Phytochemical screening and anti inflammatory activity of bauhinia variegata linn var. Candida

activity of bark of Bauhinia variegata Linn. Var. Candida belonging to the family Caesalpiniaceae is carried out to lay down the standards which could be useful in future experimental studies. Methods: The study includes standardization i.e macroscopy, microscopy, physicochemical evaluation and other parameters, preliminary phytochemical screening and HPTLC determination. It is a medium sized, deciduous tree, found throughout India. Bark is considered to be used to treat gastric disorders, blood disorders and as liver tonic in folk medicine. Results: Results of anti inflammatory activity showed that bark of Bauhinia variegata Linn has potential to be used as an anti inflammatory agent in future as the data obtained for decrease in paw edema volume with drug extract in concentrations 200 mg/kg has the highest activity 44.4 % after 3hrs which is comparable to that of the standard diclofenac sodium solution (5mg/kg) 48% after 3 hrs.