Phytochemical profiling and preliminary assessment of the antiepileptic activity of Bauhinia variegata leaves

The Nimar region of Madhya Pradesh is recognized for its rich floristic diversity and long-standing tradition of ethnomedicinal practices preserved by indigenous tribal communities such as the Bhil, Bhilala, Gond, and Korku. For generations, these communities have relied on locally available medicinal plants to treat a wide range of ailments including fever, cough, dysentery, diabetes, skin diseases, wounds, inflammation, and snakebites. The present review highlights the significance of traditional medicinal knowledge in the Nimar region by documenting important medicinal plant species and their therapeutic applications. Species such as Cassia fistula, Bauhinia variegata, Pimenta dioica, Moringa oleifera, Asparagus racemosus, and Nyctanthes arbor-tristis are commonly used in primary healthcare owing to their accessibility, affordability, and perceived safety. However, rapid socio-economic changes, urbanization, deforestation, and the gradual shift of younger generations toward modern healthcare systems have led to the erosion of this valuable knowledge base. The study emphasizes the urgent need for systematic documentation, scientific validation, and conservation of ethnomedicinal knowledge to preserve the cultural and biological heritage of the Nimar region and to ensure sustainable utilization of medicinal plant resources

Abstract Bauhinia variegata is a medicinal plant belonging to the Fabaceae family and distributed globally in tropical and subtropical areas. Various parts of the plant, such as leaves, flowers, bark, seeds, roots, and stems, are found to be rich in bioactive phytochemicals like flavonoids, tannins, kaempferol, quercetin, terpenoids, saponins, and cardiac glycosides. All these phytochemicals have various pharmacological activities like antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, hepatoprotective, and wound-healing effects. The therapeutic value of B. variegata has a close association with these metabolites that function through several mechanisms, such as modulation of oxidative stress, lipid metabolism, gut microbiota, and inflammation pathways. The plant is also used in traditional medicine and functional food. Advances in the extraction technologies like supercritical fluid extraction, enzyme-assisted extraction, ultrasound, microwave, and deep eutectic solvent techniques have enhanced recovery of bioactive constituents. This review emphasizes the phytochemistry, pharmacological significance, extraction tactics, and novel applications of B. variegata , with a focus on its potential as a future nutraceutical and therapeutic natural resource.

Enhancing breast cancer treatment with Bauhinia variegata capped copper oxide nanoparticles: A sustainable chemistry approach

Abstract Most 4D-printed hygromorphic mechanisms using fibre-polymer composite filaments are thin laminated bilayer composite structures, which are printed flat on the 3D printer bed and shape-change into single or double-curvature geometries in response to moisture uptake. The tendency towards thin laminated 2D-like bilayers might be traced to early research on shape-change laminates, such as bimetals, or to the vertical layering sequencing of most additive manufacturing methods. Recently, actuators with non-planar geometries have been achieved through complex rotational 3D printing, 5 or 6-axis printers, or multi-step repositioning of parts, but these methods require bespoke equipment or intensive post-processing, which greatly limits their application to the ubiquitous 3-axis gantry system. In this paper, we introduce a strategy for vertically printing non-planar shape-changing hygromorphic structures that requires only one print session and minimal post-processing. We demonstrate the novel capability of the presented strategy by creating actuators with double-curvature geometries based on the biological models of the Bauhinia variegata seed pod and the Lilium ‘Casa Blanca’ tepals. This novel approach reduces the complexity of manufacturing intricate 4D-printed actuators that have doubly curved geometry. The possibilities in 4D-printed shape parameters are expanded through this method, considering that dimensional curvature and form can now be more easily introduced to structures previously limited by planar printing.

Abstract Primary hypothyroidism is a common endocrine disorder resulting from insufficient thyroid hormone production, causing fatigue, weight gain, and cold intolerance. In Ayurveda, it is associated with Kapha dosha and Meda dhatu imbalance, leading to sluggish metabolism. Kanchnar Shunti Ghanavati, combining Kanchnar (Bauhinia variegata) and Shunti (Zingiber officinale) in a concentrated tablet form, is traditionally used for Kapha balancing and thyroid support. This open-label pilot study evaluated its preliminary efficacy and safety in 10 patients with primary hypothyroidism over 12 weeks. Patients received 500 mg twice daily. Key outcomes included changes in thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4), symptom scores, and adverse events. Mean TSH decreased from 8.2 mIU/L to 4.5 mIU/L, FT4 increased from 0.7 to 1.1 ng/dL, and symptoms like fatigue improved by 45%. Mean body weight reduced by 2.3 kg. No serious adverse events occurred. These findings suggest potential benefits of Kanchnar Shunti Ghanavati, warranting larger controlled trials.

