KANCHNAR (BAUHINIA VARIEGATA) AS A MEDICINAL HERB: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Vikas Nariyal 1 and Priyanka Sharma 2 . 1. Research Officer (Ayu.), Regional Ayurveda Research Institute for Nutritional Disorders, CCRAS, Ministry of AYUSH, Mandi, HP. 2. Ph.D. Scholar, Dept. of Stree & Prasuti Tantra, National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur, Rajasthan. ...................................................................................................................... Manuscript Info Abstract ......................... ........................................................................ Manuscript History


Anti-Microbial v, vi Activity:-
The antibacterial activities of the extracts derived from leaves of B. variegata against four Gram-negative pathogenic bacteria, namely, K. pneumoniae, Proteus spp., E. coli, and Pseudomonas spp. Proteus spp., E. coli and Pseudomonas spp. exhibited total resistance to nonpolar extracts [PE (petroleum ether), BZ (benzene), CH (chloroform), and EA (ethyl acetate) extracts] at test concentration. However, low to moderate inhibitory efficacy was recorded in polar fractions [AC (acetone), ET (ethyl alcohol), and AQ (water) extracts] against previously mentioned bacteria. PE and CH extracts derived from leaves exhibited activity against K. pneumoniae.
In Staphylococcus aureus induced Mastitis vii in Goats, B. variegata bark powder administration shows antibacterial, bio enhancing and anti-inflammatory properties. Animals also exhibited marked reduction in polymorphonuclear cells and fibrous tissue indicating antifibrotic property of B. variegata L.

Chelation Action viii :-
Study by Agarwal & Pandey x demonstrated anticarcinogenic activity of 50% methanolic extract of Kachanar leaves using two stage protocol in skin papilloma model in Swiss albino mice and melanoma model in C57 Bl tumour 589 bearing mice. Significant prevention of papilloma development, delay in the first appearance of papilloma and reduction in cumulative no. of papilloma was observed in the DMBA + Kachanar + Croton treated group of male swiss Albino mice. In melanoma model in C57 Bl tumour bearing mice experiment, Kachnar leaves 50% methanolic extract shown increase in life span of animals and significant reduction in tumour size. The tumour volume was significantly reduced (in dose dependent manner). Single application of Bauhinia extract 24 hours prior the intraperitoneal administration of Cyclophosphamide has significantly prevented the micronucleus formations and chromosomal aberrations in dose dependent manner in bone marrow cells of mice, which demonstrated antimutagenicity activity of Bauhinia Variegata.
Antioxidant xi Activity:-Ethanolic and aqueous extracts of the stem bark and root of B. variegata Linn. were assessed for in vitro antioxidant activity by various methods namely total reducing power, scavenging of various free radicals such as 1,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), super oxide, nitric oxide, and hydrogen peroxide; significant antioxidant activity was observed in all the methods.
Neural Activity:-Acetylcholinesterase inhibition activity xii was analyzed through Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC). Enzyme inhibition was observed mainly in flowers. However, inhibition found in lower intensity on branches and leaves showed no inhibition at all.

Nephroprotective xiii Activity:-
In vivo cisplatin-induced nephropathy in rats when administered whole stem ethanol extract of BV for the duration of 14 days, attenuated the biochemical and histological signs of nephrotoxicity of cisplatin in a dose-dependent fashion. Decrease in Serum level of creatinine & urea and Increase in urine output & body weight was observed xiv .

Anti-inflammatory & Analgesic Activity:-
New Triterpene Saponin (Compound 9) from Bauhinia variegata leaves reduces edema accompanied by significant reduction in PGE 2 (Prostaglandin E 2 ) level in serum, liver homogenate and granuloma. Reduction in hepatic and pulmonary granuloma diameter was observed after treatment with compound 9 was suggested may be due to its antiinflammatory xv activity. Furthermore, compound 9 shown Analgesic effects both in visceral and central nociceptive xvi mouse models.
Hypolipidaemic xvii Activity:-Ethanolic and aqueous extracts of the stem bark and root of B. variegata Linn. effectively decreases plasma cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL, and VLDL and increases plasma HDL levels in Triton WR-1339 (iso-octyl polyoxyethylene phenol) induced hyperlipidemic albino rat.
Other xviii Activity:-A study proves that B. variegata is a potential bio-resource for stable, reproducible nanoparticle synthesis and may be proposed as an efficient mosquito control agent.

Discussion:-
In Ayurveda, Kachnar conventionally practiced in Arbuda, Galaganda, Ashthila and Kapha-Meda dominant diseases or disorders. A close resemblance of galaganda with goiter and ashthila with BPH has lead wide spread use of Kachnar in above said conditions. Apart from conventional medicinal use of B. variegata L. we see scientist and researchers throughout the world exploring new medical aspect of B. variegata L. Present time is a transition phase where trend of medicine is shifting from artificial chemicals to natural origin. As a result of it we see various studies exploring new medicinal properties of B.V.
Studies demonstrates that BV have anti-diabetic, anti-dyslipidemia and nephroprotective properties. Ideally above said properties make BV beneficial in condition of Diabetic Nephropathy or diabetics with dyslipidemia.
In era where various pathogens are resistant or attaining resistance to antibiotics. BV can be used as an adjunct or alternate medicine against various bacterial pathogens.

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Chelating property for ferrous ions should be studied in animal models. This property could be beneficial in conditions of iron overload like hemochromatosis. It also opens door for possibilities of chelating activity for various other metal ions.
Cancer in Ayurveda is treated on the line of Arbuda. Animal studies and in-vitro cytotoxic activity of B.V using cancer cell lining study on BV leaf extracts actively inhibits various cancer cell linings demonstrating its anticarcinogenic and anti-mutagenic potential. We are well aware of common side effects of conventional chemotherapy for cancers, an alternative to it will be beneficial to the patients.
Alzheimer's disease is related mainly due to decrease in Acetylcholine in synaptic cleft. Various cholinomimetic therapies have been tested for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. In-vitro study on Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition, observed maximum in flowers, open another dimension for medicinal use of BV.

Conclusion:-
Today is an era, where we expect long life expectancy due to better and advancement of medical knowledge and their management. But we also dealing with new emerging problems like drug resistance to various microbes, sprouts of epidemics like EBOLA, H1N1 etc. Since time immortal we have been nurtured by mother nature, providing herbs and food for our care. People worldwide looking for a competent and alternative system to combat emerging human health issues. Bauhinia variegata could give answers to many problems we facing now days. Various researches give proof that Kanchnar (Bauhinia variegata) have potential to be evaluated further for its medicinal properties.