Evaluation of Antiurolithiatic Effect of Pedalium murex Fruit Extract in Ethylene Glycol-induced Nephrolithiasis in Rat

The aim of present investigation was to evaluate the effect of Pedalium murex fruit extract in ethylene glycol-induced urolithiasis in male rats. Nephrolithiasis was induced in male Wistar rats by adding ethylene glycol (0.75%) in drinking water for 28 days. Animals divided in six groups each containing six animals. Vehicle control, model control, P. murex methanol extract in different doses 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg p.o. cystone (750 mg/kg, p.o.) used as standard. Hyperoxaluria as well as the increase in the excretion of calcium, phosphate, uric acid and decrease in citrate and magnesium in urine, impairment of renal function and oxidative imbalance in kidney observed in calculi-induced group. Treatment with P. murex decreases hyperoxaluria, calcium, uric acid, improves renal function and also produces antioxidant effect. Crystalluria was characterized by excretion of large calcium oxalate crystals in lithogenic group but smaller in drug-treated group. The histology showed depositions of large number of calcium oxalate crystals in kidney in calculi-induced group while in the treated group small and fewer deposits. The result indicates antiurolithiatic activity of P. murex mediated possibly by calcium oxalate crystal inhibition, diuretic, antioxidant and maintaining bal ance between stone promoters and inhibitors constituents and this study rationalized its medicinal use in urolithiasis.