Exploring the nutritional and technological aspects of Bauhinia variegata: The multifaceted marvel of nature

• Bauhinia variegata, a versatile medicinal plant known for its bioactive compounds and potential health benefits.
• The flowers and buds are very nutritious which are used in traditional dishes like curries, pickles, and soups, especially in Indian and Southeast Asian cuisines, while the leaves are fermented or dried for food and supplements.
• Widely used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat skin diseases, ulcers, and digestive issues, and as a crucial famine food in some regions.
Processing Potential
• In the food industry, its flowers and buds are used in pickles, curries, and other traditional dishes. The seeds can be processed for oils and proteins, which are rich in essential fatty acids and essential amino acids.
• The plant's bark, leaves, and roots are rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, and insulin-like proteins. These parts are commonly used in herbal supplements, tinctures, and powders to help treat conditions such as cancer, diabetes, and liver disorders.
• Its protein and fiber rich leaves and buds are ideal for plant-based meat alternatives, energy bars, or supplements.
• The vibrant flowers provide a natural alternative to synthetic food dyes, while its antioxidants can serve as natural preservatives, enhancing shelf life and food quality.
Future Recommendations:
• Kachnar's rich bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids and phenolic acids, can be utilized in developing nutraceuticals and functional foods with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
• Kachnar can be explored in ready-to-eat and processed foods, such as pickles, beverages, chapati, chutneys, bakery products, dairy products and product enhancement with antioxidant rich products demonstrating its versatility potential in the food industry.
• Establish standardized methods for drying, grinding, and packaging Kachnar leaves, buds and flowers to ensure consistent quality and shelf life.
• Promote the cultivation of Bauhinia variegata in areas prone to food insecurity or harsh growing conditions, as the plant is drought-tolerant and can serve as a sustainable food source
Originating from Southeast Asia, this plant thrives in tropical and subtropical climates. The subhimalayan and outer Himalayan regions of Punjab and the Indian state of Sikkim are home to Bauhinia variegata. In addition, kachnar is found in a few other nations, including Burma, China, and tropical regions of South America and Africa. More than 300 species of medium-sized, deciduous trees that lose their leaves from January to April make up Bauhinia variegata. It is around this time that the tree begins to blossom. There are shrubs, vines, and trees in this genus. The leaves of Bauhinia variegata are bifoliate.
Because of its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, it is known to restore fertility to acidic and damaged soils. Many traditional medical systems employ different components of the plant, including flower buds, flowers, stems, stem bark, leaves, seeds, and roots,

1. Exploring the Nutritional and Technological Aspects of Bauhinia Variegata : The Multifaceted Marvel of Nature AMRITPAL SINGH L-2023-A-52-M

2. INTRODUCTION The Plant Bauhinia variegata is a member of the Fabaceae family, known as Kachnar (in Hindi). F ound in garden, park, and roadsides as an ornamental plant in warm temperate and subtropical regions. C onsists of more than 300 species of medium-sized, deciduous tree. The various parts of the plant like flower buds, flowers, stem, stem bark, leaves, seeds, and roots are used in various indigenous systems of medicine as well as culinary purposes. Singh et al (2016)

3. Kingdom : Plantae Divison: Tracheophyta Class : Magnoliopsida Order : Fabales Family : Fabaceae Genus : Bauhinia Taxonomic Hierarchy Acharya et al (2009)

4. Sahu and Gupta (2016)

5. Sharma et al (2021)

6. Table 1 Vernacular names of Bauhinia variegata . Source: Orwa et al (2009) and Sudheerkumar et al (2015) Language Name Sanskrit Raktakanchan , Phalgu Kannada Bilimandar , Kanchavala Telugu Adavimandaramu , Devakanchanamu Malyalam Mandaramu , Chuvannamandaram Hindi Kachnar , Bogakatra , Koliar , Mandari , Kural, Gurial , Tamil Kattaki, Kanjani, Chemmonadarei English Mountain Ebony, Orchid tree, Camel’s foot, Napoleon’s hat, Paper mulberrt , Poor man’s orchid Spanish Flamboyanorquidea , Palo de orquideas Punjabi Kanchanal , Kovidara , Kolar Urdu Kachnal Odia Kosonara , Kachan, Borada Bengali Swet -Kanchan, Rakta-Kanchan, Rakta- Kamhar Malay Akbar tapakkerbau , Kupu- kupu , Kotidaram Nepali Kachnar , Koiralo

