SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, Dec 27: A pilot study conducted by AIIMS New Delhi has brought attention to the health benefits of the Kachnar plant (Bauhinia Variegata), commonly found in Jharkhand’s forests.
The study, conducted in collaboration with the Jharkhand Forest Department and Central Coalfields Limited (CCL), focused on the Hazaribagh region. Spanning four years (2020–2024), researchers explored the plant’s nutritional and medicinal value, visiting rural villages inhabited by tribal communities in Jharkhand.
Traditional Use of Kachnar in Tribal Communities
The Kachnar plant is deeply embedded in the diet and healthcare practices of Jharkhand’s tribal communities. These forest-dependent communities follow unique socio-cultural traditions, including the use of plants like Kachnar for both food and medicine.
AIIMS researchers noted that traditional plants such as Kachnar play a critical role in the primary healthcare of these communities, helping them address nutritional deficiencies and common health issues.
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Study Highlights Nutritional and Health Benefits
The study was initiated in 2020 under the leadership of Sanjiv Kumar, the then Regional Chief Conservator of Forests (RCCF), Hazaribagh. Researchers sought to understand the nutritional value of Kachnar and its potential molecular and dietary effects on human health.
Findings revealed that individuals who consumed Kachnar exhibited reduced levels of inflammatory markers in the body compared to non-consumers. The plant was found to provide essential micro- and macronutrients, especially in regions with limited access to diverse food resources.
“The research aimed to analyse the nutritional content of Kachnar and its micro-nutrients, while also exploring its interactions with human physiology. The goal was to identify reliable biomarkers in Kachnar consumers,” said Sanjiv Kumar, now the Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF), Jharkhand.
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Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Kachnar
The study further explored Kachnar’s potential to promote or reduce inflammation in the body. The plant was found to contain beneficial compounds such as polyphenols and tannins, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
“This study marks the first step in identifying the health benefits of Kachnar. Its compounds, including polyphenols and tannins, can help combat inflammation in the body,” Kumar added.
The findings underscore the value of traditional forest plants like Kachnar in addressing nutritional and health needs, particularly in underserved rural and tribal areas.
