Kaanchanaar

Botanical Source

Root bark of the plant Bauhinia variegate
Linn. Belonging to the family Caesalpiniaceae.

Synonym : Phanera variegata (L.) Benth

Kula: Shimbikula; Upakula: Putikaranja

Varga/Classification

Charaka Samhita- Vamanopaga varga, Shaka varga; Susruta Samhita- Urdhvabhagahara,Pushpa varga, Kashayamadhura shaka varga.

Sanskrit Synonyms

Kanchanara, Gandari, Chamarika,     Jugapatraka, Karbudara, Swalpakesari

Common Names

Assam    .    :    Kanchan

Beng.        :    Rakta kanchana, Kanchan

Eng.        :     Mountain Ebony, Buddhist bauhinia,    purple orchid tree, poor man's orchid, camle's foot tree

Guj.        :     Champakati, Champo kanchanar,Kochali

Hindi        :    Kanchanara, Kanchnal, Koil, Koliyar, kural, kaniar, guiar, Gurial, kandan, goriaava, barial

Kan.        :    Keyu mandar, Kanchavala, karalabhogi, bilimandar, kempu mandar, ayata, kanjivala

Mal.        :    Suvarna Mandaram, Kotapuli, Unna,

Mar.        :    Koral, Kanchan,Chamol, Kanaraj,

Ori.        :    Kanjara, Kanchana

Punj.        :    Kanchanal, Chitti kanchanal, Kulad, kosundara

Tam.        :    Mandarai, Sigappu mandarai, Vellaippuvatti, tirvatti,

Tel.        :    Devakanchan, Mandar, Mandari, adavimandara, kanjanamu

Nepali        :    Korialo, Jaki

Burm.        :     Bwaycheng, Bwechin

Oriya        :     Barara, Kosonaru, Kanjoni, Rongakonjono

Santhal    :     Zinjar, Jingya, Burujudare, Kouar

Urdu        :    Kachnal

Konkani    :     Kudo, Tembri, Kanchan, Kotra, Kachnal

Farasi        :    Kachnar

French        :     Abre de Saint Thomas

Botanical Description

Habit
: A small to medium tree with hairy branches; height: 20-40 ft.; width: 10-20 ft.

Leaves: 4.5 – 15cm long, simple, alternate, bifid, broadly ovate, cordate at the base, as broad as or broader than long, cleft one-fourth to one-third way down, 9–15 nerved, lobes obtuse base cordate. Petiole : 2.5-3.8cm long.

Flowers^,: Bisexual, large, fragrant, variegated, white or red in short axillary or terminal few flowered, grey-pubiscent racemes or corymbs from leafless axils or terminating lateral branches; bracts and bracteoles detoid.

Calyx: 2 – 2.7cm long, pubescent, spathaceous, 5-toothed at apex.

Petals: 4-5cm long, obovate-oblong, clawed, the uppermost darker with purple veines.

Stamens: 5 fertile; staminodes absent.

Ovary : pubescent

Pods: Flat, hard, nearly smooth, 15-30 ˣ 1.8-2.5 cm, glabrous, variegated with reddish brown streaks.

Seed: 12-16, flat, orbicular and brown.

Bark: Gray with vertical cracks.

Wood : Grayish brown with irregular darker patches, moderately hard.

Habitat:.Found wild in the sub-Himalayan tract and outer Himalaya upto 1300 m.; in Punjab, dry deciduous forests, especially on rocky hiils throughout India. Common in Eastern, and South India, Assam, Sikkim, Chota Nagapur, Western Peninsula, Kumaon. Also distributed in Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Burma, Myanmar and China. Also cultivated largely as a garden and roadside ornamental.

Flowering and Fruiting season:

Flowering season: March – May (spring)

Fruiting season: April – June (Stage by beginning of summer).

Ayurvedic Properties

Bark

Rasa : Kasaya

Guna : Laghu, Ruksha

Veerya : Sheeta

Vipaka : Katu

Prabhava: Gandamalanashana

For Flower: -        

Rasa : Madhur, Kasaya

Guna : Laghu, Ruksha

Veerya : Sheeta

Vipaka : Madhur

Karma

Gandmalanashana, Vrana shodhana-Vrana ropana,

 

• Chemical constituent
  
• STEM BARK :-
  

  Major: Lupeol
  

  Minor:    5,7-dihydroxy flavanone; 4'-O-α- L- rhamnopyranosyl; Beta-D-glucopyranoside; 5,7- dihydroxy and 5,7-dimethoxy flavanone; hentriacontane; octacosanol; sitosterol; stigmasterol; neringenin; 5,7-dimethylether; 4'-rhamnoglucoside; 5,7,3',4'-tetra hydroxy-3-methoxy-7-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1à3) -O-beta-galactopyranoside; 2,7-dimethoxy-3-methyl-9,10-dihydrophenanthrene; 1,4-dione named as bauhinione. Five flavonoids isolated from the different parts of Bauhinia variegata was identified as quercetin, rutin, apigenin and apigenin 7-O-glucoside.
  

