Methods: Plant extracts were prepared by cold percolation method using methanol solvent. Analysis of phytochemical constituents was carried out using standard methods. Antioxidant activity of plant extracts was analyzed by the 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhyrazyl (DPPH) assay. The antimicrobial activity of the plant extracts was carried by the disc diffusion method.

Results: Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of polyphenols, reducing sugar, glycosides, quinines, coumarins derivatives. Antioxidant activity was determined in the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH). Antioxidant activity of C. arborea shows maximum antioxidant activity, whose IC50 value was less than all other extract. Total flavonoids content of A. indica (294.791 ± 5.565 mg/gm quercetin equivalent) was found highest among other extracts. Total phenol content of R. arboreum (159.095 ± 1.731 mg/gm gallic acid equivalent) was found higher than other extracts.

No activity against both bacteria was observed with extract up to the maximum concentration tested, 50 mg ml−1 for A. indica, J. adhatoda, C. reflexa, C. roseus, C. infortunatum. R. arboreum was found active to Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria whereas C. arborea shows activity only against Gram positive bacteria.

Conclusions: The experimental findings show that the methanol extracts of C. arborea, C. infortunatum and R. arboreum possess significant antioxidant and antimicrobial activities respectively justifying the use of these plants in traditional medicine, which may be developed as phytomedicines.