Antilithiatic Effect Research Articles

Antiurolithiatic effects of Cassia fistula Lin. fruit extracts on ethylene glycol-induced nephrolithiasis in rats.

Urinary stones are a growing disease that results from pathological biomineralization. Cassia fistula Lin. is traditionally used to treat urinary stones. However, no scientific evidence is available to prove its antilithiatic effect. This study evaluates the antilithiatic potential of aqueous and ethanolic extract of Cassia fistula Lin. fruit (Cff) against calcium oxalate kidney stones. Forty-two male Wistar rats were divided into seven groups (n = 6/group): Group I (control), Group II (rats treated with ethylene glycol and ammonium chloride developed nephrolithiasis after 28 days), Group III (lithiatic rats receiving distilled water for 30 days), Group IV and V (lithiatic rats receiving aqueous extract of Cff at doses of 1 and 100 mg/kg body weight for 30 days, respectively) and Group VI and VII (lithiatic rats receiving ethanolic extract of Cff at doses of 1 and 100 mg/kg body weight for 30 days, respectively). Some parameters of urine and serum, and also renal oxidative stress and histopathology were used to determine the antilithiatic effect of aqueous and ethanolic extract of Cff. Therefore, the types of extracts of Cff improved abnormal levels of urine, serum, and renal oxidative stress and histopathology parameters. This antilithiatic effect of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Cff, can be attributed to the anti-crystallization and antioxidant properties of the extracts and the ability to improve urine and serum biochemistry. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Ethylene glycol and ammonium chloride-induced urolithiasis, aggregation of calcium oxalate deposits, increase of some urinary and serum parameters, relative kidney weight, kidney size and MDA activity, decrease of some urinary parameters, relative body weight and SOD activity. Aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Cassia fistula Lin. lead to the treatment of urolithic rats by decreasing levels of urinary oxalate, phosphate, urea, serum urea, uric acid, creatinine, calcium, phosphate, MDA, kidney weight and kidney size, increasing levels of urinary calcium, creatinine, magnesium, citrate, body weight and SOD activity in the kidney, eliminating CaOx deposition (esp. ethanolic extract).

Antilithiatic effect of Triticum aestivum against sodium oxalate-induced lithiasis in rat model

BackgroundThe present study pointed to evaluate the role of Triticum aestivum ethanolic extract (TAEE) in prophylactic and curative regimens on sodium oxalate (NaOx)-prompted lithiasis. Forty-eight rats were divided into the following regimen’s group (24 rats/regimen). Groups I, II, III, and IV served as prophylactic groups and divided as: group I is a vehicle control received 5% DMSO (vehicle). All the remaining groups received NaOx (70 mg/kg b.wt; i.p.). Group II is NaOx lithiatic group, groups III and IV received TAEE and cystone prophylactically at doses of 500 and 750 mg/kg b.wt, respectively, since 1st day to 7th day of lithiasis stimulation. Groups V, VI, VII, and VIII served as curative groups that divided as the prophylactic ones but TAEE and cystone administered from 7th day to 14th day of lithiasis stimulation.ResultsLithiatic rats co-/post-treated with TAEE and cystone raised the urinary volume significantly. Also, TAEE showed modulatory effect in inhibiting and curative stone creation. Significant decreases were observed in the calcium and phosphate contents in urine or serum beside the increased magnesium value in lithiatic rats co-/post-treated with TAEE. TAEE significantly ameliorates the kidney function markers, which proposes its antilithiatic role. Moreover, lithiatic rats co-/post-treated with TAEE significantly diminished oxidative injury evoked by NaOx.ConclusionsTAEE has antilithiatic role that may be returned to its diuretic and antioxidant activity in addition to its bioactive components including ferulic acid and phytic acid that have the inhibitory properties on crystallization calcium oxalate by lowering the content of stone promotor constituents.

