Exploring Bauhinia variegata: Phytochemical, pharmacological promise and modern extraction approaches

Bauhinia variegata is a medicinal plant belonging to the Fabaceae family and distributed globally in tropical and subtropical areas. Various parts of the plant, such as leaves, flowers, bark, seeds, roots, and stems, are found to be rich in bioactive phytochemicals like flavonoids, tannins, kaempferol, quercetin, terpenoids, saponins, and cardiac glycosides. All these phytochemicals have various pharmacological activities like antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, hepatoprotective, and wound-healing effects. The therapeutic value of B. variegata has a close association with these metabolites that function through several mechanisms, such as modulation of oxidative stress, lipid metabolism, gut microbiota, and inflammation pathways. The plant is also used in traditional medicine and functional food. Advances in the extraction technologies like supercritical fluid extraction, enzyme-assisted extraction, ultrasound, microwave, and deep eutectic solvent techniques have enhanced recovery of bioactive constituents. This review emphasizes the phytochemistry, pharmacological significance, extraction tactics, and novel applications of B. variegata, with a focus on its potential as a future nutraceutical and therapeutic natural resource.