Quantitative, Antibacterial and Antioxidant Activity Screening of Various Phytoconstituents in Bombax ceiba Floral Extracts

Abstract

The present study aims at investigations of quantitative, antibacterial and antioxidant activity of Bombax ceiba floral extracts. Preliminary qualitative phytochemical analysis was performed by following standard protocols. Total phenol and flavonoid content were evaluated by colorimetric method, using Folin- Ciocalteau Reagent and Aluminium Chloride, respectively. Antibacterial activity was evaluated by disc- diffusion method against Staphylococcus aureus and Aeromonas spp. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by DPPH scavenging assay. All the extracts of B. ceiba displayed presence of majority of phytochemicals. TPC and TFC was maximum in methanol (182.14- 439.23µg of GAE/mg) and ethyl acetate (285.25- 820.24µg of QE/mg) extract respectively. Maximum antibacterial activity was displayed by chloroform and ethyl acetate extract against S. aureus and Aeromonas spp., respectively. Antioxidant activity was maximum in aqueous extract and minimum in petroleum ether extract. The results suggests that B. ceiba is a rich source of phytochemicals. It has significant amount of phenols and flavonoids. It exhibits good antibacterial and antioxidant potential. Further studies can be carried out to find the components responsible for its various pharmacological activities. The extract of such beneficial plant can be a good source for the development of new drugs.