# Kachnar

> Kachnar (Bauhinia variegata) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Quercetin has ~5-10% oral bioavailability enhanced by lipids and piperine. Kaempferol shows similar absorption profile. Tannins are poorly absorbed but may have local anti-inflammatory effects in GI tract.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Bauhinia variegata

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Kachnar |

## Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

| Property | Value | Description |
|----------|-------|-------------|
| **Rasa** (Taste) | Kashaya | Primary taste |
| **Guna** (Quality) | Laghu, Ruksha | Physical quality |
| **Virya** (Potency) | Sheeta | Heating/Cooling effect |
| **Vipaka** (Post-digestive) | Katu | Post-digestive effect |

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (bark powder), Tablet, Capsule, Kashayam (bark decoction), Kwath (decoction), [Guggulu](/formulation/guggulu/) formulation ([Kanchanara Guggulu](/formulation/kanchanara-guggulu/))

**Standard Dosage:** 3-6g bark powder twice daily; 500mg-1g extract; 50-100ml decoction; 2-4 Kanchanara Guggulu tablets twice daily

**Bioavailability:** Bauhinia variegata bark contains [flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/) ([kaempferol](/reference/kaempferol/), [quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/)), [tannins](/reference/tannins/), and [phytosterols](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#phytosterols). Quercetin has ~5-10% oral bioavailability enhanced by lipids and [piperine](/reference/piperine/). Kaempferol shows similar absorption profile. Tannins are poorly absorbed but may have local anti-inflammatory effects in GI tract. Guggulu combination (Kanchanara Guggulu) may enhance bioavailability via guggulsterone-mediated permeability enhancement.

**Optimal Timing:** Before meals with warm water; Kanchanara Guggulu: twice daily before meals

**Standardized Extract:** Bark aqueous extract standardized to 2% total flavonoids (as quercetin); hydroalcoholic extract with characteristic HPTLC fingerprint; Kanchanara Guggulu tablet per API formulation

**Shelf Life:** 2 years (bark powder); 3 years (Kanchanara Guggulu tablets); 3 years (standardized extract capsule)

**Storage:** Cool, dry place below 25°C. Bark powder in airtight containers. Guggulu tablets are hygroscopic; moisture-proof packaging required.

**Marker Compounds:** Quercetin, Kaempferol, Bauhinianin, Beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol), [Lupeol](/reference/lupeol/), Gallic acid, Ellagic acid

### Extraction Methods

- Aqueous decoction of bark (traditional Kwath)
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (60:40 ethanol:water)
- Methanol extraction for flavonoid-enriched fraction
- Traditional Guggulu preparation (Kanchanara Guggulu - compound formulation)

### Synergistic Combinations

- With Guggulu as Kanchanara Guggulu for thyroid disorders and lipomas
- With [Varuna](/herb/varuna/) (Crataeva) for urinary calculi
- With [Punarnava](/herb/punarnava/) for lymphatic drainage
- With [Triphala](/herb/triphala/) for detoxification support

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/kachnar/

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

Published by Age Ayurveda in the Nighantu. Educational reference only, not medical advice.
Incorporates material from the Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database under CC BY 4.0.