7. Proximate composition of flowers, dried leaves, seeds and buds of Bauhinia variegata . Source: Kapoor et al (2010), Verma et al (2012), Arain et al (2012) and Dhyani and Gupta (2016) Constituents Flowers Dried leaves Buds Seeds Carbohydrates (%) 16.01 66.82 6.4 28.4±1.6 Proteins (%) 3.24–5.0 15.19 3.70 41.9±1.6 Fats (%) 0.15–2.5 4.15 2.44 0.6±0.1 (FFA) Moisture (%) 77.80 8.83 84.51 6.7±0.46 Ash (%) 2.81 4.9 4.33 4.8±0.1 Fibers (%) 8.66 4.26 6.8 6.9±0.8 Total oils (%) – – – 18.0±0.1

8. Fatty acid Chemical formula Degree of unsaturation Kachnar seed oil( KSO) Palmitic C 16 H 32 O 2 16∶0 20.10 Stearic C 18 H 36 O 2 18∶0 15.31 Oleic C 18 H 34 O 2 18∶1 25.92 Linoleic C 18 H 32 O 2 18∶2 37.11 Linolenic C 18 H 30 O 2 18∶3 0.55 Arachidic C 20 H 38 O 2 20∶0 — Total saturated fatty acid 35.41 Total unsaturated fatty acid 63.58 Fatty-acids composition of Kachnar seed oil (% by weight) Yadav et al (2018)

9. PHYTOCHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND THERAPEUTIC PROPERTIES OF VARIOUS PARTS OF BAUHINIA VARIEGATA

10. 5 4 3 2 1 BARK LEAVES ROOTS BUDS FLOWERS

11. BARK Used as alliterative, antitumour, antidiabetic, anthelmintic, alternative astringent, washing ulcers, obesity, and tonic Used for the treatment of ulcers, scrofula, diarrhea and various diseases of skin Ethanol extract from bark of B. variegata contains protein resembling to insulin, therefore exhibits significant antidiabetic activities R hamnocitrin which is isolated from the bark of tree helps in preventing the eye lens against cloudiness Rajkapoor et al (2006)

12. LEAVES The leaves of the tree have molluscicidal activity which is due to the quercetin and saponin present in them. The ash formed from the dried leaves is used for the remedy for cough The leaf extracts have cytotoxic activity against the cancerous cell lines A mixture of leaves is used for the treatment of piles and also as laxative Singh et al (2012)

13. ROOTS Roots of the tree are used to treat dyspepsia , making snake poison antidote Possess anti-inflammatory, antihyperlipidemic, antioxidant, and wound healing properties The extracts of roots (i.e., aqueous and ethanol) of B. variegata possess analgesic effects which is due to the presence of flavonoids Singh et al (2019)

14. BUDS The dried buds possess good antioxidant properties Used in the treatment or management of dysentery, piles, worms, eye ailments, liver, and diarrhea Singh et al (2016)

15. FLOWERS Kulshrestha et al (2011)

16. Sr. no. Part of plant Chemical constituents Reference Biological activity References 1 Flowers malvidin-3-diglucoside, cynidin3-glucoside, peonidin-3-diglucoside, malvidin-3-glucoside,quercitroside, rutoside , isoquercitroside , taxifolinerhamnoside , kaempferol-3-glucoside, Myricetrol,ascorbic acid, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, keto acids, octadecanoic acid, amino acids, apigenin, tannins Dugasani et al. (2010), Chandra et al. (2015) and Shahana and Nikalje (2017) Antidiarrhoeal , Antidiabetic, antioxidant, anti- hyperlepidemic activity Ahmed et al. (2012), Negi et al. (2012), Sharma et al. (2011), Singh et al. (2019) and Tripathi et al. (2019) 2 Leaves Crude protein, phosphorus, calcium, lupeol, carbohydrates, vitamin C, reducing sugars, Saponins, fbres , quercetin, quercitrin, β- sitisterol , terpenoids, kaempferol-3-glucoside, tannin, rutin, heptatriacontane-12,13-diol 7 dotetracont-15- en-9-ol ellagic acid, catechol, sterols, tannins, oil, alkaloids, fats, lignin, glycoside, phenolics, apigenin-7-o-glycoside amides Singh and Pandey (2006), Gupta et al. (2009), Dhale (2011) and Singh et al. (2016) Antifungal, Antimicrobial, Antidiabetic, Hypoglycemic , Molluscicidal effect, Anti cancerous activity Sharma and Saxena (1996), Azevedo et al. (2006), Dhale (2011), Lim (2014), Roqaiya et al. (2015), Singh et al. (2019), Shamran et al. (2020) and Abdel-Halim et al. (2020) 3 Stem Bark lupeol, kaempferol-3-glucoside, β- isosterol , 5,7 dimethoxy favanone-4-o-L, rhamnopyrosyl -β- Dglycopyranoside , hentriacontane, stigmasterol, octacosanol , reducing sugars, nitrogenous substances, Yadava and Reddy (2003), Zhao et al. (2005), Rajani and Ashok (2009), CechinelFilho 2009, Antitumour, Antiulcer, Immunomodulatory effect, Haematinic, Antimicrobial,Hepatoprotective , Antioxidant, Antibacterial,Anticarcinogenic Parekh et al. (2006), Bodakhe and Alpana (2007), Rajani and Ashok (2009), Gupta et al. (2009), Ghaisas et al. (2009),

