Kanchanar (Bauhinia variegata)

Kanchanar (Bauhinia variegata) bark, leaves, and flowers contain a range of bioactive phytochemicals with limited but emerging quantitative data. Flavonoids are the most characterized class: quercetin and rutin are present in bark extracts at approximately 0.8–2.1 mg/g dry weight and 0.5–1.4 mg/g dry weight respectively, based on HPLC analyses in published phytochemical screenings. Total flavonoid content of bark extract has been reported at 12–18 mg quercetin equivalents/g extract. Total phenolic content ranges from 45–85 mg gallic acid equivalents/g dry extract depending on solvent polarity used. Triterpenoids including lupeol and beta-sitosterol are present in the bark at trace concentrations (<0.5% w/w). Tannins (hydrolyzable type) contribute significantly to astringency, estimated at 8–15% w/w in bark. Glycosides including flavonoid glycosides (vitexin derivatives) have been isolated from flowers. The plant is not a significant dietary macronutrient source; protein content of leaves is approximately 15–20% on a dry weight basis, making young leaves nutritionally relevant in traditional food use. Crude fiber content of bark is high (~25–30% dry weight), primarily as cellulose and lignin. Mineral composition includes calcium (~1.2 g/100g dry leaf), iron (~28 mg/100g dry leaf), and phosphorus (~180 mg/100g dry leaf) based on limited ash analysis studies. Bioavailability notes: flavonoid bioavailability is expected to be moderate and enhanced by co-administration with lipids; quercetin from plant matrices typically shows 20–50% absorption in humans. Tannin content may reduce iron bioavailability through chelation. Aqueous decoctions (traditional Ayurvedic preparation) favor extraction of tannins and polar flavonoids, while ethanolic extracts capture a broader terpenoid and flavonoid spectrum.