Phytochemical and pharmacological activity of Bauhinia acuminata

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%.