17. Sr. no. Part of plant Chemical constituents Reference Biological activity References 4 Root Bark Flavanone (2S)-5, dihydrodibenzoxepin , 7-dimethoxy-3,4methylene dioxyfavonone 5,6b dihydroo-1,7-dihydro-1,7 dihydroxy-3,4- dimethoxy-2-methyldibenz oxepin Yadava and Reddy (2003) Antioxidant, Antiobesity effect Maldonado et al. (2003) 5 Stem β-sitosterol, naringenin 5,7 dimethyl ether 4- rhamnoglucoside , lupeol Zhao et al. (2005) Antiulcer Rajkapoor et al. (2003) and Pani et al. (2011) 6 Roots flavonol glycosides 5,7,3,4 tetrahydroxy-3- methoxy-7-o-α-L rhamnopyranosyl (1-3)-o-β-D- galactopyranoside Gunalan et al. (2011) Anti-inflammatory, Wound healing and nephroprotective effect, Antimutagenic and antioxidant activity Yadava and Reddy (2003), Sharma et al. (2011) and Golwala et al. (2020) 7 Seeds Oleic acid, palmitic acid, linoleic acid, stearic acid, proteins     Singh et al. (2016) and Shahana and Nikalje (2017) Haemagglutinating Wassel and Ammar (1989)

18. ANTIDIABETIC ACTIVITY OF BAUHINIA VARIEGATA EXTRACTS IN ALLOXAN-INDUCED DIABETIC RATS Control (2mg/kg) Glimepiride (120mg/kg) Bauhinia variegata Ethanolic extract (100 mg/kg) Bauhinia variegata Ethanolic extract (250 mg/kg) Bauhinia variegata Ethanolic extract (500 mg/kg) The study evaluates the antidiabetic activity of the ethanolic extract of Bauhinia variegata leaves using alloxan-induced diabetic albino Wistar rats. Gurjar et al(2018)

19. The Antihyperglycemic Effect of Ethanolic Extract of Leaves of Bauhinia variegata on Glucose Loaded Rats The ethanolic extract of Bauhinia variegata at 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg significantly reduced blood glucose levels in diabetic rats, with the 500 mg/kg dose being more effective. RESULTS Gurjar et al(2018)

20. ANTITUMOR AIM METHOD KEY FINDINGS The study investigates the antitumor activity of the ethanol extract of Bauhinia variegata (EBV) against Dalton's ascitic lymphoma (DAL) in Swiss albino mice Bauhinia variegata stems were processed, ethanol-extracted, and tested for antitumor efficacy using Swiss albino mice inoculated with DAL cells, with comparisons to 5-Fluorouracil and evaluations of hematological effects. The study included standard animal housing conditions and weekly cell inoculations. . EBV treatment significantly improved the mean survival time (MST) of tumor-bearing mice from 23 to 32 days (compared to 40 days with 5-FU), enhanced peritoneal cell count, and helped normalize altered hematological parameters such as WBC count, haemoglobin , and RBC levels. B. Rajkapoor et al (2014)

