Evidence supporting the use of: Kachnar
For the health condition: Skin (infections)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Kachnar (Bauhinia variegata) is primarily used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for a variety of conditions, including skin infections. Classical Ayurvedic texts describe Kachnar as having "kusthaghna" (anti-leprotic/skin disease alleviating) properties, and it is included in several formulations intended for skin health and the management of skin disorders such as boils, abscesses, and ulcers. The use is largely based on its described bitterness (tikta rasa) and astringency (kashaya rasa), which are believed to help cleanse the blood and support skin healing.
There is some preliminary pharmacological data indicating that extracts of Bauhinia variegata possess antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities, which could theoretically contribute to its effectiveness in managing minor skin infections. However, these studies are limited to in vitro (test tube) or animal models, and robust clinical trials in humans are lacking. The majority of support for Kachnar’s use in skin infections thus comes from its long-standing role in traditional medicine, rather than from strong scientific validation. Therefore, while its use is justified by tradition, the current evidence base is weak, warranting a rating of 2 out of 5. Further research is needed to confirm its efficacy and safety in humans for this indication.
Other ingredients used for Skin (infections)
ajoenealoe vera
alpha-pinene
barberry
beeswax
bisabolol
black walnut
chlorophyll
copper
turmeric
echinacea purpurea
goldenseal
heartwood
knotweed
Japanese sophora
lactiplantibacillus plantarum
lactoperoxidase
monolaurin
quercetin
trypsin
vitamin C
zinc
bentonite
sarsaparilla
yellow root
mullein
chickweed
typhonium
paederia foetida
smilax
rubia cordifolia
privet
goldenrod
yarrow
juniper berries
sweetgums
oriental arborvitae
sheep's sorrel
queen of the meadow
wintergreen
camphor oil
stillingia
white oak
melaleuca alternifolia
10-Undecenoic Acid
15,16-Dihydrotanshinone I
3-Phenyllactic Acid
akebia
Aquilegia viridiflora
Alpha-terpineol
Azelaic acid
Ardisia
Agave
Antirrhinum majus
Achyranthes
Alchornea
American Pawpaw
Albizia
Asafoetida
Ajuga
Aucubin
Aerva lanata
American Liverleaf
Asam gelugor
Allantoin
Aureobasidium pullulans
Alkanet
Alsonia scholaris
Ampelopsis
Acemannan
allyl isothiocyanate
Abuta
Alkanna
Arisaema
Alantolactone
Artepillin C
Babchi
Baliospermum
Baphicacanthus cusia
Black spruce
Blepharis
Boswellic Acid
Bougainvillea
Brazillian peppertree
Bisabolene
Bael
Benzoin
Borate
Backhousia citriodora
Banyan
Bacillus
Burning Bush
Bergenia
Casearia esculenta
Croton seeds
Clerodendrum phlomidis
Citral
California Pitcher Plant
Cistus
cypress
Chaparral
Chondracanthus chamissoi
Cedrus libani
Castile Soap
Cynodon dactylon
Chiococca alba
Cocklebur
Chekiang Fritillary
Copaiba Oil
Citronella
Didymocarpus
Daphne
Emu Oil
Echinodorus
Ivy
Oak
Spikenard
Snakeroot (unspecified)
Silk protein
Other health conditions supported by Kachnar
AbscessesAnal Fistula or Fissure
Appetite (deficient)
Arthritis
Asthma
Bleeding (external)
Boils
Breast Lumps
Bronchitis
Diabetes
Digestion (poor)
Dysentery
Eye Infections
Glands (swollen lymph)
Gonorrhea
Infection (bacterial)
Infection (viral)
Inflammation
Kidney Infection
Lymph Nodes or Glands (swollen)
Mastitis
Prostatitis
Skin (infections)
Skin Care (general)
Sore Throat
Staph Infections
Urinary Tract Infections
Wounds and Sores