ETHNOBOTANY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY OF BAUHINIA VARIEGATA

Abstract

Bauhinia variegata linn belonging to family fabaceae, is a very popular ornamental tree commonly known as orchid tree. The family fabaceae comprises of 630 genera and 18,000 species. A wide range of chemical compound mainly flavanoids, tannins, alkaloids dibenzooxepins, lutein, isoquercetin and astragalin etc. are present.The crude extracts of various parts and pure isolates
of Bauhinia variegata was reported to possess antibacterial, antitumour, hypoglycemic, anti-inflammatory activity, etc. Bauhinia variegata traditionally have been found to possess tonic, asreingent, vaginal disorders and diuretic properties.This article briefly reviews the botany, chemistry and pharmacology of Bauhinia variegata linn.