Abstract

ABSTRACT

Urolithiasis, the formation of stones that is caused by the supersaturation of urine. Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Linn. (Malvaceae), known as Gumamela in the Philippines, is known for having numerous pharmacologic uses. Having the same genus as Hibiscus sabdariffa, a proven anti-urolithiatic agent, the researchers choose Gumamela as the plant to be evaluated for its anti-urolithiatic activity. Thirty-six male Albino Swiss mice were randomly divided into 6 equal groups. Group I served as the normal group. Groups II, III, IV, V, and VI received ethylene glycol (0.75% v/v) and ammonium chloride (2%) from day 4 up to day 10. Group II served as the negative control. Alongside, group III (positive control) received 25mg/kg Hydrochlorothiazide; groups IV, V, and VI (preventive groups) received 250mg/kg, 500mg/kg, and 1000mg/kg of ethanolic leaf extract respectively from day 1 up to day 10, considering the first three days as prophylaxis. The mice’s 24-hour urine samples were collected on day 0, 3 and 10 have been examined for the presence of calcium oxalate (CaC2O4) crystals. On the 10th day, sub-mandibular blood collection was used to collect for testing of biochemical parameters. The urine crystals of the group I (p=0.105), group III (p = 0.368), group IV (p =0.097) and group V (p =0.174) did not have significant changes. However, the urine crystals of the group II significantly increased (p=0.022), specifically at day 10 while the urine crystals of the group VI had continuous decrease (p=0.016) from baseline to day 10. The decrease in calcium oxalate crystallization was due to the ability of the ethanolic leaf extract to prevent urinary supersaturation of calcium oxalate in a dose dependent manner. To conclude, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Linn. (Malvaceae) ethanolic extract has a significant therapeutic potential for the prevention and inhibition of the formation of CaC2O4 induced crystals.

Keywords: Urolithiasis, Calcium Oxalate, Blood Urea Nitrogen, Serum Creatinine, Swiss Albino Mice.