnar, flavonoids Introduction For humans, the most important necessities are food, clothes, shelter and good health. For good health, nature is full of remedies which help in curing various pathological disorders. From ancient time, herbs are being constantly used for the cure of various disorders as it has been observed that natural therapy is most efficacious than the synthetic one. Bauhinia variegata is a small to medium-sized tree. It grows to a height of about 10-12 m and is deciduous. It is mostly grown in tropical region. The genus Bauhinia includes about 600 species including shrubs, trees and vines. It is generally planted as an ornamental plant. It grows throughout India and China. It is a reliable greenhouse species which grows at an altitude of 1800 m in Himalayas (Deswal et al., 2015). Bauhinia variegata belongs to family Leguminosae (Caesalpinioideae) is also called Mountain Ebony (English), Rakta kanchan (Marathi), *Address for Corresponding Author: Pragati Khare Department of Pharmacy, Bhagwant University, Ajmer, Raj., India. E-mail: pragatikhare10@gmail.com Kachnar (Hindi). It is a medium-sized, deciduous tree found throughout India, at an altitude of 1800m in Himalayas. Leaves are broader, rigidly sub-coriaceous, deeply cordate with two leaflets, connate for about two-thirds up, leaflets are ovate, rounded at apex, 10-15cm long, pubescent beneath when young. Flowers are variously colored, lateral, sessile, stamens 5, staminodes absent, fruits flat; hard glabrous dehiscent pods, 10-15 seeded (Patil et al., 2012). The genus Bauhinia Linn. consists of shrubs or trees, distributed throughout the tropical regions of the world. In India, about 15 species of this genus are found. Bauhinias are mostly propagated from seeds. Tannins, fibre, gum and oil are procured from Bauhinia species which are useful in industries. The plants bear fragrant and beautiful flowers. They are grown as ornamental plants. B tomentosa Linn, B racemosa Lam, B retusa Roxb, B purpurea Linn, B variegata Linn and B malabarica Roxb. are widely used in the traditional systems of medicine(Mali et al., 2009). Bauhinia variegata Linn. is traditionally used in bronchitis, leprosy, inflammation, bacterial infection, liver disorders, diarrhoea, dysentery, skin disease, leprosy, intestinal worms, DOI: https://doi.org/10.31024/ajpp.2018.4.5.3 2455-2674/Copyright © 2018, N.S. Memorial Scientific Research and Education Society. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). www.ajpp.in Asian Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology 2018; 4(5): 546-562 547 urdu; Kanchana, Raktakancana in Marathi; Kalad in kashmiri; Champakati, Kanchnar in gujarati; Kanchana in Bengali; Kancan, Kanchan, Shonapushpaka in assamese; Mountain ebony, Orchid tree, Poor man's orchid, Camel's foot in English (Sudheerkumar et al., 2015). Synonyms Figure 1.(a) Leaves and flowers of Bauhinia variegata (b) Pods, flowers & leaves of Bauhinia variegata Kanakarak, kantar, kanchnar, kanchana, kanthapushpa. Common names are Mountain ebony, kachnar, kanchan, kulada (Chandra et al., 2007). Habitat wounds, ulcer, fungal infection, ulcers and tumors (Prashar et al., 2010; Yadava et al., 2003; Sinha et al., 2012). The stem bark is used as astringent, alliterative, antidiabetic, antitumor, tonic and anthelmintic, obesity and washing ulcers. (Ambasta, 1998; Ram et al., 1980; Rajkapoor et al., 2003; Rajkapoor et al., 2006; Sinha et al., 2012; Prashar et al., 2010). Infusion of the leaves is used as a laxative and for treating piles. Dried buds are used in the treatment of worms, tumors, diarrhea, dysentery and piles (Asima, 1992). Bauhinia variegata Linn. is also useful as antibacterial, antifungal, antiulcer, and hepatoprotective (Bodakhe et al., 2007). Its root has Flavanone glycoside which is responsible for its anti-inflammatory activity (Yadava et al., 2003). It is used in obesity, hyperphagia, hyperglycaemia and hyperlipidaemia (Prashar et al., 2010). The stem bark consists of 5, 7 dihydroxy and 5, 7 dimethoxy flavanone-4-O-L rhamnopyrosyl-D-glycopyranosides, Kaempferol-3-glucoside, lupeol, and betasitosterol. Seeds contain protein, fatty oilcontaining oleic acid, linoleic acid, palmitic acid, and stearic acid. Flowers contain cyanidin, malvidin, peonidin, and kaempferol. Root contains flavanol glycosides (Rajani et al., 2009). Taxonomic Classification Kingdom Plantae Sub Division Spermatophyta Division Magnoliophyta Class Magnoliopsida Sub Class Rosidae Order Fabales Family Caesalpiniaceae Genus Bauhinia Species Variegata Common names Various common names of Bauhinia variegata are: Phalgu in Sanskrit; kachnar in hindi; Adavimandaramu, Devakanchanamu in telugu; Kattaki, Kanjani in tamil; Kachan, Borada, Kosonara in odia; Chuvannamandaram, Mandaramu in Malayalam; Kanchanal, Kovidara, Kolar in Punjabi; Kanchavala, Bilimandar in kannada; Kanchnal, Bwechin in Bauhinia variegata is widely distributed in tropical regions and found throughout India especially in Punjab, central and south India. It is widely found in sub Himalayan tract and outer Himalaya's up to an altitude of 1300 meters. It is also found in China (Sudheerkumar et al., 2015). List of Bauhinia variegata species Bauhinia is a large genus under which about 250 species are present. Bauhinia variegata is also known as Butterfly tree as its leaves are in the shape of “butterfly” which is common to many Bauhinia species. The genus was named after Bauhin brothers, Swiss-French botanists. The leaves share the double-leaf configuration of a heart, or more popularly, that of a butterfly. Bauhinia blakeana is the Hongkong orchid tree which is named after British Governors of Hongkong, Sir Henry Blake, 1898-1903 and is now the floral emblem of Hongkong. It is named “Orchid tree” as the flower looks like an orchid. It is usually sterile and is considered as the hybrid origin between Bauhinia variegata and Bauhinia purpurea. In Bauhinia about 15 species occur in India like Bauhinia variegata, Bauhinia purpurea, Bauhinia acuminate, Bauhinia blakeana, Bauhinia corymbosa, Bauhinia galpinii, Bauhinia monandra, Bauhinia tomentosa, Bauhinia malabarica. The accepted species are: 1. Bauhinia accrescens Killip and J.F.Macbr. 2. Bauhinia acreana Harms 3. Bauhinia aculeata L. 4. Bauhinia aculeata subsp. Grandifolia Wunderlin 5. Bauhinia acuminata L. 6. Bauhinia acuruana Moric. 7. Bauhinia aherniana Perkins 8. Bauhinia aherniana var. subglabra K. and SS. Larsen 9. Bauhinia alata Ducke 10. Bauhinia altiscandens Ducke 11. Bauhinia amambayensis Fortunato 12. Bauhinia ampla Span. 13. Bauhinia ampla schlechteri K. Larsen and Sunarno 14. Bauhinia anamesa J.F.Macbr. www.ajpp.in Asian Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology 2018; 4(5): 546-562 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. 39. 40. 41. 42. 43. 44. 45. 46. 47. 48. 49. 50. 51. 52. 53. 54. 55. 56. 57. 58. 59. 60. 61. 62. Bauhinia anatomica Link Bauhinia andersonii K. Larsen and S.S.Larsen Bauhinia anrdrieuxii Hemsl. Bauhinia angulicaulis Harms Bauhinia angulosa Vogel Bauhinia angulosa var. meridionalis Vaz. Bauhinia ankarafantsikae Du Puy and R. Rabev Bauhinia anomala Hassl. Bauhinia apertilobata Merr. and F.P.Metcalf Bauhinia argentinensis Burkart Bauhinia argentinensis var. megasiphon Fortunato Bauhinia armatta otto Bauhinia aromatic Ducke Bauhinia augustii Harms Bauhinia aurantiata Bojer Bauhinia aurea H.Lev. Bauhinia aureifolia K. Larsen and S.S.Larsen Bauhinia aureopunctata Ducke Bauhinia baina J.F.Macbr. Bauhinia bartletti B.L.Turner Bauhinia bassacensis Gagnep. Bauhinia bauhinioides J.F.Macbr. Bauhinia begunotti Cufod. Bauhinia begunotti var. gorgonae Wunderlin Bauhinia bicolor D. Dietr. Bauhinia bidentata Jack Bauhinia bidentata subsp. bicornuta K. Larsen and S.S.Larsen Bauhinia bidentata var. breviflora K. Larsen and S.S.Larsen Bauhinia binata Blanco Bauhinia blakeana Dunn Bauhinia bohniana L.Chen. Bauhinia bombaciflora Ducke Bauhinia bowkeri Harv. Bauhinia brachycalyx Ducke Bauhinia brachycarpa Benth Bauhinia bracteata Baker Bauhinia brasiliensis Vogel Bauhinia bravicalyx Du. Puy and R.Rabev Bauhinia brevipedicellata Jarvie Bauhinia brevipes Vogel Bauhinia burbidgei Stapf Bauhinia burchellii Benth Bauhinia buscalionii Mattei Bauhinia calciphila D.X. Zhang and T.C. Chen Bauhinia calliandroides Rusby Bauhinia caloneura Malme Bauhinia calycina Gagnep Bauhinia campanulata S.S.Larsen 63. 