Kachnar: Uses, Benefits, Nutritional Value & More!

Introduction:

Bauhinia variegate (botanical name) is called Kachnar in Hindi. It has several other names: Orchid tree, Kanchan tree, Mountain ebony, Kaanchana, Bauhinia, Swet-kanchan, Camel’s foot, Kachnal, Gurial and Koiralo. The term Kachnar in Sanskrit means ‘a beautiful glowing lady’.^[1]

Kachnar is a member of the Fabaceae family. Kachnar is native to Southeast Asia and grows in tropical and subtropical climates. It is distributed in the sub-Himalayan and outer Himalayan regions of Sikkim and Punjab state (India). It is also found in other countries like China and Burma and tropical countries like South America and Africa.

For several years, parts of the tree, including leaves, flowers, and flower buds are used as vegetables in several regions of India. Also, the stem of kachnar produces fibre. Kachnar is also found to produce a kind of gum.^[2]

Nutritional Value of Kachnar:

Kachnar has the following nutritional value: 

1. Protein 

• Dried leaves: 15.19
• Flowers: 3.24-5 
• Seeds: 41.9  ± 1.6 
• Buds: 3.7 

2. Carbohydrates  

• Dried leaves: 66.82
• Flowers: 16.01
• Seeds: 28.4  ± 1.6
• Buds: 6.4 

3. Fats 

• Dried leaves: 4.15
• Flowers: 0.15-2.5 
• Seeds: 0.6  ± 0.1 (FFA) 
• Buds: 2.44 

4. Fibres  

• Dried leaves: 4.26 
• Flowers: 8.66
• Seeds: 6.9  ± 0.8 
• Buds: 6.8  

5. Moisture  

• Dried leaves: 8.83
• Flowers: 77.80
• Seeds: 6.7  ± 0.46
• Buds: 84.51  

6. Ash 

• Dried leaves: 4.9 
• Flowers: 2.81 
• Seeds: 4.8  ± 0.1 
• Buds: 4.33 

7. Total oils  

• Seeds: 18  ± 0.1 

I recommend Kachnar may be used to aid in skin conditions, asthma, sore throats, diarrhoea, and stomach pain as a result of its antioxidant and anti-bacterial properties.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

Properties of Kachnar:

Kachnar tree has several biological properties, in one or the other form, which include:

• May potentially be anti-diabetic,
• May have anti-inflammatory potential,
• May be immunomodulatory,
• May have the potential to increases the haemoglobin content of blood,
• May be a potential anti-microbial,
• May be anti-ulcer potential,
• May have potential anti-tumour activity,
• May have hemagglutinating (clumping of red blood cells) potential,
• May be anti-bacterial,
• May have potential activity that may be hepatoprotective (prevents damage to the liver) .^[3]

Potential Uses of Kachnar

There are several potential uses of kachnar are as follows:

1. Potential uses of Kachnar as Anti-diabetic: 

• Kachnar was found to reduce the elevated blood sugar level when its extract was given to rats.
• In studies it was found that kachnar contains a domain structure with the same amino acid sequence as insulin. 

The studies related to bauhinia variegata benefits in humans are insufficient. Before using kachnar for these properties for diabetic conditions, make sure you consult your healthcare provider and get a proper diagnosis and treatment. Avoid using kachnar or any other herb as medicine without consulting your physician.

2. Potential uses of Kachnar as Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic:

Kachnar was reported to show anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity. It was found to have a new triterpene saponin (compound 9) in its leaves that decreases oedema, followed by a significant decrease in prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) levels in granuloma, liver homogenate, and serum. In addition, in a study the decrease in the diameter of pulmonary and hepatic granuloma was found after treatment with the compound, which can be due to its anti-inflammatory activity. It also shows analgesic effects in central and visceral nociceptive mouse models. 

This may indicate that kachnar may have some anti-inflammatory effect but these effects on humans will need further studies. You must consult a qualified doctor for better advice.

3. Potential uses of Kachnar as an Antioxidant: 

The extracts of kachnar have shown significant antioxidant activity in studies.^[5] The presence of phytoconstituents in kachnar like β-sitosterol and oleic acid have been known to decrease hyperlipidaemic states.^[2] There are more studies required to establish the effect of the extracts on humans.

I recently read an article that suggests Kachnar may be used to aid depression. Kachnar has anti-oxidant properties and rich source of Vitamins and minerals, making it a potential ally for aiding depression.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

4. Potential uses of Kachnar due to Hypolipidaemic Activity: 

• Studies show that the extracts of the root and stem bark of kachnar effectively decreased the lipoprotein and plasma lipids levels in a rat model.
• It may be able to lower the low-density lipoprotein (LDL), very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), cholesterol, and triglyceride and increased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels. These studies are insufficient to show exact benefits of kachnar on humans.

5. Potential uses of Kachnar Due to Immunomodulatory Activity: 

The studies show that the extract of the stem bark of kachnar exhibits immunomodulatory activity on the primary and secondary antibody response by humoral antibody response for particular immune responses. The studies are insufficient to establish the impact of kachnar in humans.

