Phytochemical and Pharmacological study of the extract of the roots of Bombax ceiba

Abstract

Bombax ceiba has risen the interest of scientists and researchers since some of the active constituents and phytochemicals found on this plant are known to exert many beneficial effects. It is a rich source of phytochemicals, as for example apigenin, a well-known anti-cancer agent, or luteol, triterpene with many health benefits among which its anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, anti-mutagenic, antimalarial and anti-plasmodial properties can be mentioned.

The aim of the present study was to find out the phytochemical constituents, evaluate the antimicrobial activity and antioxidant activity of Dichloromethane extract of Bombax ceiba.

Preliminary phytochemical screening of roots B.ceiba showed the presence of saponins in high concentration, terpenoids in moderate concentration and steroids, flavonoids, carbohydrates, alkaloids, tannins are present in low concentration. The present study indicates that roots of

B.ceiba possesses significant antibacterial and antioxidant effects.

The antimicrobial activities of dichloromethane solvent extract of plant were tested against the Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains by observing the zone of inhibition. The antimicrobial test was performed by disc diffusion method. The crude dichloromethane extract of

Bombax ceiba plant showed poor antimicrobial activities against Gram-positive bacteria and at concentrations of 300 μg/ml and 600 μg/ml per disc.

In vitro antioxidant activity test performed by aluminum chloride colorimetric method in which flavonoid concentration was found 7.8468±0.6494 µg/µl equivalent to Quercetin in mg/g. In flavonoid antioxidant test, the absorbance of Dichloromethane extract was taken at 695 nm.

In conclusion, further investigations are needed to identify the active constituents and the exact mechanism(s) of action responsible for the reported antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of

Bombax ceiba.