Insights into biological properties of less explored bark of industrially important Acacia catechu Willd

•Ethyl acetate fraction of Acacia catechu bark was found to be post potent radical scavenger.•Ethyl acetate fraction of Acacia catechu bark was found to be rich in kaempferol, quercetin and chlorogenic acid.•Ethyl acetate fraction inhibited growth in breast cancer cell line with half maximal inhibitory concentration of 137.5 μg/ml.•Path analysis grouped flavonols, flavan, flavone and cinnamic acid derivatives owing for antioxidant activities of fractions.