Phytochemical Profile and Bioactivity Assessment of Bauhinia racemosa Lam.: Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Perspectives

Abstract

Bauhinia racemosa Lam. (Fabaceae) is widespread in India. It is found to have an array of therapeutic properties. The bark and leaves are sweetish and bitter, used as a coolant, astringent, in the treatment of headache, skin ailments, blood illnesses, dysentery, and diarrhoea. The present investigation evaluates the phytochemical composition, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities of the hydroalcoholic leaf extract of the plant. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of a diverse range of secondary metabolites, including alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, and phenolic compounds. The antioxidant potential was assessed using the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay, where the extract demonstrated strong antioxidant activity. The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using the BSA (bovine serum albumin) method, with the extract exhibiting significant results. The IC₅₀ value of the extract was 16.37 µg/mL, while that of the standard was 35.51 µg/mL. The findings demonstrate that B. racemosa leaf hydroalcoholic extract possess significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities and this highlights the plant’s potential for use in traditional medicine and drug discovery.