64. 65. 66. 67. 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 www.ajpp.in Bauhinia campestris Malme Bauhinia candelabriformis Cowan Bauhinia capuronii Du. Puy and R.Rabev Bauhinia carcinophylla Merr. Bauhinia cardinalis Gagnep Bauhinia carronii F.Muell. Bauhinia carvalhoi Vaz Bauhinia cataholo Hoehne Bauhinia catingae Harms Bauhinia cercidifolia D.X. Zhang Bauhinia chalcophylla L.Chen Bauhinia chalkos Cowan Bauhinia championii (Benth.) Benth. Bauhinia chapadensis Malme Bauhinia chapulhuacania Wunderlin Bauhinia cheilantha (Bong.) Steud. Bauhinia cinnamomea DC. Bauhinia claviflora L.Chen Bauhinia clemensiorum Merr. Bauhinia damiaoshanensis T.Chen Bauhinia decandra Du Puy & R.Rabev. Bauhinia delavayi Franch. Bauhinia didyma L.Chen Bauhinia dipetala Hemsl. Bauhinia diphylla Buch.-Ham. Bauhinia eilertsii Pulle Bauhinia ellenbeckii Harms Bauhinia elongipes R.S. Cowan Bauhinia erythrocalyx Wunderlin Bauhinia exellii Torre & Hillc. Bauhinia fabrilis (de Wit) K. & S.S.Larsen Bauhinia farek Desv. Bauhinia ferruginea Roxb. Bauhinia finlaysoniana (Benth.) Baker Bauhinia flagelliflora Wunderlin Bauhinia foveolata Dalzell Bauhinia fulva Korth. Bauhinia galpinii N.E.Br. Bauhinia geminata Vogel Bauhinia gilva (Bailey) Govaerts Bauhinia glabra Jacq. Bauhinia glabrifolia (Benth.) Baker Bauhinia glauca (Benth.) Benth. Bauhinia guianensis Aubl. Bauhinia hagenbeckii Harms Bauhinia harmsiana Hosseus Bauhinia haughtii Wunderlin Bauhinia havilandii Merr. Bauhinia hiemalis Malme Bauhinia hookeri F.Muell. 548 Asian Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology 2018; 4(5): 546-562 113 Bauhinia integerrima Benth. 114 Bauhinia integrifolia subsp. cumingiana (Benth.) K.Larsen & S. S. Larsen 115 Bauhinia involucellata Kurz 116 Bauhinia involucrans Gagnep. 117 Bauhinia japonica Maxim. 118 Bauhinia jenningsii P.Wilson 119 Bauhinia jucunda Brandegee 120 Bauhinia kalantha Harms 121 Bauhinia khasiana Baker 122 Bauhinia kingii Prain 123 Bauhinia kleiniana Burkart 124 Bauhinia krugii Urb. 125 Bauhinia kunthiana Vogel 126 Bauhinia lambiana Baker f. 127 Bauhinia lamprophylla Harms 128 Bauhinia leiopetala Benth. 129 Bauhinia leptantha Malme 130 Bauhinia lingua DC. 131 Bauhinia loeseneriana Harms 132 Bauhinia longiseta Ducke 133 Bauhinia lorantha Gagnep. 134 Bauhinia macranthera Hemsl. 135 Bauhinia macrophylla Poir. 136 Bauhinia madagascariensis Desv. 137 Bauhinia malabarica Roxb. 138 Bauhinia malacotricha Harms 139 Bauhinia malacotrichoides Cowan 140 Bauhinia marginata D.Dietr. 141 Bauhinia maximilianii Benth. 142 Bauhinia meeboldii Craib 143 Bauhinia melastomatoidea R. Torres 144 Bauhinia membranacea Benth. 145 Bauhinia merrilliana Perkins 146 Bauhinia miriamae R. Torres 147 Bauhinia mollis (Bong.) D.Dietr. 148 Bauhinia mombassae Vatke 149 Bauhinia monandra Kurz 150 Bauhinia multinervia (Kunth) DC. 151 Bauhinia natalensis Hook. 152 Bauhinia nervosa (Benth.) Baker 153 Bauhinia nitida Benth. 154 Bauhinia obtusata Vogel 155 Bauhinia ombrophila Du Puy & R.Rabev. 156 Bauhinia ornata Kurz 157 Bauhinia ovata Vogel 158 Bauhinia ovatifolia T.Chen 159 Bauhinia oxysepala Gagnep. 160 Bauhinia pachyphylla Merr. 161 Bauhinia pansamalana Donn.Sm. 162 Bauhinia pauciflora Merr. 163 Bauhinia paucinervata T.Chen 164 Bauhinia pauletia Pers. 165 Bauhinia penicilliloba Gagnep. 166 Bauhinia pervilleana Baill. 167 Bauhinia pes-caprae Cav. 168 Bauhinia petersiana Bolle 169 Bauhinia petiolata (DC.) Hook. 170 Bauhinia phoenicea Wight & Arn. 171 Bauhinia picta (Kunth) DC. 172 Bauhinia pinheiroi Wunderlin 173 Bauhinia platycalyx Benth. 174 Bauhinia platypetala Benth. 175 176 177 178 179 180 181 182 183 184 185 186 187 188 189 190 191 192 193 194 195 196 197 198 199 200 201 202 203 204 205 206 207 208 209 210 211 212 213 214 215 216 217 218 219 220 221 222 223 224 225 226 227 228 229 230 231 232 233 234 235 236 237 238 www.ajpp.in Bauhinia podopetala Baker Bauhinia poiteauana Vogel Bauhinia posthumi (de Wit) Cusset Bauhinia pottingeri Prain Bauhinia pottsii G.Don Bauhinia praesignis Ridl. Bauhinia prainiana Craib Bauhinia pterocalyx Ducke Bauhinia pulchella Benth. Bauhinia pulla Craib Bauhinia purpurea L. Bauhinia pyrrhoclada Drake Bauhinia pyrrhoneura Korth. Bauhinia quinanensis T.Chen Bauhinia racemosa Lam. Bauhinia radiata Vell. Bauhinia rahmatii Merr. Bauhinia ramirezii Reynoso Bauhinia ramosissima Hemsl. Bauhinia reflexa Schery Bauhinia reticulata DC. Bauhinia rhodacantha Desv. Bauhinia richardiana DC. Bauhinia ridleyi Prain Bauhinia riedeliana Bong. Bauhinia roxburghiana Voigt Bauhinia rufa (Bong.) Steud. Bauhinia rufescens Lam. Bauhinia rusbyi Britton Bauhinia rutenbergiana Vatke Bauhinia rutilans Benth. Bauhinia saccocalyx Pierre Bauhinia saigonensis Gagnep. Bauhinia scala-simiae Sandwith Bauhinia scandens L. Bauhinia seleriana Harms Bauhinia semibifida Roxb. Bauhinia seminarioi Eggers Bauhinia semla Wunderlin Bauhinia sessilifolia (DC.) Quinones Bauhinia similis Craib Bauhinia siqueiraei Ducke Bauhinia smilacifolia Benth. Bauhinia smilacina (Schott) Steud. Bauhinia somalensis Pic.Serm. & Roti Mich. Bauhinia sprucei Benth. Bauhinia steenisii K.Larsen & S.S.Larsen Bauhinia stenantha Diels Bauhinia stenocardia Standl. Bauhinia stenopetala Ducke Bauhinia stipularis Korth. Bauhinia strychnifolia Craib Bauhinia strychnoidea Prain Bauhinia subclavata Benth. Bauhinia subrotundifolia Cav. Bauhinia surinamensis Amshoff Bauhinia sylvani (de Wit) Cusset Bauhinia taitensis Taub. Bauhinia tarapotensis Benth. Bauhinia tenella Benth. Bauhinia tessmannii Harms Bauhinia thonningii Schum. Bauhinia tomentosa L. Bauhinia tortuosa Collett & Hemsl. 549 Asian Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology 2018; 4(5): 546-562 239 240 241 242 Bauhinia touranensis Gagnep. Bauhinia tubicalyx Craib Bauhinia tumupasensis Rusby Bauhinia uleana Harms 550  Kodivara is also mentioned in samhitas and chakrapani. It was quoted that kodivara flowering occurs in sarat rutu. Susruta samhita  Kodivara was mentioned in kashaya varga and urdwa bhagaharangana. 243 Bauhinia ungulata L. 244 Bauhinia urbaniana Schinz  Kodivara leaves are used in raktapitta chikitsa. 245 Bauhinia urocalyx Harms  In kalpastana, devakanchanara was mentioned for sarpa visha chikitsa. He also prescribed kodivara flowers for internal hemorrhage. 246 Bauhinia uruguayensis Benth. 247 Bauhinia vahlii Wight & Arn. 248 Bauhinia variegata L.  Dalhana treated karbudhara as a variety of kanchanara or slesmataka. 249 Bauhinia variegata var. candida Voigt  Leaves and flowers of Karbudhara i.e. kanchanara and kodivara are used as vegetables. 250 Bauhinia venustula T.Chen 251 Bauhinia verrucosa Vogel Astanga hrudaya 252 Bauhinia vespertilio S.Moore  Root powder of kovidara was used for arsha chikitsa. 253 Bauhinia vestita (Benth.) J.F.Macbr.  Rectal prolapsed was treated by Kovidara picchabasti. 254 Bauhinia viorna J.F.Macbr. 256 Bauhinia viridescens var. laui (Merr.) T.Chen  The decoction of kovidara flowers was utilized for the treatment of fever, anorexia, goiter, malignant tumors and enlargement of abdomen. 257 Bauhinia viscidula Harms Sarangadara samhita 258 Bauhinia vulpina Rusby  255 Bauhinia viridescens Desv. 259 Bauhinia wallichii J.F.Macbr. Kanchanara guggulu was indicated for treating diseases like apachi, grandhi, gulma, kushta. 