  
   

• ROOT:-
  

      Flavonone; dihydrodibenzoxepin; flavonol glycoside ; 5, 7, 3', 4' – tetrahydroxy-3-methoxy-7-O—alpha- L- rhamnopyranosyl (1à3)- O-betagalactopyranoside; (2S)-5,7-dimethoxy-3',4',-methylenedioxyflavanone; 5,6,-dihydro-1,7,dihydroxy-3,4,-dimethoxy-2-methyldibenz [b,f] oxepin together with three known flavanoids.
  

  
   

• FLOWERS:-
  

      Quercitroside; isoquercitroside; rutoside; taxifoline rhamnoside; kaempferol; 3-glucoside; myricetol glycoside; apigenin; 7-O-glucoside; quercetrin; ascorbic acid; aspartic acid; glutamic acid; octadecanoic acid; keto acids; amino acid; tannins; cyaniding-3-glucoside; malvidin-3-glucoside; malvidin-3-diglucoside; peonidin-3-glucoside; peonidin-3-diglucoside; 3-galactoside; 3-rhamnoglucoside of kaempferol.
  

  
   

• SEED:-
  

          Carbohydrayes; 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-hydroxy 7, 3', 4', 5',-tetra-methoxyflavone; 5-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl – (1à2)- alpha- L- rhamnopyranoside.
  

  
   

  • LEAVES: - reducing sugars, vitamin C (146 mg %)
    

 

 

• Rogaghnata :-
  
  

      Galaganda, Gandamala, Granthishotha, Vrana, Lasika, Granthi-Arbuda, Kustha, Charmavikara, Dadru, Mukhapaka, Atisara, Pravahika, Arsha, Gudabhramsha, Parikartika, Krimi, Vibandha, Rakta-pitta, Prameha, Rakta pradara, Medoroga.
  

  • Bahya (External):- Vranashodhana, Vranaropana, Kushthaghna,Shothahara
    
  • Abhyantar(Internal):- Stambhaka, Grahi, Arshoghna, Kushthaghna, Shothahara, Stambhana, Krimighna, Vamaka, Rakta stambhana, Lasikagranthishothahara, Kasahara, Mutrasangrahaniya, Artavasravahrasaka, Lekhana-Medapanayana
    

    
     

  Uses: -
  
  

  • The bark is used for dying and tanning.
    
  • From the inner portion of bark a fibre is prepared.
    
  • The flower buds are eaten as a potherb or pickled.
    
  • The foliage is given to cattle as fodder.
    
  • The leaves are used for preparation of bidis.
    
  • The wood is used for the agricultural implements.
    
  • Wood is moderately good fuel wood.
    

    
     

• THERAPEUTIC UTILITIES OF THE PLANT:-
  
  • The decoction of bark added with sunthi powder is given in gandamala.
    
  • Decoction of bark added with three myrobalans or triphala(Terminalia chebula, Terminalia belerica and Embelica officinalis) and pippali churna(fruits powder of Piper longum Linn.) is recommended in gandamala as well as galaganda(goiter).
    
  • Bark is pounded in rice water (tandulodaka) and given to patient of gandamala.
    
  • The bark is astringent, tonic and anthelmintic. It is also used for ulcers and leprosy. A decoction of the bark is taken for dysentery. It is used to give tone and vitality to body. It is used against tuberculosis and skin ailments.
    
  • Dried buds are used in haemorrhoids.
    
  • The dried buds are used for the treatment of diarrhoea, dysentery, worms, piles and tumours.
    
  • A decoction of the buds is given in cough, piles, haematuria and menorrhagia.
    
  • Gum is useful in pravahika and arsha.
    
  • The infusion of the leaves is used as a laxative and for cure of diarrhoea, dysentery and piles.
    
  • Decoction of flower-buds is given to treat cough, piles and menorrhagia.
    
  • An extract of its buds, flowers and barks is considered as a strong antibacterial.
    
• SYSTEM WISE:-
  

  External uses : It helps in wound cleaning and healing properties,. It cures skin disorders and inflammations.
  

      The bark ground in a paste is useful in lymphadenitis. Decoction made from its bark, pods of babool (Acacia) tree and flowers of pomegranate is used for gargles in oral disorders. Decoction is used for fomentation in rectal prolapsed.
  

  Leaves ground in paste are applied over the wound. Paste of the seeds is applied in migraine.
  

        Paste of bark is applied on Gandamala.

Internal uses:

• Digestive system :
  
  • It has astringent and anthelmintic properties but it causes vomiting in excess dose. It enhances emetic action when used in conjuction with emetic drugs.
    
