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- Asian Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences (2013) Volume 3, Issue 22
Free radical scavenging activity of bark extracts of Bauhinia variegata L.
Bauhinia variegata L. is traditionally used in treating a variety of ailments in India. Phytochemical screening and in vitro free radical scavenging activity of aqueous and ethanolic bark extracts of Bauhinia variegata was assessed by studying its ability to scavenge DPPH, Nitric oxide, hydroxyl radical and reducing power. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of steroid, phenol/ tannin, glycoside/ sugar, carbohydrate and terpenoids. Ethanolic extract showed significant nitric oxide scavenging activity, whereas aqueous extract was comparatively more potential against both ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species) and RNS (Reactive Nitrogen Species) generation systems. The results support its traditional use in curing various diseases` and as a source of natural antioxidants which protect cells against oxidative stress.
Author(s): Bhagya Bhaskar