The core aim of this research study is to evaluate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of traditional Bangladeshi medicinal extracts and to examine these activities in relation to their antioxidant content. Cassia siamea (Lam.) (Family Fabaceae) is a medicinalplant of Bangladesh and Indian sub continent, which iswidely used as folk medicine for the treatment of many diseases.The aim in the present study was to screen the phytochemical profile and pharmacological activities of methanolic extract of Cassia siamea (Lam.) leaves. Because each part of Cassia siamea (Lam.) has different constituents, the pharmacological effects of the plant vary according to the part of the plant evaluated. To investigate pharmacological activities DPPH scavenging assay and HRBC membrane stabilization methods were done for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential respectively. The phytochemical analysis of methanolic extract ofplant leaves showed that they contained significant presence of flavonoids, phenols, saponins, terpenoids & triterpenes. Alkaloids, glycosides & tannins are also moderately present. Quantitative evaluations show significant presence of phenols than tannin content.The pharmacological studies revealed that the plant extracts may have significant antioxidant effect which is probably mediated by inhibition of DPPH free radical, which is responsible for oxidation. The IC50 values by DPPH scavenging assay observed for standard & leaves were 99.65μg/ml & 491.15μg/ml respectively. There is also moderate anti-inflammatory activity. The IC50 values for anti-inflammatory acticity by standard & leaves were 24.68 μg/ml & 841.04 μg/ml respectively.
Author(s): Arif A, Md. Shahidul Islam