Exploring the Antioxidant Power of Bauhinia Variegata, Boerhavia Diffusa, and Limonia Acidissima: Natural Defenders against Oxidative Stress

The rising interest in natural antioxidants has led to the exploration of medicinal plants for their ability to combat oxidative stress, a factor associated with various chronic diseases including cancer, cardiovascular, and neurodegenerative disorders. This study investigates the antioxidant potential of Bauhinia variegata, Boerhavia diffusa, and Limonia acidissima, three plants traditionally known for their medicinal properties. The bark, whole plant, and leaves of these species, respectively, were collected, authenticated, and subjected to sequential solvent extraction to obtain bioactive compounds. Phytochemical screening identified the presence of flavonoids, saponins, phenols, and other compounds that may contribute to antioxidant activity. To evaluate antioxidant capacity, DPPH radical scavenging and nitric oxide scavenging assays were conducted. The extracts demonstrated significant free radical scavenging and metal ion chelation abilities, indicating their potential to mitigate oxidative damage. The results suggest that these plant extracts are promising sources of natural antioxidants, which may have applications in developing therapeutic agents for oxidative stress-related conditions. This research reinforces the potential of Bauhinia variegata, Boerhavia diffusa, and Limonia acidissima as natural alternatives to synthetic antioxidants and encourages further investigation into their pharmaceutical applications.