260 Bauhinia weberbaueri Harms Nigantu period 261 Bauhinia williamsii F.Muell.  262 Bauhinia winitii Craib 263 Bauhinia wrayi Prain Dhanvantari nigantu, raja nigantu, bhavaprakasa nigantu, kaiyadeva nigantu illustrated in detail about the guna karmas of kanchanara. Dhanvantari nigantu 264 Bauhinia wunderlinii R. Torres 265 Bauhinia wuzhengyii S. S. Larsen  Svetapushpa was said as kanchanara and rakta pushpa as kovidara. 266 Bauhinia xerophyta Du Puy & R.Rabev. Bhavaprakasa nigantu 267 Bauhinia yunnanensis Franch. Historical aspect  Bhavamisra has described this in guduchyadivarga and described kanchanara and kovidara. Vedic Period Modern period  During vedic and samhita period, Kanchanara was originally named as Kovidara.  Kanchanara is found in many books of this period. Botanists studied the chemical nature of the various compounds present in the drug.  Literatures of kodivara flowers are observed in ayodhyakanda, sundara kanda, yuddakanda of Valmiki Ramayana of the Rig Veda.  In Varivamsa kodivara, Bauhinia variegata is described as a tree with beautiful flowers.  Vedic literature considers it is a stem as forbidden for rituals. Charaka samhita  Kodivara was mentioned in vamanapoga desaimani, in sutrastana.  Ayurveda acharya of 20th century Yadavji, Trikamji, Viswanath Dwivedi, Priyavarat Sharma etc. has discussed this drug in various books.  In modern days, kanchanara is not only used for therapeutic purposes, but also for various domestic purposes.  Ayurveda, allopathic, unani, siddha systems of medicine are using either the raw drug or its extracts for various therapeutic purposes. www.ajpp.in Asian Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology 2018; 4(5): 546-562 History speaks for kanchanara as a drug with good medicinal value (Duvvuru, 2013). Bauhinia is small evergreen medicinal tree consisting of 300 species which are cultivated all over the world in the tropical regions. The trees are cultivated in plain and sub-mountainous tracks in Pakistan. Bauhinia has been widely planted in garden, park as ornamental plant. Leaves were used as fodder for sheep, goats and cattle. In the native countries, the mature seeds and young pods of Bauhinia are eaten, cooked and pickled. The extract of Bauhinia leaves are utilized due to their antiinflammatory, antifungal, antipyretic, analgesic, antispasmodic, antitumor and antimicrobial properties. The stems, roots and leaves are also useful for the cure of pain, diabetes, infections, ulcer, jaundice, leprosy (Arain et al., 2012). According to ayurvedic literature, Bauhinia variegata is named as Kanchnar, Gandari, Yugmapatra and Karbudara. It has been reported that Bauhinia variegata posseses Kasaya rasa, Ruksha guna, Shita virya and Katu vipaka. Krimiroga (worm infestation), gandamala (scrofula), apaci (cervical lymphadenitis) and vrana (wounds) can be cured by using stem bark of Bauhinia variegata (Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia, 1990; Kapoor, 2007). The powder of bark of Bauhinia variegata has been used in combination with other drugs by ayuredic practitioners for the cure of many disorders. It is used for the treatment of gynaecological conditions in combination with myrrh (Commiphora molmol Engler), turmeric (Curcuma domestica Linn.) and ashoka (Saraca indica Linn.). It is used for the treatment of lymphatic swelling in combination with guggulu (Commiphora weightii Linn.), punarnava (Boerhaavia diffusa Linn.) and triphala (equal parts of Terminalia belerica Linn., Terminalia chebula Retz. and Emblica officinalis Gaerth). It is used for the treatment of osteoporosis in combination with ashwagandha (Withania somnifera (Linn.) Dunal), bakuchi (Mimusops elengi Linn.), ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe.) and guggulu. Diarrhoea is treated in combination with kutki (Picrorrhiza kurroa Linn.) and bibhitaki (Terminalia belerica Linn.) (Sebastian, 2006). Cultivation and collection Bauhinia variegata can be naturally propagated through the seeds when provided with favorable conditions, whereas artificial propagation is carried out by stump planting i.e. direct sowing of seeds. Branch cuttings normally root with difficulty, but these root well in August, November and February with the application of auxins. Direct sowing can be done in lines, spaced about 3 m apart. Germination starts in about a week after the onset of monsoon rains ensuring good soaking of soil. The entire plants have to be transplanted with the ball of soil. For planting out in July-August, previous year's seeds are sowed in MarchApril (Mali et al., 2009). 551 The ornamental plant is propagated with seeds, stem planting and branch cutting. Seeds are sown in MarchApril. The seedlings are then transplanted in July-August. Their germination takes place on the onset of monsoon. In vitro regeneration of Bauhinia variegata was observed in nodal explants from mature trees. Optimal shooting was obtained on media supplemented with 13.3 micrometre IBA within 15-20 days. Single shoots with 3-4 nodes initiates rooting when transferred to MS medium with 4.9 micrometre IBA within 45 days (Chandra et al., 2007). Flowers: vasantha rutu. Flowering: February-april. Fruiting: May-june (Chandra et al., 2007). DOSAGE Twakchurnam- 4 grams Pushpachurnam- 2 grams Decoction- 50-100 ml (Chandra et al., 2007). Stem bark powder- 3-6 grams Decoction- 40-80 ml Flower juice- 10-20 ml Flower juice for decoction- 20-30 ml (Chandra et al., 2007). Kanchanara guggulu- ½ Tula (Khare, 2007). Bark powder- 2-4 masha. Pushppa powder- 1-2 masha (Kumar, 2013). Plant description and distribution Bauhinia variegata is widely distributed throughout India especially in areas about 1800 meters altitude. It is also distributed throughout tropical regions of the world (Sudheerkumar et al., 2015). Bauhinia variegata is known as Mountain Ebony in English. In Sanskrit the word Kanchnar stands “A glowing beautiful lady”. A freshly collected bark of the plant is greyish brown externally and cream colored internally. Its internal surface slowly turns red and on drying becomes brown and smooth. The external surface remains greyish brown and rough due to large number of exfoliations, transverse cracks and fissures. The bark becomes curved and channeled on drying. Leaves are 10-15 cm in length, rigidly subcoriaceous and deeply cordate. The flowers are bisexual, irregular and light magenta in color. The pods are long, hard, flat, and dehiscent and 10-15 seeded. The various parts of the plant viz., flower buds, flowers, stem, stem bark, leaves, seeds and roots are used in the formulation of medicine and in curing a variety of diseases (Mali et al., 2009). Kachnar is a flowering plant that grows well in parts of Southeast Asia and is native to India, Pakistan, Nepal, Burma and Sri www.ajpp.in Asian Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology 2018; 4(5): 546-562 Lanka. It is cultivated as an ornamental tree and famous for its scented flowers. Kachnar is crucial part of cuisine in several Nepali, Pakistani and Indian dishes (Sayago et al., 2013). The tree is found in Sub Himalayan tract from the Indus eastward and throughout the forests of India and Burma. It is also grown for its scented flowers and also used as food item in South Asian cuisine (Tewari et al., 2015). Botanical description Bark-The bark is light brownish grey, smooth to slightly fissured and scaly. Inner bark is pinkish, fibrous and bitter. The twigs are slender, zigzag; when young, light green, slightly hairy, and angled, becoming brownish grey. Leaves-Leaves have minute stipules 1-2 mm, early caducous; petiole puberulous to glabrous, 3-4 cm; lamina broadly