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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). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: Moonseed vine (Triclisia gilletii Staner) a member of the Menispermaceae family, has been previously investigated and reported in our laboratory to exhibit antilithiatic potentials against ethane-1,2-diol induced nephrolithiasis. However, the mechanism underlying its action is not clear. Purpose: Mechanism of action of aqueous methanolic leaf extact of Triclisia gilletii (TGAMLE 100 mg/kg) in comparison with compounds identified in TGAMLE (Quercetin (20 mg/kg), oleanolic acid (10 mg/kg), stigmasterol (20 mg/kg), and sitosterol (20 mg/kg)) was investigated against ethane-1,2-diol administered rats. Methods: The mRNA expression of antioxidant marker genes (nuclear factor erythroid- 2 – related factor- 2 (NRF2) and Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1)) and crystal binding genes (CD44 and osteopontin (OPN)) were assessed using RT-PCR. Results: Ethane-1,2-diol administration down-regulated antioxidant marker genes (NRF2 and HO-1) and up-regulated mRNA expression of CD44 with no significant difference in OPN when compared with control. TGAMLE and its derived compounds significantly activated the NRF2/HO-1 pathway by up-regulating its expression and modify crystal binding molecules (CD44/OPN). Overall, the additive effects of the compounds present in the extract revealed a better efficacy in attenuating NRF2/HO-1 pathway as well as the expression of crystal binding molecules. Conclusion: The present study concludes the nephro-protective effect and underlying mechanism of TGAMLE against ethane-1,2-diol exposed rats and suggests that TGAMLE or compounds in TGAMLE could be an alternative agent against kidney stones.

Objective: The study aims at the exploration of calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystal growth inhibition potential of Cynodon dactylon, Emblica officinalis, Kalanchoe pinnata, and Bambusa nutans ethyl acetate fraction rich in polyphenol and flavonoid. Materials and Methods: Ethyl acetate fraction was separated from the hydromethanolic extract of C. dactylon, E. officinalis, K. pinnata, and B. nutans followed by quantitative analysis for total polyphenol and flavonoid content. Ethyl acetate fraction of all the plants were subjected to in vitro screening for the inhibition of CaOx crystals growth induced by sodium oxalate. Results: The results signify rich presence of polyphenols and flavonoids in K. pinnata and E. officinalis ethyl acetate fractions followed by C. dactylon and B. nutans. Ethyl acetate fractions of B. nutans shoot, E. officinalis fruit, and K. pinnata leaf have excellent in vitro CaOx crystal growth inhibition potential based on both the comparative concentration and the time level to achieve IC50. Conclusion: The study outcome substantiates potential in vitro CaOx crystal dissolution and crystal growth inhibition properties of E. officinalis, B. nutans, C. dactylon, and K. pinnata. Rich presence of caffeic acid, ferulic acid, and luteolin in ethyl acetate fraction of B. nutans leaf, and chebulinic acid, chebulagic acid, gallic acid, ellagic acid, and quercetin of E. officinalis may have produced prominent crystal aggregation inhibition response.

Objective: In this study, antiurolithiasic and hepatoprotective effects of Ferula assa-foetida oleo-gum-resin (asafoetida) were evaluated in Wistar rats. Methods: Negative control rats were provided with ethylene glycol (EG, 1%) in drinking water for 28 days. In treatment group, asafoetida was used simultaneously once daily for 28 days at the dose of 25 mg/kg. 8-h urine was collected from experimental animals at the end of the experiment. Urine level of creatinine, uric acid, urea, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, phosphorus, and serum level of transaminase (alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were evaluated. In addition, histopathological changes in kidney and liver were stained in hematoxylin and eosin. Results: Asafoetida showed a significant effect on urine volume; water intake and urinary ionic parameters were altered by EG, which elevated the calcium and inorganic phosphate; and asafoetida significantly reduced the elevated levels of these ions. In addition, asafoetida significantly elevated the urinary concentration of magnesium. ALT, AST, LDH, and ALP were elevated by EG and asafoetida significantly reduced the elevated levels of these parameters. The histological findings also showed improvement after treatment with the asafoetida. Conclusion: The presented data indicate that administration of asafoetida prevented the growth of urinary stones and also have hepatoprotective effect in experimental EG nephrolithiasis in Wistar rats.