Modulating rumen fermentation and methane emissions in vitro with Terminalia tomentosa, Bauhinia variegata, and Butea monosperma forest tree leaves of Ajodhya hill areas, Purulia (India): a comparative study

Humanity could descend into a pre-antibiotic world as a result of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Phage defenses are considered “vintage heroes” in the battle against multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. However, phage resistance continues to evolve, necessitating alternative strategies. A potential solution is combining phages with antimicrobials like silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) to enhance the phage therapy. This study focuses on a combination therapy using Bauhinia variegata L.-mediated AgNPs and Pseudomonas phage M12PA to target multidrug-resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The antibacterial properties of this combination were evaluated through comprehensive characterizations and assays. As a proof of concept, the AgNP-phage combination delayed phage resistance by 6–12 h, reduced mutation, and enhanced antibacterial efficiency. Anti-biofilm activity improved by ~ 40% compared to AgNPs alone at sub-inhibitory concentrations. AgNPs and phages have demonstrated excellent compatibility, and the phage titer did not drop noticeably over 30 days. Biocompatibility assessments, including cell viability and hemolysis assays, highlighted the safety of biosynthesized AgNPs. Wound healing efficacy was also demonstrated in mouse fibroblast cells and an in ovo angiogenesis model. This study underscores the efficiency of phage-AgNPs synergy to be a potential therapeutic approach for MDR bacterial wound infection, showing effective anti-biofilm activity, delayed phage resistance, and minimal toxicity.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1038/s41598-025-00449-w.

Bauhinia variegata Essential Oil: Chemical Composition, Biological Activities, and In Vitro and In Silico Studies

Squamura disciplaga (Swinhoe, 1901) and Squamura maculata Heylaerts, 1890 (Lepidoptera: Cossoidea: Metarbelidae) were identified as serious emerging pests damaging urban and plantation trees in Vietnam. This study found that S. disciplaga attacked Dipterocarpus alatus and S. maculata attacked Bauhinia variegata and D. alatus. The larvae are bark or wood feeders. Attacked trees were visibly weakened. Damage incidence (P%) of S. disciplaga in D. alatus trees was 56.3–68.1% and damage severity (R%) was 25.7–39.5%. The P% and R% of S. maculata in B. variegata was 25.8–39.3% and 16.8–28.6%, respectively, which were higher than in D. alatus trees (P% 11.9–13.5%, R% 6.5–6.8%). Research to develop management solutions for these pests is recommended.

Facile eco-friendly synthesis of magnesium oxide nanocarriers using Bauhinia variegata for biomedical and photocatalytic applications

Bauhinia variegate (Linn.) is a fast-growing tree often used traditionallyto treat a varieties of diseases.This study aimed to investigate the haematological and histopathological effects of Bauhinia variegate(Linn.) leaf ethanol extract on the brain, lungs, and spleen of rats. Twenty-four Wistar rats were divided into four groups of 6 ratseach. Group 1 received an oral dose of distilled water (10 mL/kg), while groups 2, 3, and 4 received oral doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, respectively of B. variegate leaf ethanol extract once dailyfor 28 days. The feed consumption and body weights of the rats were monitored throughout the duration of the study. After the treatment period, the rats were sacrificed under diethylether anaesthesia. Blood samples were collected for haematological analysis. Organs (brain, lungs, and spleen) were harvested for histological analysis. The organ to body weight ratio was also determined. The results showed that the extract at 200 mg/kg significantly decreasedred blood cell count, haemoglobin concentration, mean corpuscular volume, and platelet count compared to the control group. Organ to body weight ratio was significantly increased at 200 mg/kg. Rats administered 200 mg/kg of Bauhinia. variegate ethanol leaf extract exhibited mild neuronal necrosis and vacuolation in the brain, as well as mild lymphocytes hyperplasia in the lungs and spleen. These findings suggest that while B. variegataleaf extract may be safe when consumed at certain doses, prolonged ingestion may have unexpected effects on haematological parameters, the brain, lungs, and spleen.