21. EVALUATION OF ANTIANGIOGENIC POTENTIAL OF ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF BAUHINIA VARIEGATA LEAVES IN MICE Group No.   Treatment group VEGF concentration (pg/ mg sponge) MVD (per microscopic Field, 40X) I Negative Control 2.462±0.181 c 14.9±1.25 c II Positive Control ( Semaxinib ) 0.529±0.044 a 1.3±0.31 a III Bauhinia variegata extract 1.609±0.069 b 10.6±0.92 b This research aimed to investigate the antiangiogenic potential (the ability to inhibit new blood vessel formation) of Bauhinia variegata leaf extract using a mouse model Conclusion: The Bauhinia variegata extract demonstrated promising antiangiogenic activity by significantly reducing VEGF levels, and blood vessel formation compared to the control group, though it was less effective than the standard drug SU5416, indicating its potential as a natural cancer therapy. Negative Control Positive Control ( Semaxinib ) Bauhinia variegata extract Kathole et al(2023)

22. EXPLORING THE ANTI-ANEMIC POTENTIAL OF BAUHINIA VARIEGATA LINN LEAVES POWDER BISCUITS IN ANIMAL MODELING The study focuses on the development of iron-enriched biscuits using Bauhinia variegata ( Kachnar ) leaves powder, aimed at combating anemia The study concluded that the biscuits containing Bauhinia variegata leaves powder, especially when combined with lemon juice, significantly improved haemoglobin levels in anemic rats, suggesting the potential of these biscuits as a natural remedy for anemia Gurjar et al(2018) Ahmed et al(2023)

23. This study evaluates the nutritional enrichment and sensory acceptability of conventional Indian recipes (Soup, Chila , and Uthpam ) by incorporating fresh Kachnar ( Bauhinia purpurea ) leaves at different levels (15%, 20%, 25%) SOUP UTHPAM CHILA Ingredient Substitution and Quality Enrichment of Conventional Indian Recipes with Underutilized Fresh Kachnar Leaves Gupta et al(2017)

24. Table 4 — Proximate and Mineral Composition of Control and Best Treatment in terms of sensory analysis   Soup Chila Uthapam   Control (T1 ) 15% Kachnar leaves Control (T2 ) 20% Kachnar leaves Control (T1 ) 15% Kachnar leaves Moisture (g) 85.64±1.12 87.51±2.12 54.62±0.08 53.71±0.50 35.78±0.25 33.61±0.36 Ash (g) 22.07±0.02 22.37±0.20 39.31±1.54 43.23±0.43 40.63±0.02 51.86±0.10 Fat (g) 0.85±0.01 0.39±0.05 2.93±0.61 2.38±0.12 2.08±0.16 1.6 ±0.13 Protein (g) 1.12±0.02 1.39±0.05 8.67±0.08 9.63±0.16 8.13±0.05 7.37±0.23 Carbohydrates(g) 6.23± 0.34 6.25±0.05 34.23±0.06 30.73±0.19 65.78±0.31 63.95±0.40 Iron (mg) 1.16±0.03 2.18±0.05 4.21±0.56 4.33±0.18 2.97±1.15 2.44±0.19 Calcium (mg) 86.28±11.2 92.6±0.43 90.96± 0.54 94.39± 1.94 54.30 ±3.16 56.78 ±2.47 Incorporating Kachnar leaves in traditional recipes like Soup, Chila , and Uthpam can significantly enhance their nutritional value while maintaining good sensory acceptance Gupta et al(2017)

25. Traditional utilization as food Part used References Flowers Cooked as vegetable Easdown et al. (2014) Used in preparation of raita, curry and flour Yadava and Reddy (2003) Filler in pakoras, flavouring of meat, fish Orwa et al. (2009) and Easdown et al. (2014) Used to make pickles Paudel et al. (2012) and Monika et al. (2016) Leaves Used in the form of vegetables Sharma et al. (2011) and Arain et al. (2012) Used for curry preparation   Used as fodder   Leaves are consumed as side dish along with rice and is used as flavorings in fish and meat Dhyani and Gupta (2016) Bud Used for making tasty dishes such as vegetable, etc. Kapoor et al. (2010), Negi et al. (2012) Used for making pickle, curry, flour Verma et al. (2012) Young buds of the flowers are employed in making various tasty broths, Verma et al. (2012) Buds are used as flavouring agents in many products Verma et al. (2012) Seeds Seeds being rich in various amino acids are used as pulses in various regions (tribal) of Central and Northeastern India Verma et al. (2012)

