Abstract

ANTIUROLITHIATIC ACTIVITY OF COMBINATION OF TRIBULUS TERRESTRIS AND ASPARAGUS RACEMOSUS EXTRACTS AGAINST CALCIUM OXALATE INDUCED UROLITHIASIS IN RATES

Kalpana Bhusare*, Mr. Sutar G.V., Mr. Mali K. K., Dr. Redasani V.K., Ms. Wadd N.V.

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Urolithiasis is the condition where urinary calculi are formed in the urinary tract by crystal nucleation, aggregation and retention in urinary tract. It is a common disorder on estimated to occur in approximately 12% of the population, with a recurrence rate of 70-81% in males, and 47-60% in females. It causes serious health problems such as severe pain, urinary tract obstruction and infection that adversely affect well-being of individuals. The knowledge of traditional medicine and medicinal plants and their study of scientific chemical principles may lead to the discovery of newer and cheaper drugs. Objective: The present study was undertaken to study the effects of a combination of herbal extracts on experimentally-induced Urolithiasis. Material and Methods: Calcium Oxalate urolithiasis in male rats were induced experimentally by administration of 0.75% v/v ethylene glycol in drinking water for Fourteen days followed by only 0.75% v/v ethylene glycol for 28 days. The combination of herbal extracts administered to urolithiasis induced test group rats at two doses i.e.Test-I (Combined Hydroalcoholic Extract of Tribulus terrestris and Asparagus racemosus 200mg/kg) and Test-II (Combined Hydroalcoholic Extract of Tribulus terrestris and Asparagus racemosus 400mg/kg). These two test groups compared against standard antiurolithic herbal drug Cystone (750mg/kg). Result: No mortality or any toxic effects were observed in the animals during acute oral toxicity study as per the OECD no 423. After 28 days, highly significant deposition of calcium oxalate in the kidneys was noticed along with decreased urinary output, increase in the urinary oxalate, calcium and magnesium, phosphorus levels in urolithiasis in control group rats as compared to normal group rats. The serum analysis showed significant increase in the serum creatinine and blood urea in urolithiasis control group rats. In addition, vehicle treated induction control group rats showed significant increase in the biochemical parameters such as ALP, AST, ALT levels in the kidney homogenate which indicates the induction of urolithiasis. Daily oral treatment with combination of herbal extracts at Test -I & II doses significantly decreased the quantity of calcium oxalate urolithiasis. However 750mg/kg dose of combination of herbal extracts was found to be significant in these regards. Histopathological examination of renal tissues showed drastic reduction in stone formation. Conclusion: The presented data indicates that the combination of herbal extracts shows significant antiurolithiatic activity against calcium oxalate induced urolithiasis. The combination of herbal extracts resulted in an increase in urinary volume, urinary pH along with decrease in calcium, oxalate, phosphate and magnesium level which inhibit stone formation. It also resulted in an decrease in serum creatinine and blood urea, SGOT, SGPT, ALP level and kidney weight that leads to normal GFR and tubular damage of kidney tissue. The findings clearly state that, the combination of herbal Hydroalcoholic extract of Tribulus terrestris L. and Asparagus racemosus w.is a potent nephroprotective agent by preventing the crystal retention in the tissues. Herbal extract treatment is an effective drug in the management of urolithiasis and could be tried in the treatment of urolithiasis.

Keywords: Urolithiasis, Ethylene glycol, Calcium oxalate, Cystone, Kidney homogenate.