Present communication describes the therapeutic potential of Bauhinia variegata leaf extracts. Protection against oxidative damage was observed with several extracts as indicated by their antioxidant potential. Polar extracts namely, ethyl acetate, acetone and aqueous exhibited appreciable ferric reducing antioxidant power. Aqueous and benzene extracts accounted for significant free radical scavenging activity in beta carotene bleaching assay. Inhibition of lipid peroxidation was also displayed by aqueous extract in rat liver homogenate. Aqueous fraction demonstrated remarkable antiproliferative activity (91–99 %) against colon (Colo-205 and HCT-116) and lung (A549) cancer cell lines. However, lower activity was observed against prostate (PC-3), breast (T47D) and lung (NCI-H322) cancer cell lines. Low to moderate antibacterial activity was manifested by hexane, benzene, ethyl acetate and aqueous extracts against Proteus vulgaris (MTCC 7299), Salmonella typhi (MTCC 3917), Bordetella bronchiseptica (MTCC 6838), Bacillus cereus (MTCC 6840) and Streptococcus mutant (MTCC 497). The study revealed noticeable antioxidant, radical scavenging, anticancer and antibacterial potential in B. variegata leaf extracts.