ovate to circular, often broader than long, 6-16 cm diameter; 11-13 nerved; tips of lobes broadly rounded, base cordate; upper surface glabrous, lower glaucous but glabrous when fully grown. Flower-Flower clusters (racemes) are unbranched at ends of twigs. The few flowers have short, stout stalks and a stalk-like, green, narrow basal tube (hypanthium). The light green, fairly hairy calyx forms a pointed 5- angled bud and splits open on 1 side, remaining attached; petals 5, slightly unequal, wavy margined and narrowed to the base; 5 curved stamens; very slender, stalked, curved pistil, with narrow, green, 1-celled ovary, style and dot like stigma. Seeds- Pods dehiscent, strap-shaped, obliquely striate, 20-30 by 2-25 cm; long, hard, flat with 10-15 seeds in each; seeds brown, flat, nearly circular with coriaceus testa (Deswal et al., 2015). A study was conducted in which the buds and flowers of kachnar were dehydrated. The buds and flowers were divided into two parts. One part was dipped in 2% potassium metabisulphite solution overnight and the other part was blanched for 2-3 minutes. The treated buds and flowers were dried in tray drier at 50°C, 55°C and 60°C; in solar drier and sun until a uniform weight was obtained. It was concluded that samples dried at 60°C took minimum time for drying and were low in moisture content. The samples which were blanched had high moisture content in comparison to the sulphur treated samples and they took more time to dry. It was also reported that the sulphur treated Kachnar samples which were dried at 50°C in tray drier rehydrated much better than others whereas, the rehydration of blanched samples dried at other temperatures was comparatively lower. The drying of Kachnar ensures its better availability and utilization throughout the year (Verma et al., 2010). Bauhinia variegata bark has been studied for dyeing of fabrics like silk. Silk is popular due to its luster, durability and dye capability and it renders colour in a different way. Now-a-days there is a trend of using natural dyes due to many merits. The silk fabric was degummed before dying in order to remove the impurities. The fabric was dried and then treated with maganesium chloride, 552 ferrous sulphate, pomegranate and arjun. The dyed samples were analyzed for their colour fastness against washing, rubbing, perspiration and sunlight. Kachnar dye gave a colour series of pinkish brown colour on silk using different mordants and mordanting methods with varying concentration levels. It was reported that fastness properties enhanced after post mordanting method and colour adherence to fabric was good. It was concluded that the Kachnar dyed silk samples mordanted with different mordants when evaluated visually showed improvement in appearance over the control sample (Yadav et al., 2014). Chemical constituents (Bansal et al., 2014) Flavonoids like flavanone, 5, 7-dimethoxy-30, 40methylenedioxyflavanone and a new dihydrodibenzoxepin, 5, 6-dihydro-1, 7-dihydroxy-3, 4-dimethoxy-methyldibenz oxepin were reported to be present in the roots of Bauhinia variegata (Reddy et al., 2003). The novel flavonol glycoside 5, 7, 3', 4'- tetrahydroxy-3-methoxy-7-Oalpharhamnopyranosyl (1-->3) - O-beta-galactopyranoside were obtained from the roots of Bauhinia variegata. Triterpene saponin was isolated from the Bauhinia variegata Linn. leaves which was responsible for the antiinflammatory and antinociceptive activities (Mohamed et al., 2009). A phenanthraquinone, named bauhinione has been isolated from Bauhinia variegata (Zhao et al., 2005). Roots: The root bark constitutes (2S)-5, 7-dimethoxy-3', 4'methylenedioxy flavanone and 5,6-dihydro-1,7-dihydroxy3 , 4- d i m e t h o x y- 2 - m e t hy l d i b e nz o x e pi n; 5 , 7 ,3 ' , 4 ' tetrahydroxy-3-methoxy-7-O- -L-rhamnopyranosyl (1 3)O- -D-glucopyranoside. Hentriacontane, 5,7,3',4'tetrahydroxy-3-methoxy-7-O- -L-rhamno pyranosyl (13)O-galactopyranoside5,6-dihydro-1,7-dihydroxy-3,4dimethoxy-2-Methyldibenzoxepins(2S)-5,7-dimethoxy3',4'-methylenedioxyflavanone, flavanone (2S)-5,7dimethoxy- 3',4'-methylenedioxyflavanone and a new dihydrodibenzoxepi n, '5-hydroxy7,3',4',5'-tetramethoxyflavone5-O-beta-Dxylopyranosyl-(1-2)-alpha-Lrhamnopyranoside. Bauhinione, a new phenanthraquinone was isolated from Bauhinia variegata and its structure was 2, 7-dimethoxy-3-methyl-9, 10- dihydrophenanthrene-1, 4dione analyzed by the spectroscopic analysis (Patil et al., 2010). The qualitative chemical test of Bauhinia variegata root powder showed the presence of carbohydrates, glycosides, flavonoids, tannins, phenolic compounds, proteins, gums and mucilages (Deswal et al., 2015; Patil et al., 2010). Stems : The stem bark constitutes hentriacontane, octacosanol and stigmasterol; 5, 7-dihydroxyflavanone-4'O--L-rhamnopyranosyl--D-glucopyranoside; -sitosterol, lupeol and kaempferol-3-glucoside; 2, 7-dimethoxy-3- www.ajpp.in Asian Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology 2018; 4(5): 546-562 Figure 2. Chemical constituents of Bauhinia variegata www.ajpp.in 553 Asian Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology 2018; 4(5): 546-562 methyl-9, 10-dihydro phenanthrene-1, 4-dione on the basis of spectroscopic analysis. It also shows the presence of glycosides, reducing sugars, nitrogenous substances. The stem bark of Bauhinia variegata was reported to be composed of tannins which are responsible for the immunomodulatory activity (Patil et al., 2010). Leaves: Leaves consisted of heptatriacontan-12,13-diol and dotetracont-15-en-9-ol. The phytoconstituents of leaves of Bauhinia variegata leaves are tannins, alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, flavanoids i.e quercetin, rutin, quercetin, apigenin and apigenin 7-O-glucoside. Bauhinia variegata has similar composition, with germacrene D, spathulenol, δ-cadinine (Deswal et al., 2015). Buds: Buds consist of alanine, aspartic acid, glycine, serine, glutamic acid, phosphoenolpyruvic acid, oxaloacetic acid and ketoglutaric acid (Bansal et al., 2014). Flowers: Quercitroside. Isoquercitroside, rutoside, taxifoline rhamnoside, kaempferol-3-glucoside, myricetol glycoside, apigenin-7-O-glucoside, quercetin, rutin, quercetrin, apigenin, ascorbic, aspartic, glutamic, octadecanoic acid, keto acids, amino acid, tannins, cyaniding-3-glucoside, malvidin-3glucoside, malvidin-3-diglucoside, peonidin-3-glucoside, peonidin-3-diglucoside, 3-galactoside and 3-rhamnoglucoside of kaempferol. Seed: Carbohydrates, proteins, amino acids, ascorbic acid, flavonoids, alkaloids, leucoanthocyanines, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, arginine, glycine, alanine, histidine, isoleucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, threonine, tyrosine, valine, 5-hydroxy7,3',4',5'-tetra-methoxyflavone-5-Obeta-D-xylopyranosyl-(l~->2)-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside (Tewari et al., 2003). The seeds yield fatty oil containing linolinic acid, oleic, steric, palmitic and myristic acid (Deswal et al., 2015). Bark: The bark yields fibre and tannins. Seven flavonoids, namely kaempferol, ombuin, kaempferol-7,4′-dimethyl-ether-3O-β-D-glucopyranoside, kaempferol-3-O-β-Dglucopyranoside, isorhamnetin-3-O-β-Dglucopyranoside and hesperidin, together with one triterpene caffeate, 3β-trans-(3,4dihydro xycinnamoyloxy) olean-12-en-28-oic acid were isolated from the non-woody aerial parts of Bauhinia variegata. Phytochemical analysis of the root bark of Bauhinia variegata Linn yielded a new flavanone, (2S)-5,7-dimethoxy-30,40methylenedioxyflavanone and a new dihydrodibenzoxepin, 5,6dihydro-1,7-dihydroxy-3,4-dimethoxy-2methyldibenz[b,f]oxepin together with three known flavonoids. The structures of the new compounds were determined on the basis of spectral studies (Deswal