NUTRITIONAL IMPORTANCE OF BAUHINIA TOMENTOSA (LEAVES)
The leaves of Bauhinia tomentosa leaves belong to the family (Fabaceae) an indigenous medicinal plant having various aspects of curative values. Objectives:The leaves of Bauhinia tomentosa leaves plant was studied with aim of standardizing and preparing an appetite stimulating kashayam. Methods:The collected leaves were dried and standardised by various parameters such as pH, Moisture contents and different extractive values. The active secondary metabolites present in leaves were identified by preliminary phytochemical screening. The Bio-active constituents like carbohydrates, Flavonoids, Tannins, Crude fibre and Vitamin-C were estimated by different standard methods. Metals and Minerals distributed in the leaves were determined by XRF (X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy). Conclusion:Taking kashayam of 30 to 50 leaves of Bauhinia tomentosa twice a day, including in daily diet in the form of chutney, kootu and soup significantly improves the immune system