Phytochemical and pharmacological activity of Bauhinia acuminata

Farhana Akter Joty 1, *, Fahima Akhter 2 and Monika Kundu 3

1 Department of Pharmacy, Daffodil International University, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
2 Department of Pharmacy, Brac University, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
3 Department of Agricultural Botany, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
 
Research Article
World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 2024, 20(02), 054–062.
Article DOI: 10.30574/wjbphs.2024.20.2.0839
 
Publication history: 
Received on 17 September 2024; revised on 25 October 2024; accepted on 28 October 2024
 
Abstract: 
Background: Over the history of traditional medicine, medicinal plants have been essential because they offer a wealth of therapeutic agents for a variety of illnesses. The project work has been designed to investigate the plant Bauhinia acuminata, a mangrove perennial herb (family Fabaceae), for its phytochemical nature, antioxidant, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic activity.
Methods: Phytochemical analysis was done by using standard phytochemical reaction methods. We assessed antioxidant potential by employing the free radical scavenging method. The analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic analyses were done by observing writhing movement inhibition, inhibition of paw edema, and blood glucose levels in mice.
Results: Phytochemical analysis of the methanol extract of B. acuminata indicated the presence of glycosides, alkaloids, proteins, saponins, and reducing sugars. The IC50 value of ascorbic acid was 7.8 µg/ml and that of the extract was 25.02 µg/ml. The oral administration of 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg doses of Bauhinia acuminata extract inhibited 37.78% and 57.78% of writhing movements compared to the standard drug diclofenac-Na 82.22% writhing movement inhibition. The present study showed 45.45% and 69.07% inhibition of paw edema at the doses of 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg which is compared to standard drug Diclofenac-Na (75mg) 76.56% inhibition of paw edema representing significant anti-inflammatory activity. The extract at the doses of 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg was also found to lessen blood glucose levels decrease 47.06% and 48.73% in alloxan-induced diabetic mice compared to the standard drug Diclofenac-Na (75mg) 56.12%.
 
Keywords: 
Bauhinia acuminata; Free radical scavenging assay; Diclofenac-Na; Alloxan; Writhing movement
 
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