Kachnar (Bauhinia variegata) is an ornamental tree belonging to the Bauhinia genus. It is readily available and fast growing in almost all the tropical and subtropical regions, including the Himalayan regions and across Southern and Western parts of India. The Sanskrit translation of the local name ‘Kachnar’ is ‘A beautiful glowing lady’ as it is particularly important in India's culture and ayurvedic medicinal practice. Kachnar is rich in phytochemicals, which are claimed to support thyroid health. It can also help manage diseases such as cervical lymphadenopathy, diabetes, inflammation, etc. Active chemical agents such as kaempferol and quercetin, as well as various secondary metabolites and polyphenols, make it an excellent antioxidant. As diseases caused by free radicals like cancer, diabetes mellitus, and atherosclerosis can be treated by this, this plant has been sought after in recent years.
Last updated on : 21 Jul, 2025
Read time : 16 mins
Kachnar, known as Bauhinia variegata or Phanera variegate, is a semi-deciduous tree under the Caesalpiniaceae family. The maximum height of the plant is about fifteen meters, the crown is spreading, and the bark is deep brown, thick, and rough with scabby patches. The kachnar leaves are alternate, petiolate, thin, and leathery, with a middle notch and two halves at the top end. It is the Kachnar's rich, conspicuous flowers that are fragrant, bright pink or white in colour and blooms, usually in the early spring when the other leaves have dropped off, that makes it stand out.
The fruits are long, thick pod-like structures, which contain seeds that hold up to 15 older seeds that will ripen and burst in May. Thanks to its rich medicinal properties, various parts of Kachnar are considered a traditional formula for thyroid health. Also, their propagation through seeds enables them to be good sources for landscaping and folkloric medications.
Feature | Details |
What are Kachnar? | Kachnar or Bauhinia variegata is a medicinal flowering tree mainly found in tropical regions. Kachnar flowers, bark, and roots are also used in traditional medicine for different purposes. |
Origin | The kachnar is a plant native to India and southeastern Asia and widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical areas. |
Common Use | Kachnar uses are widespread. It is usually prescribed in case of skin disorders, thyroid imbalance, and digestive health. Its flowers, bark, and buds are also consumed in some local cuisine, adding nutritional and medicinal value. It is also incorporated in beauty products, mosquito control, fibre making, the dying industry, and improving soil fertility. |
Chemical Composition | Kachnar mainly contains phytochemical constituents, primarily bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, saponins, tannins, phenolic compounds, and vitamins. |
Alternative Names |
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Health Benefits | Kanchanar benefits have various health effects, including Hypothyroidism, Cervical lymphadenopathy, Worm infestation, Wounds, Menorrhagia, Urinary difficulties, Piles. |
Forms Available | Kachnar powder, tablets, capsules, and extract forms are readily available in pharmacies. |
Recommended Dosage | Dosage for kanchanar supplements differs significantly; in most cases, this is prescribed as 1–2 tablets (250–500 mg) twice a day or as directed by a physician knowledgeable in Ayurveda. |
Precautions | It is not recommended for who are pregnant women and nursing mothers unless a healthcare professional advises them to do so. It is advisable to use it with care in certain medical conditions. |
Side Effects | It may cause some patients gastrointestinal disturbances, allergy reactions, or constipation. |
Interactions | Kachnar may interact with antidiabetics, anticoagulants, and other medicines. It is better to talk to a healthcare professional before taking kanchanar. |
Storage | Kanchanar must be kept in a clean and dry place and a sealed container away from sunlight. |
Here are the alternate names of Kachnar or Kanchanar:
Nutrient | Content per 100 g |
Total Oils | 18.0 g |
Total Proteins | 41.9 g |
Free Fatty Acids | 0.6 g |
Carbohydrates | 28.4 g |
Fatty Acids Content per 100 g: | |
Palmitic Acid | 22.1 g |
Palmitoleic Acid | 0.4 g |
Margaric Acid | 0.3 g |
Stearic Acid | 17.5 g |
Oleic Acid (C18:1 cis 9) | 13.4 g |
Oleic Acid (C18:1 cis 7) | 0.5 g |
Linoleic Acid | 42.1 g |
Linolenic Acid (C18:3 n-3) | 0.6 g |
Linolenic Acid (C18:3 n-6) | 0.5 g |
Arachidic Acid | 1.3 g |
Behenic Acid | 0.5 g |
Eicosapentaenoic Acid | 0.2 g |
Nervonic Acid | 0.6 g |
Total Saturated Fatty Acids | 41.7 g |
Total Monounsaturated Fatty Acids | 15.1 g |
Total Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids | 43.2 g |
Kachnar, also known as Bauhinia variegata, is a medicinal plant mostly revered for its diverse medicinal properties in traditional medical practices. All parts of the Kachnar plant—leaves, flowers, stem, and roots— are medicinally utilised. This plant is mainly regarded for its effect on maintaining thyroid health. Ayurveda considers this plant to be a pitta and kapha pacifying drug. This herb has also been employed in the management of hypothyroidism, diabetes, menorrhagia (excessive menstrual bleeding), dysuria (difficulty in urination), piles, worm infestation and wound management. It may also support weight management by enhancing metabolism.
