Phytochemical Screening, Antioxidant Activities and Antibacterial Potential of Leaf Extracts of Buchanania axillaris L.

Abstract

Aim: Buchanania axillaris L. (B. axillaris) is a traditional medicinal plant distributed in India and other Asian countries. It is well known as ‘Cuddapah Almond’ and belongs to the family of Anacardiaceae. The aim of the present study was to determine the phytochemicals present, quantify total phenols, total flavonoids, total tannins, in vitro antioxidant activity, catalytic activity and antibacterial potential of aqueous, methanol and n-butanol leaf extracts of B. axillaris. Materials and Methods: The dried leaf was extracted with different solvents and screened qualitatively and quantitatively for phytochemicals. The antioxidant property was evaluated by free radical scavenging activity by 2, 2-diphenyl-l-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). The catalytic activity was demonstrated by using Methyl orange (MO) as a degrading agent and in vitro antibacterial activity was performed by agar well diffusion on selected five human pathogens. Results: Qualitative phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, carbohydrates, phenols, tannins, steroids, glycosides, proteins and diterpenes. Total phenols, total flavonoids and total tannins were all found to be highest in n-butanolic extracts. DPPH % scavenging activity was observed more in butanolic leaf extract. The result of the antibacterial activity of n-butanolic extracts showed good inhibitory activity against all the tested pathogens and showed comparatively better antibacterial activity than other solvent extracts. Conclusions: The extracts exhibited inhibitory activity against all the pathogens and n-butanolic extracts showed relatively better antioxidant and inhibition activities which may be assigned to the greater bioactive compounds present in it.