  • Being sweet, flowers are mild laxative. Gulakand prepared from the flowers is used in constipation.
    
  • Having astringent Property it is useful in diarrhoea, dysentery, rectal prolapse, haemorrhoids, and helminthiasis.
    
• Circulatory system :
  
  • Paste of stem bark, roots and flowers is used in haemorrhagic disorders.
    
  • It acts as haemostatic and reduces the inflammation of the lymph nodes(lymphadenitis).
    
• Respiratory system :
  
  • 
    Used in cough.
    
• Urinary system :
  
  • Controls polyurea in diabetes.
    
• Reproductive system :
  
  • In menorrhagia, it acts as a haemostatic by astringent property.
    
• Skin :
  
  • Used in skin diseases.
    
  • Mixture of Kanchanara bark, rice water, and ginger is effective in osteoporosis(asthikshata).
    

    
     

• Satmikaran :-
  

          Because of ruksha property, it is fat reducing. Used in lipid disorders.
  

• Dosha karma :-
  

  Kaphashamaka by ruksha, laghu and tikta properties. Pittashamaka by sheeta veerya.
  

• Dhatu karma:-
  

  Rakta,meda(lymphadenitis), menorrhagia, haemorrhagic disorders
  

• Mala karma :-
  

  Purisha(stops diarrhea and prolapsed.)
  

  
   

• Part used :-
  

      Stem Bark, Flowers, Flower buds, Gum, Fruit, Root, Leaf
  

• Dose
  :-
  
  • Bark Churna         :     3-6 gm
    
  • Bark Kwatha         :     40-80 ml
    
  • Flower Swarasa     :     10-20 ml
    
  • For Decoction        :    20-30 gm
    

    
     

  • Formulations:-
    
    • Asava and arista :
      Usirasava, chandanasava, Vidangarista, Kanchanararishta
      
    • Bhasma : Kanchara drava
      
    • Guggulu : Kanchanara Guggulu, triphaladi guggulu, Vyoshadi guggulu
      
    • Guti : Kanchana gutika
      
    • Kvatha : Kanchanaradi kvath
      
    • Rasayoga : Gandamala kandan rasa
      
    • Sneha: Ajamodadhya tail, chandanadya taila,Amrita ghrita, Mahamayura ghrita
      
    • Kanchanara Ghana
      
    • Gulakanda Kanchanara.
      
  • Trade and commerce :-
    

    Retail market price : Stem bark – Rs. 150 per kg
    

  • Storage and Preservation:- Collected bark completely dried and stored in airtight jars, keep in dry place.
    
  • Self life Period:- Bark - 3 to 6 month.
    
  • Standardization :-
    

    Kanchanara twaka are available in small cut flat pieces, edges blunted and the centre portion grooved, the surface of the bark brownish ash coloured and rough in touch with longitudinal striations.
    

  • Adultration:- The commercial samples are often adulterated with the stem having brown colour.
    
  • Substitutes :-
    

1. Bauhinia purpurea
   
2. Bauhinia tomentosa
   
3. Bauhinia racemosa
   

• Cultivation and Propagation:-
  

  The ornamental plant is propagated with seeds, strump planting and branch cuttings. Seeds are sown in March-April. The seedlings are then transplanted in July-August. Their germination require onset of monsoon. The seeds are soen in pockets of good soil and thereafter protected from damage. Watering is required during the dry spells. Since the plants grow rapidly, light pruning and thinning during the growth period is necessary.
  

      In vitro regeration of B. variegata was reported in nodal explants from mature trees. Optimal shooting was obtained on MS media suppmented with 13.3 microM BA within 15-20 days. Single shoots with 3-4 nodes initiated root ing when transferred to MS with 4.9 microM IBA within 45 days.
  

  
   

• Light
  : Full sun-light shade
  
• Moisture: Keep moist during summer months, water less frequently in winter. Needs very good drainage.
  

  
   

Research works:

1. The alcoholic extract of B.variegata (bark) showed CNS activity. Besides producing hypothermia in mice, it is also responded to amphetamine test.(Bhakuni et al., 1969).
   
2. The alcoholic extract of B.racemosa (bark) was found to have anti-cancer activity against human epidermal carcinoma of the nasopharynx in tissue culture. (Dhar et al., 1968).
   
3. The clinical studies have revealed that preparations of stem bark of Kanchanara enhance the effect of anti-tuberculous drugs used in cases of tubercular cervical lymphadenitis.(Dixit, 1967)
   
4. Its used in the treatment of experimental goitre in rats has been reported.( Veena et al., 1975).
   

Evaluation of the immunomodulatory activity of ethanolic extract of the stem bark of Bauhinia variegata Linn⁶⁰