Enhydra fluctuans Lour. aqueous extract inhibited the growth of calcium phosphate crystals: An in vitro study

Enhydra fluctuans Lour. is consumed by various tribes in their ethnomedicinal practices for the treatment of kidney stones and urinary problems. However, no scientific studies were conducted to evaluate its effect on crystal growth. Hence, the present study proposed to investigate the effect of aqueous extract of whole plant of standardized E. fluctuans (AEEF) on the growth of calcium phosphate (brushite) crystals. Attempts were also made to evaluate the effect of in vitro free radical scavenging and antimicrobial activities of AEEF. In vitro studies indicated that AEEF (50, 100, and 200 µg/mL) exhibited an inhibitory role on brushite crystal growth. The average length of the deposited brushite crystals was decreased by citric acid (1molL−1) and AEEF (200, 100, and 50 µg/mL) till day 8. Results showed that AEEF (200 and 100 µg/mL) and citric acid significantly (P<0.001) decreased the crystal bed as compared to the control on day 8 of the study. AEEF showed an antimicrobial effect against Staphylococcus aureus and exhibited antioxidant activity. In conclusion, the aqueous extract of the whole plant of Enhydra fluctuans was found effective in the inhibition of brushite crystals. Further, in vivo studies along with molecular studies and bioactivity-guided fractionation are required to strengthen its antilithiatic effect along with identifying the bioactive compounds and the mechanism of action involved therein.

Activity of Ethanol Extract of Homalomena Occulta Rhizome in Inhibiting Kidney Stone Formation in Wistar Rats

Homalomena occulta is a plant that grows in Madiun, especially Caruban. Patients can overcome kidney stone disease by boiling the H. occulta (nampu) rhizome with water. The present study aimed to evaluate the antilithiatic effect of the ethanol extract of the H. occulta rhizome in preventing nephrolithiasis in rats. Ethylene glycol was used to induce the urolithiasis in the Wistar rats. The rats were divided into six groups, namely I (normal), II (ethylene glycol induced), III (commercial drug treated, Cystone® 750 mg/kg BW), IV (H. occulta rhizome extract treated, dose 250 mg/kg BW), V (H. occulta rhizome extract treated, dose 500 mg/kg BW), and VI (H. occulta rhizome extract treated, dose 1000 mg/kg BW).&#x0D; Keywords: kidney stone, ethylene glycol, calcium level, Homalomena occulta

Antilithiatic effect of C. dactylon, E. officinalis, K. pinnata, and B. nutans ethyl acetate fraction on glyoxylate-induced nephrolithiasis

BackgroundThe plants Cynodon dactylon (C. dactylon), Emblica officinalis (E. officinalis), Kalanchoe pinnata (K. pinnata), and Bambusa nutans (B. nutans) have been reported to possess diuretic and antiurolithiatic potential against ethylene glycol and ammonium chloride along with in vitro calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystal growth inhibition property. Our previous research publications reported a rich presence of antioxidative phytocompounds like polyphenols and flavonoids in ethyl acetate fractions of these plants. This present study aims to explore antiurolithiatic potential of C. dactylon, E. officinalis, K. pinnata, and B. nutans ethyl acetate fraction following 7 days of sodium glyoxalate treatment on mice.ResultsSodium glyoxylate treatment caused significant (P < 0.01–0.001) reduction in the urine magnesium and creatinine and elevation in oxalate, citrate, calcium, and phosphate levels. Ethyl acetate fraction of K. pinnata and B. nutans showed a highly significant antilithiatic effect by increasing urine volume, normalizing disrupted urine parameters, increasing LDH level, and decreasing kidney tissue oxalate content. E. officinalis and K. pinnata ethyl acetate fraction treatment showed a pronounced reversal of tubular dilation and damage of epithelial cell in kidney tissue with very less inflammatory cell infiltration.ConclusionThe results signify the protective effect of K. pinnata and B. nutans ethyl acetate fraction rich with polyphenol and flavonoid on glyoxylate induced oxidative cell damage and morphological changes in mouse kidneys.

Antilithiatic effect of watermellon (Citrullus lanatus) juice on Calcium Oxalate kidney stones

