BAUHINIA TOMENTOSA: A PHYTOPHARMACOLOGICAL REVIEW

Abstract

Bauhinia tomentosa commonly known as Yellow bell orchid tree belongs to Fabaceae family, one of the best, versatile and most commonly used household remedy for many manifestations. It is an erect shrub with downy branches, leaves broader than long, coriaceous and pubescent below. The plant is reported to contain amino acids, proteins, fatty acids, minerals, alkaloids, phytosteroids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, phenolic compounds, fixed oils and fats. Pharmacological studies proved its antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, anti hyperglcaemic and antilipedemic activities. It is now considered as a valuable source of unique natural products for development of medicines against various diseases and also for the development of industrial products. This review gives a bird’s eye view mainly on the pharmacognostic characteristics, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacological actions and safety evaluation of the plant.