Bauhinia purpurea vs Bauhinia variegata

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Bauhinia purpurea

Metabolic

Metabolic

Bauhinia purpurea

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Bauhinia variegata

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

South and Southeast Asian Bauhinia with pink flowers; leaves and bark used for thyroid and skin conditions.

South Asian ornamental tree; flower buds (Kachnar) used in Ayurveda for skin, thyroid, and digestive conditions.

Active Compounds

flavonoids, tannins, bauhinin, quercetin, alkaloids

flavonoids, tannins, glycosides, sterols, luteolin, quercetin

Traditional Uses

thyroid conditions, skin diseases, digestive complaints, diabetes

skin diseases, thyroid conditions, GI complaints, leprosy support, ulcers

Modern Uses

thyroid modulation, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory

anti-inflammatory, thyroid modulating, astringent, digestive tonic

Adult Dosage

5-10g bark decoction 2x/day

5-10g bark decoction 2x/day; flower buds as food

Contraindications

pregnancy, thyroid disorders

pregnancy, thyroid disorders (thyroid modulation)

Side Effects

GI upset

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E