Background: Nephourolithiasis is a term refers to kidney stones formation, due to aggregation of minerals leading to the development of crystalluria in kidneys or any part of the urinary tract system. Many herbs were used to fragment and crush renal calculi. Habitually, it is noted that people who suffer from kidney problems are advised to eat large quantities of watermellon fruit then, the patient feels healing, without knowing the scientific reason for this improvement. Objectives The current study was designed to investigate the antilithiatic effects of Fresh Watermelon Juice (FWJ) on calcium oxalate kidney stones. Methods Direct exposure technique between FWJ and enucleate stons was used. The pH, and electrical conductivity (EC) of the exposure solution in addition to the chemical and morphological properties of the renal calculi before and after exposure using X-ray diffraction method (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were investigated. Results: after 24 hours of submerging renal calculi with FWJ, the calculi appeared dissolved and fragmented with absence of solidity, rigidity and crystallization. The Ph Value and electrical conductivity (EC) of FWJ increased significantly after 24 hours of submerging the calculi increasing total soluble solids and ion concentrations in the solution. X-ray diffraction showed sharp peaks and intensity of of calcium oxalate calculi indicating a significant change in calculus compositionn, shape and crysallization within 48 hours of exposure FWJ.Scanning electron microscope images of treated and untreated renal calculi showed a significant difference in the shape of the crystals that have been transformed from their regular shape as bipyramids with tetragonal crystal point group symmetry to sculpted and un coordinated particles with the absence of a regular geometric shape of crystals with no clear crystallization patterns. Conclusion: Fresh watermellone juice appears to have a strong effect on the shape and composition and integrity of renal calculi which may aid its expulsion from the body.

In vitro antilithiatic activity of the hydro-alcoholic extract of Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume bark on calcium oxalate crystallization

ObjectiveThe study examines the effect of the hydro-alcoholic extract of Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume bark on crystallization of calcium oxalate. MethodsThe antilithiatic effect of various concentrations of the hydro-alcoholic extract of C. zeylanicum was investigated at various stages of stone formation, using Cystone as a standard reference drug. The effect on calcium oxalate crystallization was evaluated by measuring the change in turbidity over time, during crystal nucleation, growth and aggregation, in the metastable solution of calcium chloride and sodium oxalate. The slope from the change in turbidity over time was measured using a spectrophotometer at 620 and 214 nm in respective tests. The inhibition rate was estimated by comparing turbidity in the presence and absence of extract. Crystals formed under experimental conditions were observed under a light microscope, and number and shape of the crystals were assessed in a randomly selected field. Phytochemical analysis and high-performance thin-layer chromatography of the extract was also carried out. ResultsC. zeylanicum significantly reduced crystal nucleation at concentrations of 4, 8 and 10 mg/mL (P < 0.001). The inhibition percentage of crystal growth was between 28.30% and 92.46% in the presence of C. zeylanicum extract and from 20.76% to 64.15% with various concentrations of Cystone. The maximum inhibition of crystal growth was obtained from C. zeylanicum at 2 mg/mL (92.46%). Microscopic examination revealed a reduction in the number and size of crystals. In the aggregation assay, the inhibition percentage of C. zeylanicum was between 16.27% and 100%, while Cystone was from −214.68% to 100% at different concentrations. The highest (100%) inhibition of aggregation was found at 4 mg/mL of both the test and standard drugs. ConclusionWe found that C. zeylanicum hydro-alcoholic extract has notable inhibitory effects on various stages of crystallization, in terms of turbidity of solution, as well as the crystal size, number and morphology.

Effect of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Cyperus Rotundus L. Rhizome against Ethylene Glycol and Ammonium Chloride-Induced Urolithiasis in Male Sprague-Dawley Rats

Background: Cyperus rotundus L. is used in various dosage forms by Unani physicians in the treatment of urolithiasis. Aims and Objectives: The present study aims to evaluate the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Cyperus rotundus in nephrolithiatic male Sprague Dawley rats. Materials and Methods: The animals were divided into 6 groups of 6 each. Group I received regular rat food and drinking water ad libitum. Group II to VI were treated with Ethylene glycol (0.75%, V/V) and Ammonium chloride (1%, W/V) in drinking water for 7 days to induce urolithiasis. Group II was sacrificed after 7 days administration of lithogenic agents however, from 8th day, group IV was treated with Cystone (750 mg/kg) and group V and VI with hydroalcoholic extract of Cyperus rotundus (100 mg/kg and 170 mg/kg, respectively) for further 14 days. Group III left untreated after 7 days administration of lithogenic agent till 14 days and sacrificed on 22nd day. Urine, biochemical parameters, kidney homogenate analysis and histopathology were carried out. Crystalluria analysed by light microscopy. Results: The test drug at both the doses showed significant reduction (P &lt; 0.001) in number of urinary crystals. Test groups showed significant reduction in urine sodium (P &lt; 0.05) and calcium (P &lt; 0.001) while increased in urine magnesium. Serum creatinine (P &lt; 0.01) and urea (P &lt; 0.05) level significantly reduced in test groups. Histopathology of kidney showed almost normal kidney architecture. Kidney homogenate analysis showed significant reduction (P &lt; 0.05) of calcium in group VI. Conclusion: The results showed that test extract has significant antilithiatic effect in terms of solute balance, reduction in crystal numbers and improvement in renal cell derangement.

