Abstract

KANCHNARA (BAUHINIA VARIEGATA LINN.) –A REVIEW

Dr. Pratibha Shahi*, Dr. Omprakash Sharma, Dr. S. R. Shahi and Dr. Nikita Panwar

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Abstract

It is believed that disease is much older than evolution of man on the earth and as far as origin of medicine is concerned, it is said that Vedas are the oldest one and Ayurveda is ancient science of drugs and diseases. Ayurveda, is based on ancient writings that is based on a “natural” and holistic approach to physical and mental health. Ayurvedic medicine is one of the world's oldest medical systems and still existing. Here the present review study is an attempt to provide detail description of this drug from various Samhitas. Kanchnara also called Mountain Ebony in English has been used in Ayurveda as Medicine since a long period. Different species of kanchnara are known and used in Ayurvedic medicines. It is a moderate sized tree with greyish coloured stem found in Himalayan region and throughout the forests of India and Burma. 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 important chemical constituents present in them which are hentriacontane, octacosanol, b-sitasterol, and amino acids. The drug has been described as Grahi, Krimighna, Kushtaghna, Gandamalanashaka, Vranaropaka, and Raktapittashamak. Considerable efforts have been made by researchers to study the chemical and biological potential of the plant. The reported pharmacological activities of Bauhinia Variegata Linn. are antidiabetic, anti-ulcer, anti-oxidant, hepato-protective, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial. Kanchanara is one of the major ingredient of many important formulations used in Ayurvedic system of medicine such as Kanchanara Guggulu, Kanchan Gutika, Gandamala Kundan Rasa, and Kanchanaradi Kwatha, Ushirasava, Chandanasava, Vidangarishta, Kanchanara drava, Kanchnara Varuna Kwatha. So this review paper is an endeavour of the author to provide details of this medicinal plant Kanchnara about its classical references, synonyms, botanical description, phytochemicals, pharmacological activity and classical medicinal uses.

Keywords: Kanchnara, Mountain Ebony, Bauhinia variegata Linn, Gandamalanashaka.