et al., 2015). Medicinal uses In Ayurvedic literature Bauhinia variegata is known by 554 Kanchnar, Gandari, Yugmapatra and Karbudara. The plant is full of Kasaya rasa, Ruksha guna, Shita virya and Katu vipaka. The stem bark of Bauhinia variegata is utilised in the cure of krimiroga (worm infestation), gandamala (scrofula), apaci (cervical lymphadenitis) and vrana (wounds). The bark powder of Bauhinia variegata can be used in combination with myrrh (Commiphora molmol Engler), turmeric (Curcuma domestica Linn.) and ashoka (Saraca indica Linn.) to treat gynaecological conditions. It is administered in combination with guggulu (Commiphora weightii Linn.), punarnava (Boerhaavia diffusa Linn.) and triphala (equal parts of Terminalia belerica Linn., Terminalia chebula Retz. and Emblica officinalis Gaerth) for the treatment of lymphatic swelling. Bauhinia variegata is administered with ashwagandha (Withania somnifera (Linn.) Dunal), bakuchi (Mimusops elengi Linn.), ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe.) and guggulu for the treatment of osteoporosis. Bauhinia variegata can be used in combination with kutki (Picrorrhiza kurroa Linn.) and bibhitaki (Terminalia belerica Linn.) for treating diarrhoea. In Unani system of medicine, bark is used as astringent to the bowels and tonic to the liver. It is reported to be useful in treatment of leucoderma, leprosy, menorrhagia, asthma, wounds and ulcers. The flower buds are useful in the treatment of piles, cough, eye diseases, and liver complaints and as styptic in haematuria and menorrhagia (Mali et al., 2009). Bauhinia variegata is widely used in as an antidiabetic agent, because insulin-like protein was present in its leaves (Azevedo et al., 2006). A new lectin from seeds of the Bauhinia variegata candida was obtained which showed hemagglutination activity of BvcL (Silva et al., 2007). The plant was proved to have antitumour activity in Dalton's ascitic lymphoma, N-nitrosodiethylamine-induced liver tumors and human cancer cell lines. It also possess the antiinflammatory activity due to flavonol glycoside 5,7,3',4'tetrahydroxy-3-methoxy-7-O-alpha-l-rhamnopyranosyl( 1-->3)-O-beta-galactopyranoside (Patil et al., 2015). Bauhinia variegata is also useful in the preparation of ayurvedic medicines for diarrhoea, dysentery, goitre, lymphadenitis, worm infestation, rectal prolapse and as depurative (blood purifier). It also enhances the detoxifying function of liver. This plant also possesses antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, cytotoxic, antiobesity and nephroprotective effect (Manoj et al., 2013). Root decoction is administered for reducing corpulence (Tomar et al., 2009). The bark, leaves and flowers of Bauhinia variegata is useful in the cure of gall bladder, kidney stones and piles (Singh et al., 2013). www.ajpp.in Asian Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology 2018; 4(5): 546-562 Pharmacological Activities 555 triglyceride, LDL, VLDL, level but also increases the HDL level (Kumar et al., 2011). Antipathogenic activity Bauhinia variegata is widely distributed throughout India especially in areas about 1800 meters altitude (Sudheerkumar et al., 2015). Bauhinia variegata Linn. is traditionally used in bronchitis, leprosy, inflammation, bacterial infection, liver disorders, diarrhoea, dysentery, skin disease, leprosy, intestinal worms, wounds, ulcer, fungal infection, ulcers and tumors (Prashar et al., 2010; Yadava et al., 2003; Sinha et al., 2012). The aqueous extract of leaves from Bauhinia variegata was used in barley plant to protect against Bipolaris sorokiniana. The result of research work lead to conclusion that Barley plants pretreated with an extract from Bauhinia variegata and later challenged with conidia from Bipolaris sorokiniana, demonstrated protection against the pathogen that correlated with increased PAL and β-1, 3-glucanase enzyme activities and the presence of coumaric acid (Bach et al., 2012). Anthelmintic Activity The stem bark of Bauhinia variegata is used as astringent, alliterative, antidiabetic, antitumor, tonic and anthelmintic, obesity and washing ulcers (Ambasta, 1998; Ram et al., 1980; Rajkapoor et al., 2003; Rajkapoor et al., 2006; Sinha et al., 2012; Prashar et al., 2010). Synergistic anthelmintic activity of panchagavya was reported with ethanolic extract of Bauhinia variegata Linn (EEBV). The presence of PG could potentiate binding of free protein in GIT of host animal and causes death (Kumar et al., 2014). Antioxidant and DNA protective activity Infusion of the leaves is used as a laxative and for treating piles. Dried buds are used in the treatment of worms, tumors, diarrhea, dysentery and piles (Asima, 1992). The methanolic extract of Bauhinia variegata bark (MEB) possess in vitro antioxidant and DNA protective activity against H2O2–induced oxidative damage to pBR322 DNA. The results of the research work lead to the conclusion that MEB and its polar sub-fractions (EAB, NBB and REB) have significant antioxidant activity and potential to prevent H2O2-induced oxidative damage to pBR322 DNA. The potent antioxidant activity and DNA protection ability of Bauhinia variegata bark extract/fractions may be attributed to their richness in phenolic/flavonoid compounds (Sharma et al., 2011). Antihyperlipidemic Bauhinia variegata Linn. is used as antibacterial, antifungal, antiulcer, and hepatoprotective (Bodakhe et al., 2007). The methanolic extract of Bauhinia variegata (Linn) leaves is evaluated for the presence of antihyperlipidemic activity in Triton WR-1339 (tyloxapol) induced hyperlipidemic rats. The research work concluded that Butanol fraction of B. variegata not only resulted in significant reduction in cholesterol, Nephroprotective activity The roots of Bauhinia variegata possess flavanone glycoside which is responsible for its anti-inflammatory activity (Yadava et al., 2003). The ethanolic extract of Bauhinia variegata Linn. whole stem is evaluated for nephroprotective activity against cisplatin-induced nephropathy. It was investigated by an in vivo method in rats and Bauhinia variegata whole stem was found to have potent activity against cisplatin- induced nephropathy (Pani et al., 2011). Immunomodulatory activity Kachnar is used in the treatment of obesity, hyperphagia, hyperglycaemia and hyperlipidaemia (Prashar et al., 2010). Patil et al (2010) reported the In-vitro immunomodulatory activity of extracts of Bauhinia variegata Linn stem bark on human neutrophils. Bauhinia variegata Linn stem bark significantly increased the phagocytic function of human neutrophils when compared with control, indicating the possible immunostimulating effect. The Bauhinia variegata Linn stem bark extracts significantly increased the neutrophil chemotactic movement as indicated by the increase in number of cells reached the lower surface of filter; thereby Bauhinia variegata Linn stem bark extracts acts as chemo-attractant (Patil et al., 2010). Antifungal and antibacterial activity Bauhinia variegata is a small to medium-sized tree. It grows to a height of about 10-12 m and is deciduous. It is mostly grown in tropical region. It is a reliable greenhouse species which grows at an altitude of 1800 m in Himalayas (Deswal et al., 2015). Bauhinia variegata is evaluated for the presence of antibacterial and antifungal activity of 50 mg/ml, 100 mg/ml and 200 mg/ml petroleum ether, chloroform, acetone-water, water extract by using cupplate method. The antibacterial activity was evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus (Gram positive) and Escherichia coli (Gram negative). The antifungal activity was evaluated against Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger. It was concluded from the study that Bauhinia variegata exhibited