This study presents the bound phenolic acid content and their antioxidant activity in sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) bagasse of three Indian sugarcane varieties namely CoC 92061, Co 86032 and Co 62175 emphasizing their beneficial properties. The overall bound phenolic acid content was observed to be 33.27, 29.87 and 23.67 mg/g for CoC 92061, Co 86032 and Co 62175 varieties respectively. The bound phenolics were evaluated for 1,1-diphenyl -2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, reducing power, ability to inhibit beef liver homogenate peroxidation and cytoprotective effect on NIH 3T3 cells in vitro. The bound phenolics tested for DPPH scavenging and reducing power showed a good dose dependent response in all the varieties. In addition, significant protection was offered by the bound phenolics against peroxidation of beef liver homogenate. High inhibitory activity was observed in CoC 92061 (IC50 − 7.09 mg/mL), while Co 62175 variety showed least activity (IC50 − 16.29 mg/mL). Further, 61 % cell protection was observed in CoC 92061, while only 33 % and 18 % protection were observed in Co 86032 and Co 62175 varieties respectively. In conclusion, sugarcane bagasse bound phenolics of CoC 92061, Co 86032 and Co 62175 varieties may offer good protection against oxidative stress.