Objective: In this study, antiurolithiasic and hepatoprotective effects of Ferula assa-foetida oleo-gum-resin (asafoetida) were evaluated in Wistar rats. Methods: Negative control rats were provided with ethylene glycol (EG, 1%) in drinking water for 28 days. In treatment group, asafoetida was used simultaneously once daily for 28 days at the dose of 25 mg/kg. 8-h urine was collected from experimental animals at the end of the experiment. Urine level of creatinine, uric acid, urea, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, phosphorus, and serum level of transaminase (alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were evaluated. In addition, histopathological changes in kidney and liver were stained in hematoxylin and eosin. Results: Asafoetida showed a significant effect on urine volume; water intake and urinary ionic parameters were altered by EG, which elevated the calcium and inorganic phosphate; and asafoetida significantly reduced the elevated levels of these ions. In addition, asafoetida significantly elevated the urinary concentration of magnesium. ALT, AST, LDH, and ALP were elevated by EG and asafoetida significantly reduced the elevated levels of these parameters. The histological findings also showed improvement after treatment with the asafoetida. Conclusion: The presented data indicate that administration of asafoetida prevented the growth of urinary stones and also have hepatoprotective effect in experimental EG nephrolithiasis in Wistar rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the antiurolithiasic effects of the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of cactus prickly pear fruit in male Wistar rats. The effect of oral administration of cactus fruit extracts were studied on calcium oxalate urolithiasis. Forty-two rats were used for the study. The animals were divided into seven groups of six animals each. Control group maintained on regular rat food and drinking water throughout the study period, whereas in other groups nephrolithiasis was induced by ethylene glycol and ammonium chloride. Rats in kidney stone group were sacrificed after 28 days and all remaining groups after 58 days. Treatment groups were treated with 1 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Cactus fruit for 30 days. Urinary calcium level was decreased significantly by ethanolic extracts of cactus fruit and urinary creatinine, magnesium and citrate levels were increased significantly by aqueous and ethanolic extracts of cactus fruit dose dependently. Serum phosphorus level was decreased significantly in treatment groups dose dependently and serum creatinine, urea and uric acid levels were found to be similar as in control group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The study aims at the exploration of calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystal growth inhibition potential of Cynodon dactylon, Emblica officinalis, Kalanchoe pinnata, and Bambusa nutans ethyl acetate fraction rich in polyphenol and flavonoid. Materials and Methods: Ethyl acetate fraction was separated from the hydromethanolic extract of C. dactylon, E. officinalis, K. pinnata, and B. nutans followed by quantitative analysis for total polyphenol and flavonoid content. Ethyl acetate fraction of all the plants were subjected to in vitro screening for the inhibition of CaOx crystals growth induced by sodium oxalate. Results: The results signify rich presence of polyphenols and flavonoids in K. pinnata and E. officinalis ethyl acetate fractions followed by C. dactylon and B. nutans. Ethyl acetate fractions of B. nutans shoot, E. officinalis fruit, and K. pinnata leaf have excellent in vitro CaOx crystal growth inhibition potential based on both the comparative concentration and the time level to achieve IC50. Conclusion: The study outcome substantiates potential in vitro CaOx crystal dissolution and crystal growth inhibition properties of E. officinalis, B. nutans, C. dactylon, and K. pinnata. Rich presence of caffeic acid, ferulic acid, and luteolin in ethyl acetate fraction of B. nutans leaf, and chebulinic acid, chebulagic acid, gallic acid, ellagic acid, and quercetin of E. officinalis may have produced prominent crystal aggregation inhibition response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the anti-lithiatic effect of Crataeva religiosa (a native plant) in wistar rats. 4 adult, male, wistar rats, fasted for 24 hours were divided into3 groups. Group I (Ia+Ib) received normal feed and water, Group II Hydrochlorothiazide (2.5mg/kg) and Group III received Ethanolic extract of Crataeva religiosa (EECR) 200mg/kg orally. Antilithiatic activity was studied by standard means, with addition of 0.75% ethylene glycol in drinking water daily for 28days in group Ib, II & III. Group Ia served as normal control, Group Ib served as lithiatic control. 24hours urinary calcium, magnesium, oxalate, phosphate, uric acid and protein were analysed on day 0, 14 and 28. Data were evaluated using student's 't'-test. Probability values less than 0.05 were considered significant. The animals of GII and III had significant reduction in urinary phosphate and urate, compared to animals exposed to ethylene glycol alone (G Ib). It is likely that HCT and EECR might have protected these animals, from the effects of ethylene glycol. Excessive urinary phosphate and urate excretion are the contributory factor for calcium phosphate and / or urate stones, as calcium excretion was also statistically higher in animal receiving ethylene glycol alone. These observations indicate that the plant extract have got significant antilithiatic effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renal calculi formation is one of the most common urological disorders. Urinary stone disease is a common disease which affects 10-12% of the population in industrialized countries. The objective of the present study is to investigate the antiurolithiatic and antioxidant activity of fenugreek on ethylene glycol-induced urolithiasis in rats. Twenty male rats weighing 203-263 were used