potent antibacterial and antifungal activity (Patil et al., 2015). Antimicrobial activity Tannins, fibre, gum and oil are procured from Bauhinia species which are useful in industries. The plants bear fragrant and beautiful flowers. They are grown as ornamental plants. B tomentosa Linn, B racemosa Lam, B retusa Roxb, B purpurea Linn, B variegata Linn and B malabarica Roxb. are widely used in the traditional www.ajpp.in Asian Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology 2018; 4(5): 546-562 systems of medicine (Mali et al., 2009). In a study the antimicrobial effect of methanolic extract of flower of Bauhinia variegate Linn was estimated by using gram positive B.subtilus, S. aureaus, S. epidermis and gram negative E. coli, S. flexineria, P. auriginosa. Study shows that methanolic extract of flower of Bauhinia variegata Linn inhibited the growth of microorganisms dose dependently (Kulshrestha et al., 2011). Adjunct therapy in chronic Staphylococcus aureus mastitis in goat Kachnar is used in the cure of obesity, hyperphagia, hyperglycaemia and hyperlipidaemia (Prashar et al., 2010). Jeevan Ranjan Dash studied the effect of Bauhinia variegata L. stem bark powder as adjunct therapy in chronic Staphylococcus aureus mastitis in goat. Mastitis was induced by intracisternal inoculation of coagulase positive S. aureus (J638) at the concentration of 2000 colony forming units. A marked reduction in polymorphonuclear cells and fibrous tissue was observed indicating antifibrotic property of Bauhinia variegata L (Dash et al., 2014). Molluscicidal activity Bauhinia variegata is widely distributed in tropical regions and found throughout India especially in Punjab, central and south India (Sudheerkumar et al., 2015). A study using binary combination of Bauhinia variegata and Mimusops elengi with other plant molluscicides Saraca asoca and Thuja orientalis against snail Lymnaea acuminata. It was reported that toxicity of binary combinations of plant molluscicides with other plant molluscicides was toxic against fresh water snail L. acuminate (Singh et al., 2012). Adulticidal activity Bauhinia variegata can be naturally propagated through the seeds when provided with favorable conditions, whereas artificial propagation is carried out by stump planting i.e. direct sowing of seeds. Branch cuttings normally root with difficulty, but these root well in August, November and February with the application of auxins (Mali et al., 2009). A study on seven medicinal plants to check their activity against adult worms of Haemonchus contortus. The plants used for the study were Chenopodium album , Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium , Bauhinia variegata, Cuscutta reflexa, Ailenthus excelsa, Calotropis gigantea and Annona squamosa. All these plants were dried in shade and grinded to form a coarse powder, then this coarse powder is extracted by soxhlet apparatus, followed by concentration by rotatory evaporator. In vitro adulticidal activity was analyzed. Then the data obtained was analyzed statistically to find LC50. The result concluded that out of the seven test plants, Calotorpis procera showed significant adulticidal activity after 1 hour, while Chrysanthemum indicum leaves extract after 2 hours. All other five plants took about 4 hours to 556 show the adulticidal activity (Yadav et al., 2009). Larvicidal activity Kachnar is a flowering plant that grows well in parts of Southeast Asia and is native to India, Pakistan, Nepal, Burma and Sri Lanka. It is cultivated as an ornamental tree and famous for its scented flowers. Kachnar is crucial part of cuisine in several Nepali, Pakistani and Indian dishes (Sayago et al., 2013). A study proceeded with the investigation of the larvicidal activity of Bauhinia variegata and Croton sparsiflorus plant powders for the Aedes aegypti larvae. Concentrations of 100, 120, 140, 160, 180, and 200 mg/100 ml leaf powder of Bauhinia variegata and C. sparsiflorus were tested against the larvae of A. aegypti up to 24 hr. LC50 value of 122.73 mg/100 ml and LC90 value of 180.04 mg/100 ml was observed for C. sparsiflorus leaf powder. LC50 value of 142.47 mg/100 ml and LC90 value of 210.16 mg/100 ml was observed for Bauhinia variegata leaf powder. It was proved from the study that C. sparsiflorus leaf powder caused 100% mortality which was followed by the leaf powder of Bauhinia variegata against A. aegypti (Shanmugapriya et al., 2016). Treatment of Urinary tract infection (UTI) Kachnar is grown for its scented flowers and also used as food item in South Asian cuisine (Tewari et al., 2015). Bauhinia variegata can be used for the treatment of urinary tract infection. 9 tropical flowering plants (Anogeissus acuminata, Azadirachta indica, Bauhinia variegata, Boerhaavia diffusa, Punica granatum, Soymida febrifuga, Terminalia chebula, Tinospora cordifolia and Tribulus terrestris) have been studied for possible use as source of antimicrobials for multidrug resistant (MDR) bacteria, along with main-stream antibiotics. Pathogenic bacteria were isolated from urine samples of patients attending and admitted in the hospital. Antibiograms of 11 isolated bacteria (Enterococcus faecalis and Staphylococcus aureus ; and GNs, Acinetobacter baumannii , Citrobacter freundii , Enterobacter aerogenes, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella oxytoca, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Proteus vulgaris and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) were ascertained by the disc-diffusion method, and antibacterial activity of plant extracts was monitored by the agar-well diffusion method. It was noticed that Bauhinia variegata was one of the plant active against urinary tract infection (Mishra et al., 2015). Anti-carcinogenic and Anti-mutagenic potential Flavonoids like flavanone, 5, 7-dimethoxy-30, 40methylenedioxyflavanone and a new www.ajpp.in Asian Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology 2018; 4(5): 546-562 dihydrodibenzoxepin, 5, 6-dihydro-1, 7-dihydroxy-3, 4dimethoxy-methyldibenz oxepin were reported to be present in the roots of Bauhinia variegata (Reddy et al, 2003). The topical application of the Kachanar leaves extract at the pre promotion phase showed a significant reduction in tumor incidence, tumor burden, tumor weight, tumor size, cumulative number of papillomas, in Kachanar treated groups as compared to the carcinogen treated control. The antitumor activity of ethanolic extract of Bauhinia variegata was reported in Dalton's ascetic lymphoma (DAL) in swiss albino mice and in liver tumor in rats (Agrawal et al., 2009). Mishra et al investigated the antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer activities of Bauhinia variegata leaf extracts against Klebsiella pneumonia, E. coli, Proteus spp. and Pseudomonas spp. It produced significant antioxidant acitvity in beta carotene bleaching assay. Ethyl acetate fraction was used to produce cytotoxicity against MCF-7 and THP-1 cell lines (Mishra et al., 2013). Anti-tumour activity Bauhinia variegata is widely used in as an antidiabetic agent, because insulin-like protein was present in its leaves (Azevedo et al., 2006). The ethanolic extract of Bauhinia variegate possess potent cytotoxic activity against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma in Swiss albino mice. Oral administration of ethanolic extract of Bauhinia variegata was effective in reducing solid tumor mass development induced by EAC cells (Rajkapoor et al., 2003 and Rajkapoor et al., 2006). 