Bauhinia tomentosa

HABIT: Bauhinia tomentosa is an erect large shrub or small tree with young tomentose branches. Leaves are broader than long, divided a little than halfway down into 2 rounded lobes, hairy below, base truncate, rarely subcordate, glabrous above, tomentose beneath, main neves 7 or rarely 9 from the base. The inflorescence is solitary or in pairs. Flowers are usually in pairs, rarely 1 - 3, on short axillary or leaf-opposed peduncles, bracts, and bracteoles present, calyx hairy, broadly ovate, spathaceous, petals up to 5 cm long, yellow or creamy yellow, obovate - spatulated, imbricate, the upper petals with a purple blot on a face,  stamens 10 fertile, the filaments long, unequal, ovary stalked, hairy, stigma peltate. ​

CONSERVATION STATUS: Evaluated as 'Least Concern' by IUCN.

MEDICINAL USES: The antibacterial activity of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of leaves of Bauhinia tomentosa have been evaluated against human pathogenic bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Streptococcus pyrogens, Enterobacter aerogens, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Sterptococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, Proteus vulgaris.  Aqueous extract of leaves of Bauhinia tomentosa was evaluated for anti-ulcer activity using Alcohol-induced and Aspirin-induced ulcer model in rats. Green synthesis of gold nano particles (AuNP) using leaves extract of Bauhinia tomentosa will be evaluated for its anti cancer activity. The anti-inflammatory activity of ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of Bauhinia tomentosa (stem bark & roots) was evaluated against 5-lipo oxygenase enzyme. Ethanolic extract of Bauhinia tomentosa shows potent anti-oxidant properties, serve as free radical inhibitor. 

(Nallabattini, V., Kuttiappan, A., & Kasimedu, S. Journal of Comprehensive Pharmacy.)

ETHNOBOTANICAL USES: Seed acts as tonic and aphrodisiac. Fruit is used as diuretic. Leaf is used as a main ingredient in preparing plaster to treat abscesses. Root and bark decoction is used for curing abdominal troubles and as an anthelmintic. Root bark infusion is used as an external application to treat inflamed glands and abscesses. Bark is used externally to treat wounds and tumours. Combination of seed paste with vinegar is used as a local application to the wounds produced by venomous animals. Leaves have anti diabetic action. The whole plant is used for treatment of snake bite and scorpion sting. Buds and flowers are used in dysentery. Root bark is internally used for treating large intestine problems. Flower is used for curing diarrhoea and dysentery. A decoction of root bark is applied as vermifuge and stem bark infusion is used as astringent. Seed acts as tonic and aphrodisiac.

(Manodeep C, Anju J, Jagdish KV. Bauhinia tomentosa: A phytopharmacological review. Int Res J Pharm 2011;2(12):128-131.)