Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analysis: In vitro studies of antioxidant and anticancer activity of Bauhinia tomentosa (L) leaf extracts

Herbal medicines are of great demand in both developed and developing countries, because of their enhanced bio efficacy and minimal side effects. In the present investigation, the leaf extracts of the plant Bauhinia tomentosa was evaluated for its cytotoxicity and antioxidant properties. The phytocompounds responsible for the bioactivity was analysed qualitatively and quantitatively. Phytochemical screening of the leaf extracts showed the presence of steroids, alkaloids, saponins, coumarins, flavonoids, phenols and amino acids. GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of nine major phytocompounds in the methanol leaf extract. Antioxidant efficacy of the leaf extracts was analysed in vitro by DPPH and superoxide radical assays and its cytotoxicity was evaluated on the MCF-7 cell lines. The leaf extracts were non-toxic and its potent antioxidant activity and anticancer activity may be due to the presence of phytocompounds such as flavonoids and phenols.