A study on cytotoxic,antimicrobial and antioxidant investigations of methanol extract of root 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 can mention its anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, anti-mutagenic, antimalarial and anti-plasmodial properties.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the cytotoxic activity, antimicrobial activity and antioxidant activity of methanol extract of Bombax ceiba.

In vitro antioxidant activity test performed by aluminum chloride colorimetric method in which flavonoid concentration was found 13.816±1.06 mg/g. In flavoinoid antioxidant test, we measured the absorbanace of methanol extract of our sample at 695 nm.

The antimicrobial activities of methanol solvent extract of plant were tested against the Gram-negative bacterial strains and 2 yeast strains by observing the zone of inhibition. The antimicrobial test was performed by disc diffusion method. The crude methanol extract of

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

The cytotoxic activity of the plant was done by using Artemia saline Leach. The LC50 was observed approximately as 20.165 μg/ml with a R2 value of 0.9766. Cytotoxicity of methanol extract of Bombax ceiba was good because LC50 value was found more than 5

μg/ml which indicates excellent cytotoxic effect. So, further studies are needed to evaluate the cytotoxicity of isolated pure compounds.

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