557 (Manoj et al., 2013). The ethanolic extracts of Bauhinia variegata and Glycosmis pentaphylla were evaluated for antipyretic activity in Brewer's yeast induced pyrexia in rats. Activity was due to inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis in the hypothalamus (Mandal et al., 2011). Wound healing activity The bark, leaves and flowers of Bauhinia variegata is useful in the cure of gall bladder, kidney stones and piles (Singh et al., 2013). A polyherbal ointment of Napalese medicinal plants made up of methanolic extracts of Bauhinia variegata, Rhododendron arboreum, and Myrica esculenta was evaluated for antioxidant and wound healing activities. The antioxidant activity was investigated for Bauhinia variegata, Myrica esculenta, Rhododendron arboreum, Pyrus pashia and Psidium guajava by using DPPH assay. The ointment was prepared by using Bauhinia variegata, Rhododendron arboreum, and Myrica esculenta into 10% w/w ointment in the ratio of 1:1:2. It was observed that herbal ointment treated rats were totally healed in excision wound model in comparison to the Framycetin treated, blank and control group of rats where 2.72%, 4.5%, and 5.73% wound area was found remaining (Gyawali et al., 2016). Antidiabetic Activity Rajkapoor B. et al reported chemopreventive and cytotoxic effect of ethanol extract of Bauhinia variegata. The chemopreventive and cytotoxic effect was against induced DEN liver tumor and human cancer lines (Rajkapoor et al., 2006). Bauhinia variegata helps in the treatment of gynaecological conditions (Mali et al., 2009). A study was conducted to investigate the antidiabetic property of Bauhinia purpurea extract against alloxan induced diabetes in mice by glucometer method, with 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg (Meshram et al., 2013). Anti-inflammatory Anti-Eosinophilic activity The flower buds of Bauhinia variegata are used in the treatment of piles, cough, eye diseases, and liver complaints and as styptic in haematuria and menorrhagia (Mali et al., 2009). A study was performed regarding the investigation of the anti-inflammatory activity of the ethanolic extract of the roots of Bauhinia variegata in albino rats by carrageenan induced hind paw edema method. The plant extract produced moderate antiinflammatory activity (Bansal et al., 2014). Gayathri G. et al reported the anti-inflammatory activity of Bauhinia variegata Linn. leaf. The study included the search of COX-2 and iNOS inhibiting compounds from Bauhinia variegata Linn. 3D structures of compounds reported from GCMS analysis. The phytochemicals of Bauhinia variegata leaf was found to have appreciable anti-inflammatory activity (Gunalan et al., 2014). Bauhinia variegata is widely used in as an antidiabetic agent, because insulin-like protein was present in its leaves (Azevedo et al., 2006). The response of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Bauhinia variegata was evaluated against milk-induced leucocytosis and eosinophilic in mice and found significant dose-dependent reduction in total leucocyte and eosinophil (Mali et al., 2011). Antipyretic activity Bauhinia variegata is also useful in the preparation of ayurvedic medicines for diarrhoea, dysentery, goitre, lymphadenitis, worm infestation, rectal prolapse and as depurative (blood purifier) Antidepressant effect Khare P. et al reported the antidepressant activity of Bauhinia variegata using Tail suspension test (TST), Forced swim test (FST). The study revealed that Bauhinia variegata methanolic extract produced significant antidepressant like effect at dose of 100 & 200 mg/kg administered for 7 & 14 consecutive days as indicated by reduction in immobility times of mice in TST & FST (P<0.05). Bauhinia variegata methanolic extract produced significant antidepressant activity compared to that of imipramine (Khare et al., 2015). www.ajpp.in Asian Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology 2018; 4(5): 546-562 Antianxiety activity Kachnar was proved to have antitumour activity in Dalton's ascitic lymphoma, N-nitrosodiethylamine-induced liver tumors and human cancer cell lines. It also possess the antiinflammatory activity due to flavonol glycoside 5,7,3',4'tetrahydroxy-3-methoxy-7-O-alpha-l-rhamnopyranosyl( 1->3)-O-beta-galactopyranoside (Patil et al., 2015). The antianxiety activity of the leaves and seeds of Bauhinia variegata was investigated. Elevated plus maze (EPM) apparatus was used in swiss albino mice to analyze the antianxiety activity. It was concluded that the methanolic extract (100 mg/kg, p.o.) of leaves and Bauhinia variegata seeds (200 mg/kg) significantly increased the time spent in open arms of the EPM. The activity of Bauhinia variegata was comparable with buspirone and showed good antianxiety activity (Khare et al., 2016). Antistress /Adaptogenic Activity Bauhinia variegata is also useful in the preparation of ayurvedic medicines for diarrhoea, dysentery, goitre, lymphadenitis, worm infestation, rectal prolapse and as depurative (blood purifier). It also enhances the detoxifying function of liver (Manoj et al., 2013). The effect of ethanolic bark extract of Bauhinia variegata on oxidative stress induced by cold restraint stress (CRS) and iron overload (IO) oxidative stress was evaluated. They found changes in the antioxidant enzymes like GSH, CAT, SOD and LPO. The extract significantly managed the stress-induced variations in the biochemical levels and antioxidant enzymes in stress models (Marasani et al., 2013). Nootropic potential Bauhinia variegata is a small to medium-sized tree. It grows to a height of about 10-12 m and is deciduous. It is mostly grown in tropical region. The genus Bauhinia includes about 600 species including shrubs, trees and vines. It is generally planted as an ornamental plant (Deswal et al., 2015). A research was conducted to evaluate the nootropic potential of Bauhinia variegata Linn in rats. Leaves were used for investigation of total flavonoid content. Nootropic activity was determined by diazepam-induced amnesia (Jatav et al., 2014). Neuroprotective activity Bauhinia variegata Linn. is traditionally used in bronchitis, leprosy, ulcer, fungal infection, ulcers and tumors (Prashar et al., 2010). The neuroprotective activity of Bauhinia variegata acetone soluble leaf extract was investigated in the reserpine induced catalepsy rat model. It was concluded from the results that catalepsy was reduced in the drug treated groups when compared to the disease induced group in comparison to the disease induced group. The biochemical parameters like lipid peroxidation, glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were estimated in brain. 558 The extract of Bauhinia variegata significantly decreased lipid peroxidation levels and increased antioxidant enzyme levels (Trivedi et al., 2015). Hepatoprotective activity Infusion of the leaves is used as a laxative and for treating piles. Dried buds are used in the treatment of worms, tumors, diarrhea, dysentery and piles (Asima, 1992). The ethanolic extract of Bauhinia variegata possess hepatoprotective property against carbon tetrachloride induced liver injury in rats. In this study liver injury was induced by carbon tetrachloride 1 ml/kg dissolved in olive oil (1:1) orally. Silymarin (100mg/kg) orally was used as standard drug. Various biochemical parameters were also analysed like aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin, malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT) followed by histopathology. BVEE (400mg/kg and 600mg/kg) proved to be more potent than BVEE (200mg/kg and 100mg/kg) (Manoj et al., 2013). Trypsin inhibitory activity: The root of Bauhinia variegata consists of flavanone glycoside which is responsible for its anti-inflammatory activity (Yadava et al., 2003). The Camel's foot tree, Bauhinia variegata var. variegate seeds possess Kunitz-type trypsin inhibitor (termed BvvTI) activity. BvvTI shared the same reactive site residues (Arg, Ser) and exhibited similarity with N-terminal