Cows Foot Vine Powder

Bauhinia forficata, commonly known as Brazilian orchid tree, pata-de-vaca, pezuña de vaca is a species of flowering tree in the pea family, Fabaceae, that is native to Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay and Peru.Brazilian orchid tree leaf has become very popular as a treatment for diabetes ever since research carried out in the 1920's demonstrated its ability to reduce blood sugar levels. The leaves contain a range of compounds including flavonoids, alkaloids, and glycosides. Various trials have been carried out into the health benefits of the leaves, particularly the hypoglycaemic activity. Whilst most of these trials have been positive, at least one was unable to discern positive benefits. The main plant compounds in the plant include astragalin, bauhinoside, beta-sitosterol, flavonols, flavonoids, glycosides, guanidine, heteroglycosides, kaempferitrin, organic acids, quercitrosides, rhamnose, and saponins. Astragalin has well-proven antibacterial activity. Kaempferitrin, a flavonoid, has been shown to significantly lower blood sugar levels, to have diuretic activity and to help repair kidney cell damage. The leaves are anticholesterolemic, blood purifier, diuretic, hypoglycaemic and tonic. An infusion is drunk regularly after meals for its health benefits, whilst it is also drunk specifically in the treatment of diabetes, high blood sugar levels, kidney and urinary disorders, to reduce blood cholesterol levels and as a general tonic and blood purifier. Other conditions that have been treated with the leaves include central nervous system disorders, diarrhoea, elephantiasis, intestinal worms, leprosy, obesity, skin disorders, snakebite and syphilis.