Research article

EXPLORING THE THERAPEUTIC PROPERTIES OF BOUGAINVILLEA GLABRA: A STUDY OF ITS ANTIMICROBIAL AND ANTIOXIDANT EFFECTS IN METHANOL EXTRACT

P.M Ravikumar1, Thangaraj Pratheep2*

Online First: December 31, 2022


The search for phytochemicals with antimicrobial and antioxidant properties has gained significant attention due to their therapeutic application. To fully realize their medicinal applications, it is necessary to screen and identify these compounds from a variety of plant species. The present study aimed to investigate the chemical profile of the methanolic extract of B. glabra flowers by performing various qualitative chemical tests. The analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and tannins in the extract. In vitro antimicrobial assays confirmed the antimicrobial activity of the flower extract against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas putida, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans. Additionally, the antioxidant properties of the extract were evaluated using three different assay methods, including the quantification of phenolics, flavanoids, and betalains. The results showed high antioxidant activity in the extract, as indicated by its reducing power in the Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assay (134.71 ± 0.97 TE/100 g of extract). The presence of natural antioxidants in B. glabra flowers can scavenge excess free radicals and prevent oxidative damage, slowing the onset of premature aging symptoms and degenerative chronic diseases. As a result, B. glabra flowers have the potential to serve as a natural source of antioxidants for food and nutraceutical product development.

Keywords

Bougainvillea glabra, Paper flower, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Free radical