PHYTOCHEMICAL & IN VITRO ANTIUROLITHIATIC STUDIES ON THE LEAF EXTRACTS OF BAUHINIA VARIEGATA LINN.

The aim of the present study is to carry out fluorescence analysis, phytochemical extraction, preliminary phytochemical screening, estimation of total flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, steroids saponins and in vitro antiurolithiatic studies on the leaf aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Bauhinia variegata. The results of fluorescence analysis indicate that the powder on treatment with 50% H₂SO₄ shows dark brown colour under UV. The results of preliminary phytochemical screening indicated the presence of saponin glycosides, tropane alkaloids and acidic compounds. The results of quantitative determination indicated that the aqueous extract contains highest amount of flavonoids expressed as 54.6 mg/gm equivalents of quercetin, maximum amount of tannins in ethanolic exract as 56.30 mg/gm equivalents of quercetin, equal amounts of alkaloids are present in both extracts as 25mg/gm equivalents of atropine sulphate, steroids and saponins in lowest amount. The in vitro antiurolithiatic activity was studied as percentage inhibition of stones by nucleation, growth and aggregation assays for aqueous and ethanolic extracts at 200-1000 µg/ml taking cystone tablets as standard. The results indicated that the inhibition of growth of crystals increased with increase in concentration of the extract. Therefore, the plant claimed to possess antiurolithiatic activity and further in vivo studies as well as isolation of individual compounds responsible for the activity are necessary.