Metabolic variations in individuals using Bauhinia forficata

Abstract

Introduction: For a long time, the use of medicinal plants was the basis for therapeutics. Among the countless plant species of medicinal interest are those of the genus Bauhinia. Objectives: To relate anthropometric indices, blood pressure and fasting glucose levels to the use of Bauhinia forficata. Methods: A case-control study was conducted with a sample of 54 individuals divided into group 1 (intervention), composed of 31 participants, and group 2 (control), formed with 23 subjects. Over an interval of eight months, weight, blood pressure, and glucose levels were measured before and after the consumption of tea. Results: In group 1, the difference was statistically significant for values of diastolic blood pressure (p 0.001). Group 2 showed no significant difference in any variable. A comparison of the two groups reveals a significant statistical difference in the weight (p = 0.037) and body mass index (p = 0.047) variables. Conclusions: The observed variations in weight, body mass index, and diastolic blood pressure suggests that Bauhinia forficata assists in controlling these factors.