Effect of Piper cubeba L. fruit on ethylene glycol and ammonium chloride induced urolithiasis in male Sprague Dawley rats

BackgroundTo investigate the antilithiatic effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Kabab Chini (Piper cubeba L.) fruit in male Sprague Dawley rats. MethodsRats were divided into six groups of six each. Group I received regular rat food and drinking water ad libitum. Groups II to VI were administered with ethylene glycol (EG) 0.75% (V/V) and ammonium chloride (AC) 1% (W/V) in drinking water for 7 days to induce urolithiasis. From 8th day Group I received 1 mL of 5% gum acacia. Group IV was treated with Cystone; V and VI groups with the hydro-alcoholic extract of Piper cubeba L. Treatment was continued for further 14 days, thereafter animals sacrificed. While Group II animals were sacrificed just after 7 days treatment with EG and AC. Group III was left untreated until 14 days and sacrificed on 22nd day. Crystalluria was analyzed on 8th and 22nd day while, urinary calcium, phosphorus, creatinine, sodium and magnesium on 22nd day. Biochemistry and histopathological studies of kidney were also carried out. ResultsTest groups showed significant reduction (p < 0.001) of crystals in urine. Serum creatinine and urea (p < 0.01) were also decreased significantly. Urine analysis showed significant increase in magnesium while calcium, sodium, chloride and phosphorus significantly decreased along with histopathological improvement in kidney tissue in treated groups. ConclusionFrom the above results it can be concluded that hydroalcoholic extract of P. cubeba L. fruit has significant inhibitory effect in calcium oxalate urolithiasis.

STUDY OF IN VITRO ANTI-LITHIATIC EFFECT OF IPOMOEA BATATAS (L) LEAVES AND TUBEROUS ROOTS

Objective: The present study was to demonstrate the in vitro anti-lithiatic effect of Ipomoea batatas (Convolvulaceae) leaves and tuberous roots.Methods: The obtained ethanolic extract of I. batatas leaves and tuberous roots (EIBL and EIBR) and aqueous extract of I. batatas leaves and roots (AIBL and AIBR) were used for this in vitro study. The dissolution method of calcium oxalate by titrimetry method and calcium phosphate by colorimetric method was studied. Nucleation and aggregation of calcium oxalate crystals were determined by a spectrophotometric assay.Results: In the estimation of calcium oxalate by titrimetry method, the I. batatas leaves and roots have very significant (p&lt;0.01) capability to dissolve calcium oxalate. Percentage dissolution of calcium oxalate crystals was found to be 37.53%, 22.74%, 39.74%, and 24.28% for EIBL, AIBL, EIBR, and AIBR, respectively. In the estimation of calcium phosphate by colorimetric method, the percentage dissolution of calcium phosphate crystals by EIBL, AIBL, EIBR, and AIBR was found to be 67.15%, 43.17%, 76.74%, and 47.96%, respectively. The I. batatas leaves and roots were significantly (p&lt;0.01) dissolved calcium phosphate also. The results were clearly shown that I. batatas extracts significantly (p&lt;0.01) inhibited both nucleation and aggregation of calcium oxalate crystals by concentration-dependent manner. The maximum percent inhibition of calcium oxalate nucleation by EIBL, AIBL, EIBR, and AIBR was found to be 59.09%, 50.0%, 84.09%, and 47.73%, respectively, at 1000 μg/ml. The EIBL, AIBL, EIBR, and AIBR were inhibited calcium oxalate aggregation by 63.46%, 36.54%, 84.61%, and 42.3%, respectively, at 1000 μg/ml.Conclusions: The results clearly indicate that I. batatas leaves and tuberous roots were found to express in vitro anti-lithiatic potential.

