Preliminary phytochemical screening, thin layer chromatography profiling, and in-vitro antiurolithiatic activity of the leaves of Ravenala madagascariensis Sonn.

Abstract

Urolithiasis, the third most common disorder of the urinary tract is bundled with highly complex and unpredictably varied etiological factors. The undesirable adverse effects with current medications and the recurrence rate pose a major challenge in combating the disorder. Ravenala madagascariensis Sonn. has been used traditionally in treating kidney stone problems. The present study was aimed at investigating the antiurolithiatic activity of different extracts of the leaves of R. madagascariensis. Phytochemical screening carried out on the methanolic, hydromethanolic, and decoction extracts revealed the presence of alkaloids, carbohydrates, glycosides, cardiac glycosides, steroids, proteins, flavonoids, and quinones. Thin layer chromatography profiling of all three extracts was established. The turbidity method was carried out to evaluate in-vitro antiurolithiatic activity and the herbal formulation cystone was used as the standard drug. The results of the study showed that the decoction of R. madagascariensis exhibited excellent antiurolithiatic potential with an IC₅₀ value of 188.65 µg/mL in comparison with the methanolic (305.93 µg/mL) and hydromethanolic (306.83 µg/mL) extracts. Thus the findings of the study validate the claims of antiurolithiatic activity of R. madagascariensis that could be attributed to the presence of active phytoconstituents. Further studies are aimed at its formulation and development.