Bauhinia variegata vs Bauhinia purpurea

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Bauhinia variegata

Metabolic

Metabolic

Bauhinia variegata

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Bauhinia purpurea

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

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

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

Active Compounds

flavonoids, tannins, glycosides, sterols, luteolin, quercetin

flavonoids, tannins, bauhinin, quercetin, alkaloids

Traditional Uses

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

thyroid conditions, skin diseases, digestive complaints, diabetes

Modern Uses

anti-inflammatory, thyroid modulating, astringent, digestive tonic

thyroid modulation, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory

Adult Dosage

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

5-10g bark decoction 2x/day

Contraindications

pregnancy, thyroid disorders (thyroid modulation)

pregnancy, thyroid disorders

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