Anti-Lithiatic Effect of Ipomoea batatas (L) Leaves and Tuberous Roots on Ethylene Glycol Induced Urolithiasis in Rats

The present day medical management of lithiasis is either costly or not without side effects, hence the search for anti lithiatic drugs from natural sources has assumed greater importance. The anti-lithiatic activity of Ipomoea batatas leaves and tuberous roots at 200 and 400mg/kg doses in curative and preventive regimens were evaluated on ethylene glycol induced lithiasis in male wistar rats. Lithiasis was induced in rats by 0.75% ethylene glycolated water ad libitum for 28 days. On 28th day urinary excretion of calcium, oxalate, phosphate, uric acid and protein were significantly (p<0.01) decreased and magnesium excretion was significantly (p<0.01) increased in both curative and preventive regimens of I.batatas leaves and tuberous roots when compared with lithiatic control animals. The significant reduction (p<0.01) of serum creatinine, uric acid, blood urea nitrogen levels and significant increase (p<0.01) in creatinine clearance were also produced by I.batatas leaves and roots in both curative and preventive regimens. The I. batatas leaves and roots supplementation also caused significant (p<0.01) diuresis in rats accompanied by increased diuretic index. The maximum responses were produced by ethanolic extract of I.batatas tuberous roots and the effects were significantly (p<0.01) more than that of ethanolic extract of I.batatas leaves in both preventive and curative regimens. These observations concluded that the I.batatas roots (sweet potato) can be used as a herbal remedy in the treatment of lithiasis.

Chenopodium album Linn. leaves prevent ethylene glycol-induced urolithiasis in rats

Ethnopharmacological relevanceThe leaves of Chenopodium album Linn. are traditionally used for correction of kidney diseases and urinary stones. The present work investigated the effect of methanolic and aqueous extracts of leaves of Chenopodium album on experimentally-induced urolithiasis in rats to substantiate its traditional use as antilithiatic agent. Materials and methodsThe leaf extract was standardized by HPLC. Urolithiasis was induced in rats by administration of 0.75% v/v of ethylene glycol (EG) in distilled water and in addition, vehicle or methanol (CAME) or aqueous (CAAE) extract of the leaves of Chenopodium album each in the dose 100, 200 and 400mg/kg or Cystone (750mg/kg) were administered daily orally for 28 days. Urolithiasis was assessed by estimating the calcium, phosphorus, urea, uric acid, and creatinine in both urine and plasma. The volume, pH and oxalate levels were also estimated in urine. The renal oxalate content was estimated in kidney while calcium oxalate deposits were observed histologically. ResultsThe treatment with CAME or CAAE for 28 days significantly attenuated the EG-induced elevations in the urine and plasma levels of calcium, phosphorus, urea, uric acid and creatinine along with decrease in urine volume, pH and oxalates. The treatments also decreased renal tissue oxalate and deposition of oxalate crystals in kidney due to EG treatment. The effects of CAME and CAAE were comparable to standard antilithiatic agent, cystone. The findings indicate the preventive effect of CAME and CAAE which can be due to inhibitory effect on crystallization and stone dissolution. The effect was attributed to the presence of phytochemicals like flavonoids and saponins. ConclusionIn conclusion, Chenopodium album leaves exhibited antilithiatic effect and validates its ethnomedicinal use in urinary disorders and kidney stones.

Antilithiatic effect of Peucedanum grande C. B. Clarke in chemically induced urolithiasis in rats

Ethnopharmacological relevanceDuqu (Peucedanum grande C. B. Clarke) has been used by Unani physicians since ancient times in retention of urine, renal and bladder calculi, nephritis and other associated disorders in different dosage forms. Aim of the studyThe aim of the study was to evaluate the antiurolithiatic activity of Peucedanum grande C. B. Clarke in experimental model. Materials and methodsThe experiment was carried out in male Sprague Dawley rats divided into 5 groups of 8 animals each. Animals of negative control received 1ml of 5% Gum acacia throughout the study. Remaining four groups received Ethylene glycol 0.75% and Ammonium chloride 1% by adding in their drinking water for first seven days to induce urolithiasis. From 8th day, positive control received 1ml of 5% Gum acacia, standard control received Cystone in the dose of 750mg/kg while test groups A and B were treated with hydroalcoholic extract of test drug in the dose of 56mg/kg and 97mg/kg respectively up to 21 days, thereafter the animals were sacrificed. Number of CaOx crystals in urine, levels of serum calcium, phosphorus, creatinine, urea, urinary calcium and sodium were observed. Kidney homogenate analysis and histopathology were also carried out. ResultsTest drug reduced number of CaOx crystals in urine (p<0.001); levels of serum calcium, phosphorus, creatinine, (p<0.001) urea, (p<0.05); urinary calcium (p<0.001) and sodium decreased significantly in standard and test groups. The urine volume increased significantly (p<0.05, 0.01) in both the test groups. Histopathology of kidney showed no CaOx crystal deposition in both the test groups. ConclusionOn the basis of above findings, it can be concluded that the test drug possesses significant antiurolithiatic activity.

