Ethnopharmacological, Phytochemical, Pharmacological and Toxicological Aspects of Bauhinia forficata: A Mini-Review Covering the Last Five Years

Abstract

This mini review focuses on the ethnopharmacology, phytochemical, and biological/pharmacological activity and toxicology of the medicinal plant, Bauhinia forficata reported during 2012-2016. The results confirmed the continuous use of this plant, especially the leaves, for medicinal purposes, particularly as remedies for the treatment of diabetes and other ailments. Other new biological potential was evidenced, including anti-ulcerogenic, hypocholesterolemic, hepatoprotective and diuretic effects. Clinical and toxicological studies have advanced gradually, requiring more detailed experiments, to ensure the safe use of this plant for medication. Some new flavonoids were detected in this species, but significant differences were observed when comparing the chemical composition of its sub-species.

Effects of Bauhinia forficata on glycaemia, lipid profile, hepatic glycogen content and oxidative stress in rats exposed to Bisphenol A

“…Several patents were deposited with B. forficata being the active principle [ 25 ] but is still very common the use of B. forficata extract from ordinary pharmaceutical manipulations. The extract used in this study was elaborated with plant’ leaves which are rich in flavonoids and the results from mass spectrometry analysis [ 33 ] showed that the commercial alcoholic extract of B. forficata contains, among other compounds, the kaempferitrin which is considered the chemical marker for B. forficata [ 25 , 28 , 34 ].…”

“…Lino Cde et al [ 60 ], studying alloxan-induced diabetes rats, found no alterations in LDL levels after B. forficata treatment and Damasceno et al [ 61 ] showed elevation in total cholesterol and triacylglycerol concentrations in diabetic pregnant rats caused by B. forficata treatment. However, there are still no studies evaluating the toxicological effects of plants from genus Bauhinia [ 34 ]. In this context, our results shed light on these possible metabolic adverse effects and stimulate future investigations.…”

“…We also have conducted mass spectrometry analysis to determine the main components of B. forficata commercial extract as described elsewhere [ 33 ]. The results showed seven major components among them myricetin-O-(O-galloyl)-hexoside and kaempferol-3-O-(2-rhamnosyl) rutinoside, which has been related to its pharmacological activities [ 34 ].…”

Use of medicinal plants in the diabetes treatment

“…through experimental models, treatment with B. forficate interferes with hepatic glucose, glycogenesis, and lactate production. In addition, it diminishes blood glucose and is anti-diabetic in rats 31,32 .…”

Promising Medicinal Plants with Diuretic Potential Used in Brazil: State of the Art, Challenges, and Prospects

“…Furthermore, 2-induced diuresis was enhanced after pretreatment with L-NAME, and its ability to enhance urinary elimination was not prevented in the presence of either indomethacin or atropine [41]. Kaempferitrin [3] (kaempferol 3,7-dirhamnoside), a kaempferol-derived flavone found in some plant species, is the main chemical compound of B. forficata leaves and is related to the pharmacological activity of this species [55,56]. This compound was also investigated in our laboratories, focusing on its acute diuretic effects, in a preclinical model using both NTR and SHR at doses ranging from 0.1 to 1 mg/kg.…”