Green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles using Bauhinia variegata leaf extract: antibacterial, antioxidant, and wound healing applications

The main objective of the current research study is to formulate and evaluate a topical herbal gel containing Bauhinia variegata Linn and Tagetes erecta Linn flower extracts for their anti-microbial activity against the most common pathogen Staphylococcus aureus.S. aureus is most common pathogen affecting different organs of the human body and is responsible for mortalities. Flowers of Butterfly ash (Bauhinia variegata Linn) are traditionally used as blood cleaners, and laxatives and possess antimicrobial and wound-healing properties. Gold bloom (Tagetes erecta Linn) is an ornamental flowering plant. Its flower is used to treat liver problems, scabies, fever and epileptic convulsions, and skin toner. They are also known for their astringent, carminative, and stomachic properties. It is also found to be useful against microbial infections and has wound-healing properties. A total of three herbal gel formulations were prepared using 1.0% of gelling agents carbopol 934 (G1—G-3) and the formulated gels were evaluated for physical appearance, viscosity, pH, spreadability, washability, primary skin irritation tests, and antimicrobial activity by agar well diffusion technique using azithromycin as a standard. No erythema or edema was observed in the skin irritation test confirming the gel to be nontoxic and safe. An attempt has been made to formulate and evaluate a new herbal combination to treat microbial infection. Formulation G2 was found to be superior among the three formulations as it rendered very good antimicrobial activity and was found to be better in other parameters.

In the rural areas of Sargodha division, poor and ethnic communities depend on a variety of wild plants for their own consumption and traditional uses. Despite their role in providing variety for family diet, most of wild edible plants are not assessed for their nutritional potential and heavy metal profiling. Hence, the present study was carried out to scrutinize twelve most significant wild edible fruits from the local markets of Sargodha division, Punjab, Pakistan. The species included were Bauhinia variegata, Capparis decidua, Citrus limon, Cordia dichotoma, Ficus palmata, Ficus racemosa, Mangifera indica, Moringa oleifera, Morus nigra, Phoenix sylvestris, Syzygium cumini and Ziziphus mauritiana. The concentrations of seven different heavy metals, viz., Cd, Cu, Fe, Pb, Mn, Ni and Zn in fruits samples were analyzed by using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Similarly, the nutritional potential of wild fruits through proximate analysis was determined by measuring the contents of moisture (18.4–90.2%), crude protein (0.23–7.79%), crude fat (0.06–4.59%), crude fiber (0.19–33.7%), ash (1.49–9.3%) and nitrogen free extract (47.9–96.7%). Our outcomes uncovered that the metal contents in samples were lower than that detected by different researchers in selected fruits. The layout of total metal contents in fruits was Fe > Zn > Mn > Cu > Ni > Pb > Cd. The study concludes that investigated samples were value added nutraceuticals with no toxicity, so could be utilized as food wealth and traditional remedies in curing malnutrition in the region.

This study aims to isolate and characterize potential cytotoxic compounds from the roots of Bauhinia variegata Linn. (Caesalpiniaceae) and evaluate their activity against human cancer cell lines. Five compounds, namely β-sitosterol (1), piperine (2), piperolein B (3), retrofractamide A (4), and dehydropipernonaline (5), were isolated from B. variegata roots using various chromatographic procedures. The root extracts were prepared using aqueous and organic solvents, including n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol. The isolated compounds were subjected to a sulforhodamine B cytotoxicity assay against DU-145 and PC-3 (prostate), HT-29 (colon), and MCF-7 (breast) human cancer cell lines. Among the isolates, compound 5 exhibited significant bioactivity against all tested cell lines. Compound 4 demonstrated in vitro activity, specifically against MCF-7 cancer cell lines. Importantly, these compounds were identified for the first time from B. variegata roots. In conclusion, this study highlights the enhanced spectrum of cytotoxic activity exhibited by the isolated compounds. These findings encourage further investigation to elucidate the mechanism of action of these compounds against the respective cell lines. The identification and characterization of these bioactive compounds contribute to the understanding of the potential therapeutic applications of B. variegata in cancer treatment.

Plants have served as the foundation of traditional medicine since the earliest civilisations. In light of this, it is crucial to study the phytochemical and physicochemical properties of Bauhinia variegata seed oil to discover novel secondary metabolites. Seed extracts were obtained through successive Soxhlet extraction using methanol and petroleum ether. The particle size of 0.25 mm achieved the highest bio-oil yield at 24.8%. The bio-oil was characterised using various techniques, including FTIR, GC–MS, and 1H & 13C NMR. Elemental analysis revealed the presence of Pd (0.03 ± 0.01 ppm), Cd (0.003 ± 0.007 ppm), Cr (0.02 ± 0.05 ppm), Zn (0.02 ± 0.008 ppm), Mg (0.04 ± 0.01 ppm) and Na (0.45 ± 0.05 ppm). The bio-oil was further analysed for basic properties, and phytochemical compounds, revealing the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, carbohydrates, phenolics, tannins, saponins, flavonoids and terpenoids. The study highlights the biomedical, biodiesel and industrial applications of bio-oil.

