Antilithiatic potential of Vernonia cinerea against calcium oxalate calculi in experimental rats

Abstract

Objectives: The present manuscript was focused on evaluating the antilithiatic potential of Vernonia cinerea extract (VCE) against calcium oxalate calculi using experimental model. Methods: The drinking water containing ethylene glycol (0.75% v/v) and ammonium chloride (1% w/v) was used to induce hyperoxaluria in Wistar rats. Thirty-six rats, divided into following six groups (each containing six animals), were treated with vehicle (normal control), ethylene glycol and ammonium chloride (urolithic), Neeri (standard), 100, 300 and 500 mg/kg, VCE (tests). The experimental protocol involved the estimation of different biochemical parameters in urine, serum, kidney homogenates, and histopathological examinations of the kidney. Results: The urolithic rats showed the presence of oxalate crystals in renal tubules and significant changes in biochemical parameters like decreased creatinine clearance, increased urinary levels of oxalates, urea, calcium, phosphorus, uric acid, proteins, decreased urinary magnesium levels; increased serum levels of urea nitrogen, uric acid, calcium, phosphorus, lactate dehydrogenase; increased calcium, phosphorus, and oxalate contents in kidney homogenates. It altered the renal architecture and impaired the functions. The extract significantly (p< 0.05) reversed the biochemical changes in urine, serum and kidney homogenates in a dose-dependent manner. It improved the renal functions as indicated by improved creatinine clearance, reduced lactate dehydrogenase activity and restoration of renal architecture towards normal. Conclusions: Vernonia cinerea showed significant antilithiatic potential against oxalate calculi in glycolated rats.