for this study. Group A animals received distilled water for 28 days. Group B to group D animals received 1% v/v ethylene glycol in distilled water for 28 days. Groups C and D received cystone and fenugreek, respectively, from day 15 to day 28. On day 28, blood was collected for serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and calcium level monitoring. Kidneys of rats from all the groups were removed, and histopathologically examined using Paraffin method. Samples of kidney were viewed under a scanning electron microscope. Histologically, the kidney of fenugreek treated group appeared mostly to be calculi-free, even better than the cystone treated group. Similarly, the calcium oxalate deposits, the serum (MDA), the renal tissue calcium content were all significantly lower than those in the other groups. The results of the present study suggest that fenugreek has a strong antiurolithiatic and antioxidant activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethnopharmacological relevance The rhizome of Bergenia ligulata is referred by the Ayurvedic system for the treatment of kidney stone since decades and a few, in vitro and in vivo studies also support it. To identify the main phytochemical constituent(s) responsible for antilithiatic activity of its rhizome. Materials and methods In order to identify the most potent antilithiatic metabolite, the crude extract of rhizome was fractionated using in vitro Calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystal growth inhibitory activity guided fractionation followed by its characterization via LC-MS, FTIR and NMR. Further, the antioxidant potential of purified molecule was assessed using in vitro assays (FRAP and H 2 O 2 scavenging). In vivo activity of the metabolite was evaluated in hyperoxaluric rats given 0.4% ethylene glycol (EG) and 1.0% ammonium chloride (NH 4 Cl) for 9 days. Results Activity guided fractionation led to the isolation of most potent antilithiatic metabolite from the rhizome of Bergenia ligulata and spectroscopic analysis revealed it as bergenin. Bergenin showed reducing ability and H 2 O 2 scavenging activity comparable with commercially available anitioxidant, α-tocopherol. At a dose of 10 mg/kg body weight of the treated rat, it protected against deleterious effects of lithogenic treatment including weight loss, impaired renal function and oxidative stress, manifested as increased malondialdehyde, reduced redox ratio and decreased antioxidant enzyme activities in the kidneys of hyperoxaluric rats. The creatinine clearance and kidney damage were more improved by bergenin as compared to crude extract of rhizome. Conclusions Since, bergenin maintained oxidant/antioxidant balance in hyperoxaluric rats, thus mechanistic insight of its antilithiatic activity was attributed to the antioxidant capability of bergenin. The results of the present study provide significant evidence that bergenin is an active component present in the rhizome of Bergenia ligulata for managing CaOx calculi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: No substantial work has been conducted to date in context to cationic proteins with antilithiatic activity. We explored the antilithiatic cationic proteins present in human calcium oxalate (CaOx) stones and also examined their molecular interactions with calcium oxalate crystals in silico. Methods: Proteins were isolated from the matrix of human CaOx containing kidney stones. Proteins having MW>3kDa were subjected to cation exchange chromatography followed by molecular-sieve chromatography. The effect of these purified cationic proteins was tested against CaOx nucleation and growth and on oxalate injured MDCK cells for their activity. Proteins were identified by MALDI-TOF MS. Molecular interaction studies with COM crystals in silico were also investigated. Results: Three antilithiatic cationic proteins were identified as histone-lysine N-methyltransferase, inward rectifier K channel and protein Wnt-2 (MW~53, ~44, and ~42kDa respectively) by MALDI-TOF MS based on database search with MASCOT server. Further molecular modeling calculations revealed the mode of interaction of these proteins with CaOx at the molecular level. Conclusion: We identified histone-lysine N-methyltransferase, inward rectifier K channel and protein Wnt-2 as novel antilithiatic proteins which play a vital role in the kidney function and have been associated with various kidney diseases. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Ethnopharmacological relevance: Many medicinal plants have been employed during ages to treat urinary stones though the rationale behind their use is not well established. Recently, we have successfully purified an anticalcifying protein from the seeds of Trachyspermum ammi (L.) Sprague ex Turril (Umbelliferae) using oxalate depletion assay and deciphered its inhibitory activity against calcium oxalate crystal growth. Aim: In this report, the antilithiatic activity of Trachyspermum ammi anticalcifying protein (TAP) was studied in urolithiatic rat model. Methodology: Urolithiasis was induced by exposure of 0.4% ethylene glycol (EG) and 1.0% ammonium chloride (NH4Cl) for 9 days. The efficacy of TAP was studied in another group given same dose of EG and NH4Cl in addition to 2mg/kg body weight of TAP. Further, we evaluated ability of TAP to inhibit the attachment of calcium oxalate (CaO x ) crystal in kidney tissue and studied the consequences of CaO x adhesion on renal functioning and tissue integrity. Results: The antilithiatic potential of TAP was confirmed by its ability to maintain renal functioning, reduce renal injury and decrease crystal excretion in urine and retention in renal tissues. Conclusions: Thus, the present investigation suggests the potential of TAP in preventing calcium oxalate deposition and forms the basis for the development of antilithiatic drug interventions against urolithiasis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: 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. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]