In vitro analysis of antioxidant capacity of Bauhinia variegata (L.) Benth leaf extract

Introduction

Bauhinia variegata (L.) Benth, belonging to the Fabaceae family and renowned for its medicinal value, is recognized for its anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic and antioxidant properties. Additionally, it is used in indegenous delicacies and as livestock fodder. This research focused on evaluating the in vitro antioxidant capacity of Bauhinia variegata leaf extract using chicken splenocyte culture system.

Methods

The fifty percent hydromethanolic leaves extract of Bauhinia variegata (BVE) was prepared and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was conducted to find out presence of various functional groups. BVE was subjected to GC-MS and LC-MS analyses along with various qualitative, quantitative and antioxidant biochemical assays to detect the presence of phytochemicals and to assess its antioxidative potential. The maximum non-cytotoxic dose of BVE was utilized for in vitro exposure of chicken splenocytes to evaluate its effect on cellular antioxidant status through assays measuring lipid peroxidation (LPO), reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and nitric oxide (NO).

Results

FTIR analysis detected presence of hydroxyl (O-H), alkane (C-H), carbonyl (CO), aromatic (CC stretching) functional groups in BVE. GC-MS revealed presence of 38 compounds whereas LC-MS displayed 25 and 26 compounds in positive and negative mode ionization analysis, respectively. Significant antioxidant potential was observed through all the in vitro antioxidant assays conducted on BVE, viz., total antioxidative capacity assay, reducing power capacity assay, nitric oxide scavenging assay, DPPH assay, metal ion chelating activity, ferrous reducing antioxidant power activity and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity. It’s in vitro exposure to chicken splenocytes reveled improved antioxidant status of the cells as compared to control cells.

Conclusions

This study displayed significant antioxidant potential of BVE that could be responsible for its medicinal properties. However, scientific validation using suitable in vitro/ in vivo analyses are required before utilizing this plant bioresource for specific purpose.