Pharmacognostic evaluation and free radical scavenging activity of Bombax ceiba leaf extracts

Objective: The present study aims pharmacognostic investigations and antioxidant activity of Bombax ceiba leaf extracts. Materials and Methods: The materials and methods for standardization parameters were performed by the Association of Official Analytical Chemist (AOAC) methods. The antioxidant activity was evaluated by taking ascorbic acid as standard, total phenolic content and total flavonoid content were determined by Folin–Ciocalteu method. Results: The results of qualitative phytochemical screening of Bombax ceiba aerial part extracts showed the presence of important phytochemical compounds, namely, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, and phenolic compounds. The results of total phenolic content and total flavonoid content of different Bombax ceiba leaf extracts showed the highest TPC and TFC for pet. ether extract and the free radical scavenging activity of extracts is in concentration gradient. Conclusion: It is concluded that Bombax ceiba leaf extracts have a rich profile of phytochemicals with significant proximate composition and good antioxidant activity. The findings indicate that Bombax ceiba leaf extract can be taken as an initiative step for finding out the promising agents responsible for its phytochemical and antioxidant activities and could be an important source of natural compounds for the development of new drug.