Study of antiurolithiatic activity of a formulated herbal suspension.

Abstract

Summary Urolithiasis is the process of formation of stone in the urinary tract by crystal nucleation, aggregation and retention in the urinary tract. Traditional medicinal plants have been successfully used to overcome urolithiasis. Hence, herbal formulation containing a mixture of plant extracts was prepared and evaluated for the antiurolithiatic activity. This formulation contained alcoholic extracts of fruit of Tribulus terrestris, root of Boerhavia diffusa and leaves of Azadirachta indica Studies were performed in ethylene glycol-induced urolithiasis model using Cystone as a standard drug. Ethylene glycol increases the level of calcium, oxalate and phosphate which are responsible for urolithiasis. The herbal suspension decreased the level of calcium, oxalate and phosphate significantly at doses of 200 and 300 mg/kg when compared to the negative control group. Creatine, uric acid and urea were also decreased significantly at all dose levels. Histopathology has supported these results. The level of LD50 was found to be higher than 2000 mg/kg. Therefore, the prepared formulation has appreciable significant antiurolithiatic activity and is safe for use.