amino acid sequence to other Bauhinia protease inhibitors. It showed the highest trypsin inhibitory activity (Ki, 0.1 × 10−9 M) among the other species. It was further reported that BvvTI showed anti-HIV-1 reverse transcriptase activity along with diminishing the growth of nasopharyngeal cancer CNE-1 cells. This may be caused due to the stimulation of cytokines and apoptotic bodies (Fang et al., 2010). Hemagglutinator It was reported the hemagglutinator activity of the seeds of Bauhinia variegata. Melibiose binding lectin was isolated from Bauhinia variegata seeds which were responsible for hemagglutinator activity. It was successful in inhibiting the proliferation in hepatoma HepG2 cells, breast cancer MCF7 cells and HIV-1 reverse transcriptase activity (Lin et al., 2008). Proteinase Inhibitor Kachnar is used in obesity, hyperphagia, hyperglycaemia and hyperlipidaemia (Prashar et al., 2010). The seeds of Bauhinia variegata could be a source of proteinase inhibitors which may be responsible for the inhibition of blood clotting enzymes, serine and cysteine proteinases. According to their study, two varieties Bauhinia variegata seeds exhibited Plant Kunitz type inhibitors- Bauhinia www.ajpp.in Asian Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology 2018; 4(5): 546-562 variegata trypsin inhibitors, viz. Bauhinia variegata Candida trypsin inhibitor and Bauhinia variegata lilac trypsin inhibitor are proteins. The complete sequences were estimated by automated Edman degradation of the reduced and carboxymethylated proteins of the peptides caused due to Staphylococcus aureus protease and trypsin digestion (Oliva et al., 2009). Anticataract activity Flowers of Bauhinia variegata contain cyanidin, malvidin, peonidin, and kaempferol. Root contains flavanol glycosides (Rajani et al., 2009). The anticataract activity of stem bark of Bauhinia variegata was evaluated on the basis of presence of rhamnocitrin. The anticataract study was conducted on ovine and chick embryo lens model by using a flavonoids rhamnocirin (10, 20, 40 and 80 µg) isolated from stem bark of Bauhinia variegata. It was concluded from the study that rhamnocitrin was responsible to prevent the lens against cloudiness induced by hydrogen peroxide and hydrocortisone in a dose dependent manner (Bodakhe et al., 2012). Antimalarial activity Bauhinia variegata is widely distributed in tropical regions and found throughout India especially in Punjab, central and south India. It is widely found in sub Himalayan tract and outer Himalaya's up to an altitude of 1300 meters. It is also found in China (Sudheerkumar et al., 2015). The leaves and roots of Ocimum sanctum Linn. and Bauhinia variegata Linn. possess antimalarial activity which was evaluated against Plasmodium berghei. Water and ether soluble extracts were given orally to the mice along with placebo controls. It was observed from the study that on day 4 parasitaemia in control group of mice was 25.20% ± 9.44% while in mice treated with water soluble extracts of leaves and roots of Ocimum sanctum showed 2.80% ± 2.17% and 7.60% ± 5.32% infection respectively while in mice treated with water soluble extract of leaves of Bauhinia variegata showed 23.60% ± 13.35% infection (Banyal et al., 2015). Anti-ulcer activity The stems, roots and leaves are also useful for the cure of pain, diabetes, infections, ulcer, jaundice, leprosy (Arain et al., 2012). Bauhinia variegata possess anti-ulcer activity. The anti-ulcer activity of alcoholic extract of Bauhinia variegata stem (250 mg/kg) was performed against pylorus ligation-induced and aspirin-induced gastric ulcer in rats. It was concluded that Bauhinia variegata stem extract significantly decreased the gastric secretions and hence decreased the ulcer index (Prusty et al., 2011). Bauhinia variegata Marketed Products Kanchnar Guggul: is an Ayurvedic formulation consisting of kanchnar bark (10 parts) ginger, black pepper, long pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, tejpatra leaves (Cassia cinnamon), 559 triphala (1 part of each of the above herbs) is available in the market for the treatment of TB tumors, ulcers, gonorrhoea, increase white blood cells. Chandanasava: used as cardiac and digestive tonic Chitrakadi Taila: Herbal oil used to apply into fistula tract to bring quick healing. Ushirasava: Used in the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding, skin diseases. Gandamala Kandana Rasa: Used in goiter, cervical lymphadenitis. Mutra Sangrahaniya Kwatha: Used in UTI. Kanchan gutika Gulkand Kanchanara Kanchanaradi Kwatha Kanchanara drava Kachnar buds are used in many recipes. The recipes of buds of Kachnar included its treatment with potassium metabisulphite followed by drying in the tray drier at 50°C. This recipe was much better than blanching (Awasthi et al., 2011). Conclusion Kanchnara (Bauhinia variegata Linn.) is the medicinal plant with a potential to cure various diseases. We have discussed about the pharmacological activities, traditional, medicinal uses, cultivation, collection, chemical constituents and history of Bauhinia variegata. The important chemical constituents present in it are flavonoids, glycosides, alkaloids, tannins and terpenoids which are responsible for different pharmacological properties of Bauhinia variegata Linn. Bauhinia variegata Linn. act as anti-diabetic, anti-oxidant, anti-ulcer, nephroprotective, anti-microbial, anti-bacterial, anticancer and hepatoprotective agent. Further studies on Bauhinia variegata should be done for the investigation of the molecular mechanisms of action of various phytoprinciples present in it. A wide variety of biological potential of Bauhinia variegata has been proved by the scientific research. This plant can be used in the preparation of various medicines due to its phytochemical and pharmacological properties. A major portion of world population is dependent on plants as the exclusive source of drugs. So, it is very challenging to provide safe, cheap and effective medicines especially to the population belonging to rural area. Investigation should be continued on the chemical constituents, pharmacological activities of Bauhinia variegata based on clinical trials. In this review article, we have gathered information to represent the botanical, pharmacognostical, ethnobot anical, www.ajpp.in Asian Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology 2018; 4(5): 546-562 phytochemical and pharmacological literature on Bauhinia variegata. It has been reported through this study that this plant exhibit antimicrobial, antiarthritic, antigoitrogenic, antiinflammatory, anthelmintic, antitumour, cytotoxic, antiulcer, haemagglutination, hepatoprotective and insecticidal activity. There is much more to explore about the benefits of this herbal medicinal plant by clinical and pharmacological screening at molecular level. So, investigations should be done for the standardization of different extracts of Bauhinia variegata for preparing herbal formulations, analysing the possible mode of action of isolated active constituents. Conflicts of interest There are no conflicts of interest. References Agrawal RC, Pandey S. 2009. Evaluation of anticarcinogenic and antimutagenic potential of Bauhinia variegata extract in Swiss albino mice. Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention J, 10(5):913-16. Ambasta SP. 1998. The Wealth of India, Raw materials. CSIR: 56-7. Arain S, Memon N, Muhammad T, Sherazi THS. 2012. Physico-chemical characteristics of oil and seed residues of Bauhinia variegata and Bauhinia linnaei. Pakistan Journal of Analytical Environmental Chemistry, 13:16-21. Asima C, Satyesh CP. 1992. The Treatise of Indian medicinal plants. CSIR 2:24-6. 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