Investigation of potential antiurolithiatic activity and in silico docking studies of Karpura shilajit

Abstract

In this present study, Karpura shilajit, an Ayurvedic herbo-mineral, currently used in the Ayurvedic clinical practice for various ailments, was investigated chemically and pharmacologically.To screen anti-lithiatic activity of Karpura shilajit against sodium oxalate (70 mg/kg, i.p) for 7 days and in vitro activity by nucleation-aggregation assay. Cystone (500 mg/kg, p.o.)used as a standard drug in the present study.Nephrolithiasis may also be associated with nephrocalcinosis, i.e., crystal depositions in tubular lumen and/or interstitium, an entity which suggests specific pathological processes. Preliminary Phytochemical screening resulted in the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, carbohydrates, terpenoids and steroids. Karpura shilajit significantly restored creatinine, urea, uric acid, calcium, total protein, sodium and potassium levels insodium oxalate induced urolithiasis model. Histopathological examination further confirmed the induction of a long standing hypercalciuria or hyperoxaluria, conversely to nephrocalcinosis in the sections of kidney treated with sodium oxalate. Karpura shilajit treatment normalized the biochemical and renal stone markers in the experimental rats and showed better activity in vitro and in vivo models. Karpura shilajit had shown significant effect on urine volume, urine pH, urine excretion, sodium and potassium levels.