Comparative phytochemical, antioxidant and antifungal evaluation of successive extracts of Bombax ceiba L. thorns

This study aims to analyze the comprehensive qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analyses, antioxidant potential, and antifungal activity of successive extracts from Bombax ceiba thorn. The assessment of antioxidant activities was performed by two methods, the phosphomolybdate assay and the reducing power assay. In vitro anti-fungal activity was evaluated by the agar well diffusion method. The results of phytochemical screening revealed the presence of various phytoconstituents like flavonoids, sterols, and tannins. Antioxidant potential and antifungal activity against Candida albicans were also found to be higher in ethyl acetate extract. All the successive extracts showed dose-dependent antioxidant potential. This study indicates that B. ceiba thorn has promising antioxidant and antifungal activity due to the presence of phenolics and flavonoids. B. ceiba can be used as potential antioxidant and antifungal agents, and resources for the development of new molecules.