# Kovidara

> Kovidara (Bauhinia purpurea L.) is a plant used in Ayurveda, from the Fabaceae (Caesalpinioideae) family. Listed in Ayurvedic texts as Kovidara. [Genus Bauhinia (Fabaceae): A review from phytochemistry to pharmacology- Exploring traditional uses and toxicological insights across Asia](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39571414/).

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Bauhinia purpurea L.
- **Family:** Fabaceae (Caesalpinioideae)
- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Listed in Ayurvedic texts as Kovidara. Used interchangeably with B. variegata in some formulations. No dedicated WHO monograph. Recognized in Thai traditional medicine and Indian AYUSH systems.

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Kovidara |
| Latin/Botanical | *Bauhinia purpurea L.* |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- Astragalin ([kaempferol](/reference/kaempferol/)-3-glucoside)
- [Isoquercetin](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#isoquercetin)
- [Quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/)
- Pelargonidin-3-glucoside
- Pelargonidin-3-triglucoside
- Butein galactoside
- Beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol)
- [Stigmasterol](/reference/stigmasterol/)
- [Terpenoids](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#terpenoids) ([lupeol](/reference/lupeol/))
- Cardiac [glycosides](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#glycosides)
- [Saponins](/reference/saponins/) (oleanane type)

## How does it work?

- Anti-inflammatory action via flavonoid-mediated ([quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/), astragalin) inhibition of COX-2 and suppression of prostaglandin synthesis
- [Antidiabetic](/reference/antidiabetic/) activity through polyphenol-mediated enhancement of insulin sensitivity and alpha-glucosidase inhibition
- [Analgesic](/reference/analgesic/) effect via peripheral and central pain pathway modulation, with maximum effect at 120 min post-administration
- [Hepatoprotective](/reference/hepatoprotective/) and nephroprotective effects via [antioxidant](/reference/antioxidant/)-mediated restoration of SOD, catalase and reduction of lipid peroxidation

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Anti-inflammatory and analgesic use validated with significant edema inhibition (46-77%) in carrageenan model
- Wound healing confirmed through enhanced collagen deposition and epithelialization in excision wound models
- Antidiabetic use supported by hypoglycemic effects in alloxan-induced diabetic rat models
- Anti-diarrheal activity confirmed in castor oil-induced diarrhea models

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Verma R, Dash S, Ankita and others 2024. [Genus Bauhinia (Fabaceae): A review from phytochemistry to pharmacology- Exploring traditional uses and toxicological insights across Asia](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39571414/). *Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology*. PMID [39571414](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39571414/) · [doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2024.156246](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2024.156246)  
  Comprehensive genus-level review confirmed [anticancer](/reference/anticancer/), antioxidant, [hypolipidemic](/glossary/pharmacology/#hypolipidemic), [antimicrobial](/reference/antimicrobial/), anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, nephroprotective and antimalarial activities across Bauhinia species.
- Gudavalli D, Pandey K, Ede VG and others 2024. [Phytochemistry and pharmacological activities of five species of Bauhinia genus: A review](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38286316/). *Fitoterapia*. PMID [38286316](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38286316/) · [doi:10.1016/j.fitote.2024.105830](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fitote.2024.105830)  
  Identified [flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/) (astragalin, [quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/)), [steroids](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#steroids) and terpenoids as major bioactive classes across Bauhinia species with significant anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic potential.

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

## Recent safety updates

- Ethanol extracts at tested doses (50-100 mg/kg) showed no significant acute toxicity in rodent models
- Formal long-term safety studies are limited; differentiation from B. variegata is important for correct therapeutic application. Not recommended during pregnancy.

## What is it made of?

### Key Active Markers

- Kaempferol
- Isoquercetin
- Quercetin
- Sitosterol
- Stigmasterol
- Terpenoids
- Lupeol
- Glycosides

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

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (bark powder), Kashayam (decoction), Capsule, Kwatha (concentrated decoction), Lepa (paste)

**Standard Dosage:** 3-6 g bark powder twice daily; 50-100 mL decoction; 500 mg capsule twice daily

**Bioavailability:** Similar pharmacological profile to [Kanchanar](/herb/kanchanar/) (both Bauhinia species). Flavonoids (kaempferol, [quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/)) have moderate bioavailability (~20-25%). Tannin-protein interactions may reduce absorption if taken with protein-rich meals. [Guggulu](/formulation/guggulu/) combination (as in Kanchanar Guggulu analog) enhances bioavailability. Phytosome formulation of flavonoid fraction improves absorption 2-3 fold.

**Optimal Timing:** Before meals for thyroid and lymphatic conditions; after meals for general wellness and GI applications

**Standardized Extract:** Standardized to minimum 8% total [tannins](/reference/tannins/) and 2% total flavonoids (as quercetin equivalents) by HPLC

**Shelf Life:** 24 months for bark powder; 18 months for capsules; 48 hours for fresh decoction (refrigerated)

**Storage:** Store in airtight containers at 15-30°C. Protect bark powder from moisture and insect infestation. Decoctions refrigerated (2-8°C).

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

### Extraction Methods

- Water decoction (traditional — reduced to 1/4th volume)
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (50-60% ethanol)
- Methanol extraction for flavonoid-rich fraction
- Sequential extraction for fractionation

### Synergistic Combinations

- Kanchanar (complementary Bauhinia species) for additive thyroid/lymphatic effects
- Guggulu for thyroid and lipid management
- [Varuna](/herb/varuna/) for urinary calculi
- [Triphala](/herb/triphala/) for detoxification synergy

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

## 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.