Studies on Phytochemical Screening and Biological Evaluation of Balanites roxburghii Planch: Cytotoxic and Antibacterial Activities

Abstract

Aim: To comprehensively evaluate the phytochemical profile of Balanites roxburghii Planch. Leaf extracts obtained using different solvents were assessed for their biological activities—including antibacterial, antifungal, and in-vitro cytotoxic effects to determine their potential relevance and applicability in pharmaceutical and therapeutic research. Study Design: The study involved solvent extraction and phytochemical screening of Balanites roxburghii leaves, followed by evaluation of their antibacterial, antifungal, and cytotoxic activities. Biological assays were performed to determine the therapeutic potential of the extracts. Place and Duration of Study: sample collected from the Chitradurga district, near Jogi Matti Forest. Research work carried out in the P.G. Department of Botany, Government Science College, Chitradurga and Department of Studies in Botany, Davangere University, Davangere. The duration of work is September 2024 to October 2025. Methodology: the phytochemical estimation was carried out by the preliminary phytochemical tests, and antibacterial activity was carried out against Escherichia coli and antifungal activity against Rhizopus sps. Both ethanolic and distilled water extracts. The in-vitro cytotoxicity by MTT assay against the A549 lung cancer cell line. Results: The phytochemical tests revealed the presence of saponins, proteins, steroids, alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, and glycosides. Both ethanolic and distilled water extracts showed significant antibacterial activity, whereas the aqueous extract showed no inhibition against the tested fungal pathogen. The in-vitro cytotoxicity against the A549 lung cancer cell line shows a significant result with an IC50 value of 139.96 µg/ml ethanol extract. Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that Balanites roxburghii Planch. Leaf extracts contain valuable phytochemicals and exhibit notable antibacterial and cytotoxic activities, particularly in the ethanolic extract. Although the aqueous extract showed no antifungal effect, the overall results highlight the plant’s potential as a promising source of bioactive compounds for future pharmaceutical applications.