KACHNAR GUGGUL (Bauhinia variegata)

Kachnar (Bauhinia variegata) is a deciduous tree commonly found across the Indian subcontinent. It is well known for both its healing qualities and colorful blossoms. In Ayurvedic medicine, the bark, buds, and leaves are utilized, particularly in formulations such as Kachnar Guggul, which is primarily used to manage glandular swellings, thyroid disorders, skin diseases, and tumors. It is also known for its detoxifying and astringent actions.

KACHNAR Scientific Name

Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Angiosperms
Class: Eudicots
Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae
Genus: Bauhinia
Species: Bauhinia variegata L.

KACHNAR Common Name

English: Orchid Tree, Mountain Ebony
Sanskrit: Kanchanara, Kovidara
Hindi: Kachnar
Tamil: Mandarai
Telugu: Devakanchanamu
Bengali: Kanchan
Marathi: Kanchan

KACHNAR Uses

Thyroid and Lymphatic Support - Effective in managing goiter, lymphadenopathy, and thyroid imbalance, Kachnar Guggul is traditionally used to shrink swollen glands and reduce lymphatic congestion.

Skin Diseases and Tumors - Acts as an anti-inflammatory and detoxifying agent, helpful in treating boils, abscesses, and tumors, Used in managing skin disorders like eczema and psoriasis.

Wound Healing - Bark extract applied externally promotes faster wound healing.

Digestive Disorders - Improves appetite and digestion, and is beneficial in ulcers and dysentery.

Anti-Ulcer and Antimicrobial Properties - Exhibits antimicrobial effects against pathogenic bacteria and fungi, Traditionally used for oral ulcers and infections.

Phytochemical Constituents

Various parts of Bauhinia variegata contain multiple bioactive compounds:

Flavonoids: Kaempferol, Quercetin, Myricetin
Tannins: Ellagitannins, Gallic acid
Steroids and Terpenoids: β-sitosterol, Lupeol
Glycosides: Bauhiniastatins (noted for anticancer potential)
Alkaloids and Saponins
Phenolic Compounds: Caffeic acid, Ferulic acid

References

Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API), Part-I, Vol. III. Govt. of India, Ministry of AYUSH.

Sharangdhar Samhita, Madhyam Khanda – Guggulu Kalpana.

Sharma, R. et al. (2011). “Pharmacognostical and Phytochemical Evaluation of Bauhinia variegata Linn.” International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, 2(5), 1212–1216.

Patil, M. B. et al. (2009). “Pharmacological Review on Bauhinia variegata Linn.” Journal of Herbal Medicine and Toxicology, 3(1), 127–130.

European Pharmacopoeia, 10th Edition, Council of Europe.

Chopra, R.N., Nayar, S.L., & Chopra, I.C. (1956). Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants. CSIR, New Delhi.

National Medicinal Plants Board. Monograph on Bauhinia variegata. Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India.

Srivastava, R., & Singh, P. (2010). “Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activities of Bauhinia variegata Bark Extract.” Research Journal of Medicinal Plant, 4(5), 215–224.