Bryophyllum pinnatum Leaf Extracts Prevent Formation of Renal Calculi in Lithiatic Rats.

Background:Bryophyllum pinnatum, commonly known as Pattharcaṭṭa, is used traditionally in ethnomedicinal practices for the treatment of kidney stone and urinary insufficiency.Aim:The present study evaluated the effect of Bryophyllum pinnatum on ethylene glycol (EG)-induced renal calculi in rats.Materials and Methods:Renal calculi were induced in rats by administration of 0.75% EG in drinking water and co-treated orally with standard drug, Cystone (750 mg/kg), or alcoholic and hydro-alcoholic extracts in doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg for 28 days. Weekly body weights were recorded. On day 29, urolithiasis was confirmed by assessing the urinary parameters (urine volume, pH, uric acid, calcium, phosphorus, oxalate, magnesium and creatinine clearance), serum biochemical parameters (creatinine, uric acid, urea, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium), oxidative stress parameters and histology of kidney.Results:Treatment with extracts attenuated the EG-induced decrease in body weight and elevation in urinary parameters (uric acid, calcium, phosphorus and oxalate) and serum biochemical parameters (creatinine, uric acid, urea, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium). Extract treatment also reversed EG-induced decrease in urine volume, pH, magnesium and creatinine clearance, oxidative and histological damages in kidneys. Results were comparable to standard drug, Cystone. Results indicated that EG administration caused renal calculi formation which is prevented by treatment with extracts. The observed antilithiatic effect may be attributed to the presence of high content of phenolics, flavonoids and saponins in the extracts.Conclusion:Bryophyllum pinnatum leaves showed preventive effect against renal calculi formation and validates its ethnomedicinal use in urinary disorders. It further supports its therapeutic potential for the treatment of urinary calculi.

Plant profile, phytochemistry and pharmacology of Asparagus racemosus (Shatavari): A review

Asparagus racemosus (A. racemosus) belongs to family Liliaceae and commonly known as Satawar, Satamuli, Satavari found at low altitudes throughout India. The dried roots of the plant are used as drug. The roots are said to be tonic and diuretic and galactgogue, the drug has ulcer healing effect probably via strenthening the mucosal resistance or cytoprotection. It has also been identified as one of the drugs to control the symotoms of AIDS. A. racemosus has also been successfully by some Ayurvedic practitioner for nervous disorder, inflammation and certain infectious disease. However, no scintific proof justify aborementioned uses of root extract of A. racemosus is available so far. Recently few reports are available demonstrating beneficial effects of alcoholic and water extract of the roots of A. racemosus in some clinical conditions and experimentally indused disease e.g. galactogougue affects, antihepatotoxic, immunomodulatory effects, immunoadjuvant effect, antilithiatic effect and teratogenicity of A. racemosus. The present artical includes the detailed exploration of pharmacological properties of the root extract of A. racemosus reported so far.

Whole Leea macrophylla ethanolic extract normalizes kidney deposits and recovers renal impairments in an ethylene glycol–induced urolithiasis model of rats

ObjectiveTo investigate the antilithiatic effect of the whole Leea macrophylla (L. macrophylla) Roxb (Leeaceae) ethanol extract in ethylene glycol-induced urolithiasis model of rats. MethodsForty two seven weeks old male wistar albino rats were randomly divided into two major groups namely: preventive (n=18) and therapeutic (n=24). Preventive group was further subdivided into 3 groups of 6 rats namely: preventive control (PC), preventive lithiatic control (PLC) and preventive lithiatic L. macrophylla (PLLM). Similarly, therapeutic group was also subdivided into 4 groups of 6 rats namely: therapeutic control (TC), therapeutic lithiatic control (TLC), therapeutic lithitatic L. macrophylla (TLLM) and therapeutic lithiatic cystone (TLCYS). The lithiasis was induced by 0.75% (v/v) ethylene glycol in the drinking water of all groups except the PC and TC groups. The urinary ionic parameters such as calcium, inorganic phosphate, oxalate, magnesium & creatinine and renal morphology were altered by ethylene glycol, which were partially recovered by 14 d preventive and almost fully recovered by 28 d therapeutic intervention trials with L. macrophylla extract (500 mg/kg BW daily). ResultsSignificant difference on recovery was observed between preventive and therapeutic interventional trials. Anti-urolithiatic effect of cystone was significantly (P<0.001) higher than extracts. L. macrophylla extract was found nontoxic in the acute toxicity test. ConclusionThe results of this study demonstrated very promising anti-urolithiatic effect of L. macrophylla extract with preventive and therapeutic treatments in this experimental condition.

