A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW ON THE ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY, PHYTOCHEMISTRY, AND THERAPEUTIC APPLICATIONS OF BAUHINIA RACEMOSA

Abstract Bauhinia racemosa Lam., commonly called the "Bidi Leaf Tree," is a small to medium-sized deciduous plant native to tropical Asia, notably India and Sri Lanka. Traditionally recognized in Ayurvedic medicine, this species has been used to treat ailments such as diarrhea, wounds, inflammation, respiratory issues, and metabolic disorders. This review emphasizes the ethnobotanical significance, phytochemical profile, and pharmacological activities of the plant. Key bioactive constituents—flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, steroids, saponins, and triterpenoids—are identified in different plant parts, with variations based on extraction solvents. Studies confirm antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, and wound healing activities through in vitro and in vivo models. Modern extraction techniques such as ultrasound-assisted methods have improved the yield and efficacy of therapeutic compounds. Although safety evaluations indicate low toxicity, challenges remain in terms of clinical validation and formulation standardization. With further research, B. racemosa holds great potential for development into multifunctional phytopharmaceuticals.