Exploring the Pharmacological Potential of Bauhinia malabarica Roxb.: A Comprehensive In Vitro and In Vivo Investigation

Abstract

This study investigates the potential biological effects of organic soluble fractions from the crude methanol extract of the leaf and bark of Bauhinia malabarica Roxb (B. malabarica), which is traditionally used for various ailments. Plant materials were collected, dried, and extracted using methanol. They were then extracted into aqueous fractions, carbon tetrachloride, chloroform, and petroleum-ether. The methanolic leaf extract demonstrated excellent antioxidant activity during the DPPH assay for antioxidant testing, with an IC₅₀ value of 12.15 μg/mL, which is similar in efficacy to the standard ascorbic acid (IC₅₀=5.8 μg/mL). The cytotoxicity assay was carried out using brine shrimp nauplii. All test samples of B. malabarica showed significant membrane-stabilizing activity as determined by the hemolysis induced by hypotonic solutions and heat. The plant samples from leaf extract and bark extract also exhibited significant anthelmintic and analgesic activity in a dose-dependent manner. These plant extracts exerted analgesic effects that were characterized by elongation of tail immersion time and reduction in abdominal writhes. The test samples reduced the quantity of diarrhea caused by castor oil in mice in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, the extract extended the sleep duration and delayed the onset of action compared to the control group. Based on our findings, B. malabarica could be a rich source of bioactive compounds, meriting further exploration for its potential in traditional medicine.

Keywords

Bauhinia malabarica / antioxidant / cytotoxicity / membrane stabilizing / anthelmintic / analgesic / anti-diarrheal / sedative

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