In-vitro Antioxidant and Anti-obesity Properties of Bauhinia Variegata

Bauhinia variegata L (Synonyms: Phanera variegata Benth), commonly known as orchid tree or Kachnar belongs to the family of Leguminosae and found throughout India. All parts of the plants are used in the treatment of many ailments such as obesity, dyspepsia, bronchitis, leprosy, ulcer etc. The in-vitro antioxidant and anti-obesity properties of different solvent (hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, acetone, methanol and distilled water) extracts of Bauhinia variegata leaves is assessed. All the solvent extracts were found to contain different phytochemicals with bioactive properties at varying concentrations. The results of extraction showed that methanol was the suitable solvent for extraction of phytochemical as it recorded highest yield of 6.80 per cent. The phytochemical assay results showed the highest polyphenol content in methanol extract (243 μg GAE/mg) and flavonoids content in chloroform extract (1.87 μg CE/g). The in-vitro antioxidant and anti obesity property was observed more in methanolic extract than the other extracts. Suggests that Bauhinia variegata leaf extract could be a potential ingredient for the preparation of nutraceuticals to treat obesity and oxidative stress related complications.