26. Product name Manufactured / Marketed By Kachnar guggulu Baidyanath Shriji herbal products Zandu Ayurveda Amrita drugs Dabur India limited Dhootapapeshwar limited Patanjali Ayurved Limited Banyan herbs Kachnar juice SUMERU HERBS Kachnar ki chhaal Shubh supplies JJW & Brothers Pvt. Ltd. Indianjadibooti LIFERR Herbs B. variegate / Kachnar Omamental mixed Flowering orchid trees Seeds SHOP 360 GARDEN® Kachnar kashaya Nagarjun pharmaceutical P.ltd . Kachnar gomutra ark Goseva Kachnar Churna Planet Ayurveda Kachnar Guggulu capsules Cosmoveda Organics Kachnar Herbal Extracts Flower Perfumes Bio Mountain Ebony Vitalizing Serum for falling hair Biotique Botanicals Orwa et al (2009)

27. KACHNAR BARK POWDER KACHNAR BARK POWDER KACHNAR BARK POWDER KACHNAR BARK POWDER

28. KACHNARGUGGULU KACHNAR JUICE KACHNAR KI CHAAL KACHNAR BARK POWDER

29. Herbal Supplements 1 Essential Oils 2 Herbal Teas and Infusions 3 Traditional Medicine Formulations 6 Dietary Supplements 5 Skincare Products 4 Value-Added Products Orwa et al (2009)

30. OTHER USES OF KACHNAR

31. Challenges in Processing OF Kachnar ( Bauhinia variegata ) Processing Kachnar is challenging due to the need to maintain its nutritional and medicinal properties, as bioactive compounds like flavonoids and phenolics are sensitive to temperature, light, and oxygen. Variability in Kachnar's phytochemical content due to geographical and seasonal factors makes it difficult to establish consistent processing methods and produce uniform products. Kachnar flowers and buds are highly seasonal, leading to limited availability and the need for effective preservation methods to ensure year-round usage. Traditional methods of preparing kachnar (such as cleaning, drying, and fermentation) are time-intensive and may require specialized knowledge, making it less attractive for commercial-scale production.

32. CONCLUSION Kachnar ( Bauhinia variegata Linn .) is a medicinal plant with diverse pharmacological activities, including anti-diabetic, antioxidant, anti-ulcer, and anticancer properties. The plant's key chemical constituents, such as flavonoids, glycosides, alkaloids, tannins, phenolic acids and terpenoids, are responsible for its therapeutic potential. Along with its medicinal benefits, it also contains a good amount of nutritional components which can be used for different functional food formulations .

33. FUTURE POTENTIAL Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods: Kachnar's rich bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids and phenolic acids, can be utilized in developing nutraceuticals and functional foods with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties . Plant-Based Foods: The protein and fiber-rich flowers and leaves of kachnar hold promise as ingredients in plant-based food products and meat alternatives, as well as in fortifying traditional foods to combat nutritional deficiencies . Natural Food Colorants and Preservatives: Kachnar's vibrant flowers can serve as natural food colorants, while its extracts offer potential as natural preservatives, enhancing shelf life due to their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties . Innovation in Processed Foods: Kachnar can be explored in ready-to-eat and processed foods, such as pickles and chutneys, demonstrating its versatility and potential in the food industry .

34. References Singh K L, Singh D K, & Singh V K (2012) Toxicity of Bauhinia variegata and Mimusops elengi with plant molluscicides against Lymnaea acuminata . J. Biol. Earth Sci   2 : B76–B82 Acharya A, & Kafle N (2009). Land degradation issues in Nepal and its management through agroforestry Agric Environ 10 : 115-123. Sahu G, & Gupta A K (2012) A review on Bauhinia variegata Linn. ISSN 2230 – 8407, 48–51. Sharma K, Kumar V, Kumar S, Sharma R and Mehta C M (2021) Bauhinia variegata: a comprehensive review on bioactive compounds, health benefits and utilization.  Adv Tradit Med ,  21 : 645-653. Rajkapoor B, Jayakar B, Murugesh N, & Sakthisekaran D (2006) Chemoprevention and cytotoxic effect of Bauhinia variegata against N- nitrosodiethylamine induced liver tumors and human cancer cell lines. J. Ethnopharmacol 104 : 407–409. Singh K L, Singh D K, & Singh V K (2012). Toxicity of Bauhinia variegata and Mimusops elengi with plant molluscicides against Lymnaea acuminata. J. Biol. Earth Sci   2: B76–B82. Singh N, Singh A, & Pabla D (2019) A review on medicinal uses of Bauhinia variegata Linn PharmaTuto 7: 12–17. Gurjar H, Pandey H, Verma A, Irchhaiya R, & Singh P P (2018). Antidiabetic activity of Bauhinia variegata extracts in alloxan-induced diabetic rats JDDT   8 : 29-32