Mass spectrometric identification of human phosphate cytidylyltransferase 1 as a novel calcium oxalate crystal growth inhibitor purified from human renal stone matrix

Background A relatively small number of well-characterized inhibitors of kidney stone formation have been identified from the previous research involved in its formation. In this study conventional biochemical methods have been combined with recent advances in mass spectrometry (MS) to identify a novel calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystal growth inhibitor in human renal stone matrix. Methods Proteins were isolated from the matrix of human CaOx containing kidney stones. Proteins having MW > 10 kDa were subjected to anion exchange and molecular-sieve chromatography. Protein fractions were tested for their effects on CaOx crystal growth. Most potent fraction P2′ was excised, in-gel tryptic digested and identified by matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) MS. Results An anionic protein (MW ~ 42 kDa) with potent inhibitory activity against CaOx crystal growth was purified. Its homogeneity was confirmed by RP-HPLC. It was identified by MALDI-TOF-MS followed by database search on MASCOT server as human phosphate cytidylyltransferase 1, beta. Molecular weight of this novel CaOx crystal growth inhibitor from human renal stone matrix is also the same as that of human phosphate cytidylyltransferase 1, choline, beta. Conclusions Human phosphate cytidylyltransferase 1, choline, beta is a novel CaOx crystal growth inhibitor. It is involved in the biosynthesis of phosphatidylcholine which happens to be an important constituent of human renal stones and is also reported to have an antilithiatic effect.

Antilithiatic effect of Asparagus racemosus willd on ethylene glycol induced lithiasis in male albino Wistar rats

The ethanolic extract of Asparagus racemosus Willd. was evaluated for its inhibitory potential on lithiasis (stone formation), induced by oral administration of 0.75% ethylene glycolated water to adult male albino Wistar rats for 28 days. The ionic chemistry of urine was altered by ethylene glycol, which elevated the urinary concentration of crucial ions viz. calcium, oxalate, and phosphate, thereby contributing to renal stone formation. The ethanolic extract, however, significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the elevated level of these ions in urine. Also, it elevated the urinary concentration of magnesium, which is considered as one of the inhibitors of crystallization. The high serum creatinine level observed in ethylene glycol-treated rats was also reduced, following treatment with the extract. The histopathological findings also showed signs of improvement after treatment with the extract. All these observations provided the basis for the conclusion that this plant extract inhibits stone formation induced by ethylene glycol treatment.

PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF TRITERPENES ON CALCIUM OXALATE CRYSTAL-INDUCED PEROXIDATIVE CHANGES IN EXPERIMENTAL UROLITHIASIS

Naturally occurring pentacyclic triterpenes of plant origin have been identified as possessing a wide range of pharmacological effects. Lupeol (Lupa-21,20(29) dien, 3β-ol) has been found to be efficient in reducing the risk of stone formation in animals by way of preventing crystal-induced tissue damage and dilution of urinary stone-forming constituents. In the present study, two structurally related triterpenes, lupeol and betulin (Lupa-20(29)ene-3,28 diol) were assessed for their antilithiatic effect. Foreign body implantation method followed by supplementation of ammonium oxalate was adapted to induce stone formation in the bladder. This led to elevated lipid peroxidation and depleted antioxidant status in the renal tissues. Both the triterpenes were equally efficient in minimizing crystal-induced renal peroxidative changes measured in terms of malondialdehyde and subsequent tissue damage. The antioxidant status, comprising of the enzymatic and non-enzymatic components, was found to be significantly depleted in the kidney and bladder of stone-forming animals. Both lupeol and betulin were comparable in their ability to restore the thiol status and the antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase. The mechanism by which the two compounds render protection against oxalate-induced toxic manifestations and free radical production may involve the inhibition of calcium oxalate crystal aggregation and enhancement of the body defence systems.$g0@p18