Pata de vaca is derived from the leaf of Bauhinia forficata, a flowering tree native to Brazil and Peru. It has traditionally been used to treat high blood sugar levels in diabetics.
At this time, there is a lack of high-quality evidence to support Bauhinia for any medicinal use. Further research is needed.
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Oliveira, C. Z., Maiorano, V. A., Marcussi, S., et al. Anticoagulant and antifibrinogenolytic properties of the aqueous extract from Bauhinia forficata against snake venoms. J.Ethnopharmacol. 4-8-2005;98(1-2):213-216. View Abstract
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Samie, A., Obi, C. L., Lall, N., et al. In-vitro cytotoxicity and antimicrobial activities, against clinical isolates of Campylobacter species and Entamoeba histolytica, of local medicinal plants from the Venda region, in South Africa. Ann.Trop.Med.Parasitol. 2009;103(2):159-170. View Abstract
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Vasconcelos, F., Sampaio, S. V., Garofalo, M. A., et al. Insulin-like effects of Bauhinia forficata aqueous extract upon Tityus serrulatus scorpion envenoming. J.Ethnopharmacol. 2004;95(2-3):385-392. View Abstract