Kachnar Flowers, which are bitter, act as natural purifiers of blood, removing toxins from the body and the gut. The bark juice helps in the management of amoebic dysentery and even diarrhoea. Some of the properties of this Kachnar flower for diabetes are regulating blood sugar levels and pacifying kapha and pitta dosha.
Kachnar (Bauhinia variegata) provides several health benefits, as its medicinal properties have been researched and reported. The following are kanchnar uses:
Kachnar has been widely used in traditional medicines to promote thyroid wellness. It is believed to balance low thyroxine levels, potentially aiding those with hypothyroidism.
The bark of the kachnar tree is often used to help ease digestive issues, including piles, diarrhoea and dysentery. Its astringent properties can help soothe the gastrointestinal tract while aiding detoxification. The astringent and grahi properties (those that control excess flow) of kachnar can help manage diarrhoea and dysentery.
The flowers and leaves of kachnar are sometimes used to assist in respiratory conditions like bronchitis, cough, and cold due to their Kapha balancing and expectorant properties, helping to clear mucus from the lungs.
Kachnar bark extract, with its pitta balancing and astringent properties assist in maintaining menstrual health as it helps control excess menstrual flow and hormonal imbalances.
Kanchanar possesses antibacterial properties against important bacterial species like Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumonia, and E. coli. The research illustrated that the activity of defatted extracts was even better but was strictly dependent on the concentration of the substance. The antibacterial activity of the different extracts also relied on the polarity of the solvent used, which justifies the endless use of kanchanar in treating wounds and preventing further infection.
From the various findings, it was established that kanchanar protects healthy liver cells from being damaged by multiple toxins.
The petal of Kachnar is a new flavonol glycoside with moderate anti-inflammatory activity, as seen in animal models. Inflammation decreases with this substance, suggesting its valuable effects on inflammatory disorders.
A DPPH free radical scavenging assay of different Kachnar extracts was performed to screen for their antioxidant potential. The ethanoic and aqueous extracts obtained a protective effect against free radicals, evident in their high activity towards reactive oxygen species.
The extracts of Kachnar are said to produce nephroprotective activity against gentamicin-induced models of nephrotoxicity. The ethanolic and aqueous extracts also lowered the elevated serum creatinine and urea levels, proving the extracts' protective properties on the kidneys' functioning.
Studies have shown that Kachnar extracts can reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels in rats, indicating the effectiveness of Hyperlipidemia treatment and promoting heart health.
Kanchanar has also been observed to diminish gastric secretion and the ulcer index in ulcer-induced models, which further shows the potential of Kachnar in managing gastric ailments.
Excellent activity in wound healing was exhibited by Kachnar extracts in animal models, which were comparable to the standard treatment.
The molluscicidal activity of the leaves against the vector snail Lymnaea acuminata is also reported as helpful in vector control.
Kachnar extracts have also been effective in lowering the blood sugar levels in hyperglycemic rats; thus, they play an influential role in diabetes management.
Kachnar is a plant used in many ways, both in cooking and medicine. Its buds and petals taste great and are pretty valuable for the body.
Despite the many health benefits that Kachnar (Bauhinia variegata) has, it will be beneficial to note that some precautions must be taken to use it safely and effectively.
Kanchanar is one of the most respected Ayurvedic preparations as it has many therapeutic properties and helps to control many ailments. Here’s how it is best administered:
The Kachnar flowers can be applied in several ways. It may help resolve digestive problems and facilitate the cleansing of the body. This infusion can be taken once or twice a day.
Steps to use:
Kachnar leaves are primarily used for medicinal preparations. It helps regulate body weight and improve metabolic activity.
Steps to use:
The Kanchanar tree bark is commercially essential due to its medicinal value. It is used as an anti-inflammatory and antitumor and is helpful for ulcers, scrofula, and skin disorders. Such extracts possess antioxidants and relieve oxidative damage and degenerative diseases.
Steps to use:
kanchanara tablet uses: usually available in the form of a tablet, thereby making it easier to use daily.
Steps to use:
Kanchanar can be used daily to improve general health, particularly in thyroid functioning, losing weight and cleansing.
Kanchanar is usually presented to patients in the form of tablets and powder. The recommended kachnar tablet dosage is 1 to 2 tablets of 500 mg, most two or three times a day and usually after meals. For kachnar powder, about 2-5 grams can be taken with warm water twice daily. However, please note that a licensed or qualified healthcare practitioner should be consulted for such dosing, especially for unhealthy individuals or patients taking other medications towards their health conditions. It should also be taken with warm water to ensure maximum absorption. To achieve efficacy, dosages must be adhered to with the least possible adverse effects. Do not underestimate the importance of thoroughly following the instructions received from a doctor.
Kanchanar is particularly effective for many ailments; however, like any other medication, it may have some adverse effects on some individuals. In most cases, the Kanchanar side effects may be:
Kanchanar might interfere with the functioning and safety of other medicines. Some of the clinically significant interactions are:
Kachnar (Bauhinia variegata) is not just an ornamental tree—it’s a valued botanical resource in Ayurvedic medicine. Known for its beautiful blossoms and rich cultural significance, Kachnar offers a range of potential health benefits, especially for thyroid support and inflammatory conditions. Its natural antioxidants like kaempferol and quercetin may help the body combat oxidative stress. With ongoing interest in herbal remedies and plant-based wellness, Kachnar continues to gain attention for its traditional uses and promising properties.
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