International Journal of Science, Engineering and TechnologyAuthors: Nikher Sharada Sahu, Rashmi Verma, Manish Tiwari
Abstract: Achanakmar Biosphere Reserve in Chhattisgarh, India, is bio-diversely rich in ethnomedicinal plants and has been used traditionally for the treatment of various diseases. This research focused on the phytochemical content and antioxidant activity of leaf extracts of Bauhinia purpurea (Kanchan), Buchanania lanzan (Chironji), and Boerhavia diffusa (Punarnava). Sequential solvent extraction of varying polarities (petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, methanol, ethanol, and water) was carried out, followed by qualitative and quantitative phytochemical screening. Screening showed the universal occurrence of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics, tannins, saponins, steroids, and terpenoids, with B. diffusa also having anthraquinones and coumarins. Quantitative analyses showed methanolic and ethanolic extracts to have increased total phenolic (TPC), flavonoid (TFC), and alkaloid (TAC) content over non-polar solvents, validating their effectiveness in pulling out bioactive molecules. Antioxidant activity was determined using DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays. Of the extracts, Boerhavia diffusa methanol fraction had the maximum radical scavenging activity (IC₅₀ = 73.1 µg/mL; ABTS inhibition = 95.6%; FRAP = 348 µM Fe²⁺/g), followed by Buchanania lanzan and Bauhinia purpurea. Comparative examination showed solvent-dependent differences, wherein polar extracts invariably showed greater antioxidant activity. The findings confirm the ethnomedicinal significance of these species and determine their utility as natural antioxidants for therapeutic and nutraceutical use. This research further underscores the significance of indigenous flora in forming sustainable approaches to drug discovery and natural products research.