6. Potential uses of Kachnar Due to Anti-tumour Activity: 

The aqueous and ethanolic extract of the stem of the kachnar has shown antitumour activity in the mice model. There is a need of more extensive research to validate the effect of kachnar in humans.

7. Potential uses of Kachnar as Nephroprotective Activity: 

The ethanolic extract of the stem of kachnar was given to rats, which attenuated various biochemical and histological symptoms of cisplatin nephrotoxicity; this resulted in decreased urea and creatinine serum level and increased body weight and urine output. The nephroprotective benefits of kachnar are yet to be studied in humans extensively. You must consult a qualified doctor for better advice.

8. Potential uses of Kachnar Due to Anti-ulcer Activity: 

• In a study the ethanolic extract of the stem of kachnar exhibited anti-ulcer activity.
• It decreased the total and free acidity, the volume of gastric secretion, and ulcer index in the rat model. 

We need further studies to estimate the impact of kachnar on humans. It is advisable to consult a qualified doctor for serious conditions.

9. Potential uses of Kachnar as Neural Activity: 

Kachnar may have potential neural activity. The inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity was found through thin layer chromatography (TLC). Further research may be needed to find the benefits for humans.

10. Potential uses of Kachnar as an Anti-microbial Agent: 

• In studies the leaf extract of kachnar was found to inhibit bacterial growth. Its anti-microbial spectrum is relatively narrow. Sensitive organisms are Pseudomonas species, E. coli, Klebsiella pneumonia. Therefore, the extract may have potential effects against these bacteria.
• In other studies the bark powder of kachnar shows bio-enhancing, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory properties. Thus kachnar may have anti-microbial potential.

Also Read: Ber Fruit – Uses, Benefits, Side Effects & Precautions

Other Potential uses of kachnar

• The methanolic extract of the stem bark of kachnar was reported to exhibit anticarcinogenic activity in the mice model. 
• The protein obtained from the crude seeds of kachnar has haemagglutinating activity and is used for detecting the presence of viral particles.^[2] 
• The aqueous and ethanolic extract of the stem bark of kachnar increases the haemoglobin content of blood in rats.^[2] 

Though various studies show the potential uses of kachnar in various conditions, these are insufficient and there is a need for further studies to establish the true extent of benefits of kachnar on human health.

How to Use Kachnar?

The traditional uses of kachnar as food are as follows: 

• Leaves: The leaves of kachnar plant are used in the preparation of curry, in the form of vegetables, consumed as a side dish along with rice, and used as flavourings in meat and fish. 
• Flower: The kachnar flower is used in the preparation of curry, raita, flour; cooked as a vegetable; flavouring of meat and fish; filler in pakoras; used to make pickles. 
• Seeds: The seeds of kachnar are rich in several amino acids and are used as pulses in several regions (tribal) of north-eastern and central India. 
• Buds: The buds are used for making pickles, curry, flour; flavouring agents in many products; used for making vegetables; young buds of the flower are used for making various tasty broths.^[3] 

Also Read: Lavender – Uses, Benefits, Side Effects & Precautions

You must consult a qualified doctor before taking any herbal supplements. Do not discontinue or replace an ongoing treatment of modern medicine with an ayurvedic/herbal preparation without consulting a qualified doctor.

Conclusion:

Kachnar or Bauhinia variegata, shows promise for various health benefits. Its parts have been studied for effects like anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, more research is needed for conclusive results. As a culinary ingredient, Kachnar adds nutrition and potential wellness benefits to traditional dishes. Consultation with medical professionals is vital before including it in your routine.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Also Read: Arogyavardhini Vati – Uses, Benefits, Side Effects & Precautions

References:

1. Kaur J, Singh A, Singh B, Sharma S. Sapota. Antioxidants Fruits Prop. Heal. Benefits, Singapore: Springer Singapore; 2020, p. 181–99. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-7285-2_10. 
2. Kansal M, Shukla P, Shukla P. a Boon To Human Health-Bauhinia Variegata. Int J Pharmacogn 2020;7:155–61. https://doi.org/10.13040/IJPSR.0975-8232.IJP.7(7).155-61. 
3. Sharma K, Kumar V, Kumar S, Sharma R, Mehta CM. Bauhinia variegata: a comprehensive review on bioactive compounds, health benefits and utilization. Adv Tradit Med 2021;21:645–53. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13596-020-00472-4. 
4. Khare P, Kishore K, Sharma DK. Historical aspects, Medicinal uses, Phytochemistry and Pharmacological review of Bauhinia variegata. Asian J Pharm Pharmacol 2018;4:546–62. https://doi.org/10.31024/ajpp.2018.4.5.3. 
5. Anand N, Kaur S, Sabharwal S, Baghel DS, Singh S. An overview of ” Kanchnar ” ( Bauhinia variegata ) 2018. 
6. Singh KL, Singh DK, Singh VK. Multidimensional Uses of Medicinal Plant Kachnar ( Bauhinia variegata Linn .). Ajpct 2016;4:58–72. 

Also Read: Kaunch Beej – Uses, Benefits, Side Effects & Precautions

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