“Cow's hoof” (Bauhinia L., Leguminosae): a review on pharmacological properties of austral South American species

FORTUNATO RH; NORES MJ

Plants

MDPI

Lugar: Basel; Año: 2022 vol. 12 p. 1 - 29

2223-7747

The genus Bauhinia s.l. (Leguminosae), known as cow´s hoof, unha de boi orpata de vaca, has been used in traditional medicine worldwide. The aim of thepresent review is to summarize the studies published on the biological activityof the main native medicinal species reported in austral South America. Of the14 species present in the region, ten are consumed as leaf infusions to regulateglucose and lipid metabolism, as well as for their antiinflammatory andanalgesic effects and to treat various diseases. Pharmacological properties havebeen recorded in seven species. Antioxidant, anticoagulant, antihypertensive,diuretic, antimicrobial and antitumor properties have been reported in B. forficata. Together with B. holophylla, they are important fortheir antidiabetic properties, since several studies indicate their effectivenessas hypoglycemic. B. bauhinioides isdistinguished for its antiinflammatory and antithrombotic activities and S. microstachya for its analgesicproperties. Antiulcer and wound healing activities recorded in B. holophylla and B. ungulata, respectively, are of particular interest. Most of thespecies possess antitumor activity. The antioxidant capacity of flavonoids andother bioactive compounds make these plants good candidates to assist or treatvarious alterations related with oxidative stress, such as diabeticcomplications. Then, these species constitute promising targets for newbioactive substances research and phytotherapy.