# Kanchanar

> Kanchanar (Bauhinia variegata L.) is a plant used in Ayurveda, from the Fabaceae (Caesalpinioideae) family. Listed in the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. [Evaluation of Comparative Efficacy of Levothyroxine Versus Kshar Basti and Kanchanar Guggul in the Treatment of Hypothyroidism: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39255475/).

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Bauhinia variegata L.
- **Family:** Fabaceae (Caesalpinioideae)
- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Listed in the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Kanchanar Guggulu is an official formulation in AFI (Ayurvedic Formulary of India). No dedicated WHO monograph. Ongoing RCT may provide future regulatory evidence.

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Kanchanar |
| Latin/Botanical | *Bauhinia variegata L.* |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- [Kaempferol](/reference/kaempferol/)
- [Quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/)
- [Isorhamnetin](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#isorhamnetin)-3-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside
- Ombuin
- [Hesperidin](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#hesperidin)
- [Stigmasterol](/reference/stigmasterol/)
- Protocatechuic acid (PCA)
- Protocatechuic acid methyl ester
- [Lupeol](/reference/lupeol/)
- Beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol)
- Triterpene caffeate

## How does it work?

- Anti-goitrogenic activity through modulation of thyroid hormone synthesis and [iodine](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#iodine) metabolism by [flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/)
- Anti-inflammatory action via COX-2 and LOX inhibition and suppression of NF-kB pathway by kaempferol and [quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/)
- [Antidiabetic](/reference/antidiabetic/) activity through aldose reductase inhibition ([quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/) pentaacetate) preventing diabetic complications
- [Hepatoprotective](/reference/hepatoprotective/) effects via [antioxidant](/reference/antioxidant/)-mediated restoration of SOD, catalase and glutathione levels

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Anti-goitrogenic and thyroid-supportive use validated through clinical case series showing improved TSH and thyroid hormone levels
- Lymphadenitis (Gandamala) treatment confirmed through clinical observations and Kanchanar [Guggulu](/formulation/guggulu/) studies
- Anti-inflammatory and [analgesic](/reference/analgesic/) effects validated through carrageenan-induced paw edema model with 46-77% inhibition
- [Hemostatic](/glossary/pharmacology/#hemostatic) and anti-hemorrhagic use supported by astringent tannin content and clinical observations in menorrhagia

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Kulkarni SP, Parwe S 2024. [Evaluation of Comparative Efficacy of Levothyroxine Versus Kshar Basti and Kanchanar Guggul in the Treatment of Hypothyroidism: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39255475/). *JMIR research protocols*. PMID [39255475](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39255475/) · [doi:10.2196/57287](https://doi.org/10.2196/57287)  
  Registered RCT comparing Kanchanar [Guggulu](/formulation/guggulu/) formulation with levothyroxine for hypothyroidism management, with enrollment from June 2024 to December 2025; recognizes growing clinical evidence.

*2 further claims previously listed here could not be traced to a published paper and have been removed. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.*

## Recent safety updates

- Kanchanar [Guggulu](/formulation/guggulu/) formulation is widely used clinically in Ayurvedic practice with established safety profile at standard doses (1-2 tablets twice daily)
- Long-term safety data from controlled clinical trials is still being generated; caution advised in hyperthyroid patients due to anti-goitrogenic activity. Pregnancy use not well studied.

## What is it made of?

### Key Active Markers

- Kaempferol
- Quercetin
- Isorhamnetin
- Hesperidin
- Stigmasterol
- Lupeol
- Sitosterol
- Ombuin
- 

**Analytical Methods:** HPLC fingerprinting, TLC (identity), LC-MS/MS (marker quantification)

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Kwatha (decoction), Churna (powder), [Guggulu](/formulation/guggulu/) formulation (Kanchanar Guggulu tablet), Capsule, Vati (tablet)

**Standard Dosage:** 3-6 g powder twice daily; 50-100 mL decoction twice daily; Kanchanar Guggulu: 2 tablets (500 mg each) twice daily

**Bioavailability:** Flavonoids and [tannins](/reference/tannins/) have moderate bioavailability. [Lectins](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#lectins) (Bauhinia-specific) are partially degraded in GI tract. Guggulu-based formulations (Kanchanar Guggulu) show enhanced bioactivity due to guggulsterone-mediated metabolic activation. Phytosome technology improves flavonoid absorption 3-fold.

**Optimal Timing:** Before meals for thyroid-related conditions; after meals for gastrointestinal applications; Kanchanar Guggulu best taken with warm water 30 minutes before meals

**Standardized Extract:** Standardized to minimum 10% total tannins (as tannic acid equivalents) and 2% total flavonoids (as [quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/) equivalents)

**Shelf Life:** 24 months for powder; 36 months for Kanchanar Guggulu tablets; 48 hours for freshly prepared decoction (refrigerated)

**Storage:** Store powder and tablets in cool, dry place at 15-30°C. Decoctions must be refrigerated (2-8°C) and consumed within 48 hours. Protect from moisture and light.

**Marker Compounds:** Quercetin, Kaempferol, Bauhiniastatin, Gallic acid, Ellagic acid, Beta-sitosterol, Lupeol

### Extraction Methods

- Water decoction (traditional for Kwatha)
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (50-70% ethanol)
- Sequential extraction: hexane then ethanol then water
- Enzyme-assisted extraction for lectin-rich fractions

### Synergistic Combinations

- Guggulu (Commiphora mukul) in Kanchanar Guggulu for thyroid and lymphatic disorders
- [Triphala](/herb/triphala/) for enhanced detoxification
- [Varuna](/herb/varuna/) (Crataeva nurvala) for urinary calculi
- [Punarnava](/herb/punarnava/) for lymphatic drainage

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

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Web research (clinical trials, WHO monographs, safety databases)
- 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.