Antioxidant and Hepatoprotective Potentials of Bauhinia blakeana Methanolic Leaf Extract: In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation

Abstract

Background: Oxidative stress is a key contributor to the onset and progression of hepatic disorders, where excessive free radicals impair cellular structures. Natural antioxidants are known to mitigate such damage and support liver function. Bauhinia blakeana, widely utilised in traditional medicine, has not yet been scientifically validated for antioxidant as well as hepatoprotective potential. Aim: This research aimed to investigate the antioxidant as well as hepatoprotective efficacy of the Methanolic Leaf Extract of Bauhinia blakeana (BbME) through both in vitro and in vivo experimental models. Methods: Phytochemical Profiling was conducted to identify major bioactive constituents. Antioxidant activity was quantified using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-Azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), and hydrogen peroxide scavenging assays, with ascorbic acid as a standard. Hepatoprotective activity was evaluated in rats subjected to paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity by analysing biochemical markers, viz., Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and total bilirubin. Histopathological assessments were also performed to evaluate hepatic tissue integrity. Results: The extract contained flavonoids, tannins, triterpenes, and saponins. BbME exhibited strong free radical scavenging capacity, showing IC50 values comparable to those of ascorbic acid. In vivo studies demonstrated substantial hepatoprotection, reflected by significant normalisation of liver enzyme levels and restoration of hepatic architecture. The effects of BbME at higher doses were comparable to those of silymarin, a reference hepatoprotective agent. Conclusion: BbME demonstrates potent antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties, supporting its ethnomedicinal relevance. Further isolation of its active compounds and mechanistic exploration could establish its potential as a plant-based hepatoprotective therapeutic. Major Findings: The extract of B. blakeana shows good hepatoprotective acidity. The docking score supports the idea that the presence of flavonoids, tannins, triterpenes, and saponins is responsible for it.