Scientific validation of tribal medicinal claims of Bauhinia variegata (L.) through integrated In-Silico and experimental approaches

Bauhinia variegata (L.), has been traditionally utilized by tribal communities for the treatment of inflammatory and infectious disorders. However, systematic scientific validation integrating pharmacognostic, phytochemical, experimental and computational strategies remain limited. To scientifically validate the traditional medicinal claims of Bauhinia variegata by pharmacognostic evaluation, phytochemical quantification, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and in-silico studies. Ethanolic leaf extracts were prepared using the Soxhlet extraction method. Pharmacognostic evaluation included microscopic, physicochemical and phytochemical analyses. Flavonoid and phenolic contents were qualified and antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities were evaluated using established in vitro methods. Molecular docking studies of major flavonoids were performed against Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) with diclofenac used as the reference standard. ADMET and drug-likeness properties were predicted using computational tools. The extract indicated high flavonoid content (TFC 446.85 ± 0.69) and considerable phenolic content (TPC 137.04 ± 1.14). Significant antioxidant activity was observed with IC 50 values of 218.76 µg/ml (ABTS) and 217.59 µg/ml (FRAP). The extract demonstrated concentration-dependent anti-inflammatory activity and notable antimicrobial activity. Molecular docking revealed potentially binding affinities: rutin (-9.6), Quercetin (-9.2), Apigenin (-9.1), Kaempferol (-9.0), Catechin (-7.1), with docking scores lower than that of diclofenac (-6.7), suggesting stronger predicted interaction with the target protein. ADMET and drug-likeness analysis indicated favourable pharmacokinetic and safety profiles for the selected flavonoids. the integrated experimental and in-silico findings scientifically validate the traditional use of Bauhinia variegata as a potent source of antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The strong docking scores and favourable ADME profiles of major flavonoids highlight their potential as promising therapeutic lead compounds for further drug development.