Pata de Vaca small tree growing from 5 to 9 meters in height with large divided leaves resembling a cow's hoof, that are distinctive to the Bauhinia genus. It produces large drooping white flowers and a brown seed pod which looks like the mimosa seed pod. It can be found in the rainforests and tropical parts of Peru and Brazil, as well as tropical zones of Asia, eastern Paraguay and northeastern Argentina. It is quite prevalent in Rio de Janeiro and Brazil's Atlantic rainforest in the South.

The indigenous uses of Pata de Vaca is not well documented but it has long held a place in Brazilian herbal medicine. It is described as hypoglycemic, depurative, and diuretic⁽¹⁾ and has been used for over 60 years to balance blood sugar levels in diabetics. It is considered a good blood cleanser and a leaf decoction is used internally and externally for elephantitis and snakebite⁽¹⁾ as well as other skin problems including those of a syphilitic nature.⁽²⁾ It is well established in Brazilian herbal medicine and highly regarded treatment for diabetes, even being called "Vegetable Insulin."⁽²⁾ It is widely used in South America by diabetics to help balance blood sugar levels as well as help with other symptoms produced by diabetes like polyuria, renal disorders, and other urinary problems.^{(2, 3)} Pata de Vaca leaves and teabags are a common item on pharmacy shelves in South America and normally a leaf tea is drunk after each meal to help balance sugar levels.⁽⁴⁾

Pata de Vaca's hypoglycemic activity was first reported in a 1929 clinical study and was followed by another study in 1931.^{(5, 6)} Another study was funded in 1945 to try and determine the active constituents responsible for its activity.⁽⁷⁾ However, since a simple leaf-tea was shown to help balance sugar levels, it became a popular natural remedy and no other studies were done for many years due to a lack of funding for non-proprietary remedies and drugs. In the mid-80's when herbal remedies were again popular, Pata de Vaca's continued use as a natural insulin substitute were reported once again in two new studies.^{(8, 9)}

Pata de Vaca continues to be a popular natural medicine in South America for diabetes. North American practitioners and herbalists are now using it for diabetes, hyperglycemia and polyuria as well.^{(10, 11)}