Bauhinia Variegata Extract and Flavonoid-Rich Fraction Alleviate Chronic Kidney Disease by Decreasing the Expression of TGF-β1 (Abstract ID: 189598)

Agroforestry offers a huge potential for carbon sequestration, contributing to climate change mitigation and carbon trading. This study focuses on Bauhinia variegata and Celtis australis, two important agroforestry tree species in the Western Himalayas aiming to develop allometric models and biomass prediction ratios using empirical data collected through selective sampling and minimally destructive methods. Biomass components were categorized and weighed, and allometric equations were developed using diameter at breast height and height as independent variables. Model stability was validated using cross-validation techniques, and their predictive accuracy was assessed. Models, particularly based on diameter, has significant predictive ability for predicting the biomass components for both the species. B. variegata demonstrated a higher capacity for CO2 absorption and carbon credit generation. The biomass expansion factor and root-to-shoot ratio for C. australis and B. variegata was estimated to be 1.39 and 1.40; and 0.24 and 0.17, respectively. The annual biomass of B. variegata and C. australis was 5.97 and 4.67Mgha-1yr-1, respectively. The total carbon stock for both species varied from 23.80 to 30.47Mg C ha-1. In B. variegata and C. australis, carbon sequestration was 105.93 and 82.11Mgha-1, respectively, and net oxygen release ranged from 59.72 to 77.04Mgha-1. The carbon sequestration by B. variegata translates into generating US$ 2119 in total carbon credits, with an annual credit of US$ 193, while C. australis yields US$ 1642 in total credits and US$ 149 annually. These findings highlight the utility of B. variegata and C. australis for carbon sequestration and provide valuable allometric equations for carbon credit estimation. The study emphasizes the importance of agroforestry in meeting India's Nationally Determined Contributions and addressing climate policy goals.

Objectives: The purpose of this current research is to develop suitable food packaging films with extended shelf using medicinal plant leaves. Methods: The four medicinal plants for their traditional food packaging leaves, namely Mantharai (Bauhinia variegata), Badam (Prunus dulcis), Teak (Tectona grandis), and Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) were used. Qualitative determination of the phytochemical compounds in the aqueous extracts of all four leaves were done. The antioxidant activities were assessed by DPPH Radical Scavenging assay and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power assay. The antibacterial and antifungal activity was screened against the bacterial (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and fungal species Candida albicans, Aspergillus flavus of clinical importance using the disc diffusion method. Findings: B. variegata showed the highest flavonoid content of 2.273 ± 0.0021 mg Catechin Equivalent /100 mg and presented potent antioxidant activity in DPPH and FRAP assays. Among all the extracts screened, N. nucifera and T. grandis had the highest phenolic content of (886.5 ± 0.776 μg GAE/100 mg and 861.5 ± 1.211μg Gallic Acid Equivalent/100 mg respectively). The antimicrobial activity indicated high efficacy of B. variegata (17 mm against S. aureus at 500 µg/ml), followed by N. nucifera with reasonable inhibition zones (13 mm against C. albicans and 12 mm against E.coli both at 500 µg/ml. The other extracts had moderate to weak antioxidant and antimicrobial activity compared to the standard positive control. From the percentage inhibition of antibacterial activity, it was revealed that the extract of B. variegata was able to inhibit the growth of S. aureus up to 94.44 % and E. coli up to 94.12 % at the concentration of 500 µg/mL compared to Ciprofloxacin (100 %). Similarly, N. nucifera, P. dulcis, and T. grandis extracts displayed inhibition ranging from 0 % at 100 µg/mL to 84. 21%, 66. 67% and 35% at 500 µg/mL. Inhibition of C. albicans by B. variegata was recorded to be 94.12% while it was 60% for A. flavus. N. nucifera maceration reached 85.71 % inhibition of C. albicans and 47.06% for A. flavus. With P. dulcis and T. grandis extracts at a concentration of 500 µg/mL, the inhibition was recorded to be 63.16% and 70% respectively to that of fluconazole (100%). Novelty: This study explores the usage of Bauhinia variegata as eco-friendly green food packaging material. It is evidenced that due to their highly efficient antioxidant and antimicrobial characteristics, these natural polymers present in B. variegata might overcome oxidative stress and microbial harm in food and packaging products for sustainable and safe applications. Keywords: Phytochemical analysis, Antimicrobial activity, Antioxidant activity, Bauhinia variegata Linn, Food packaging