Phytochemical Screening and Antioxidant properties of Bauhinia Variegata

Abstract

This paper describes simple and easy methods for qualitative analysis of phytochemicals and antioxidant proper- ties of the concerned plant. The distribution of the main active principles like (Alkaloids, carbohydrates, proteins/ amino acids, fixed oils, fats, phenolic compounds, tannins and saponins) were assessed along with the antioxidant potential of plant in various solvents. The plant extracts were found to posses different phytochemical constitu- ents differently in various solvents, which are because of different ionic potential of different solvents; also they show variation in their antioxidant potential. The plant extracts were found to contain different constituents diffe- rently in various solvents (like petroleum ether, methanol, and water), as performed by one or other particular method for every constituent as given below. Antioxidant property were carried out only in two solvents (metha- nol and water) by FRAP method (ferric reducing ability of plasma or plant) and was found more in methanolic ex- tract than in water extract. The importance of the distribution of the above mentioned phytochemicals were dis- cussed. The study provides scientific method for the investigation of the active components of concerned plant along with its antioxidant potential.