Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate the prophylactic and curative effect of the ethanol leaf extract of Ipomoea eriocarpa (Convolvulaceae) (IEE) in ethylene glycol-induced urolithiasis in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty male Wistar rats were divided into five groups (n = 6). All the groups received stone-inducing treatment till 28(th) day, comprising 1% ethylene glycol (v/v) with 1% ammonium chloride (w/v) for 4 days, followed by 1% ethylene glycol alone in water, except Group I (Control). Group II received only stone-inducing treatment till 28(th) day. Group III (Standard) received cystone (500 mg/kg) from 15(th) day till 28(th) day. Group IV (Prophylactic) received IEE (200 mg/kg) from 1(st) day till 28(th) day and Group V (Curative) received IEE (200 mg/kg) from 15(th) day till 28(th) day. Various biochemical parameters such as phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, urea, and creatinine levels were evaluated using urine, serum, and kidney homogenate. The kidneys were also sectioned and examined histopathologically under light microscope to study the kidney architecture and calcium oxalate deposits. RESULTS: The IEE treatment (prophylactic and curative) significantly (P < 0.001) restored the parameters in urine, serum, and kidney homogenate to near-normal level. The histopathological examinations revealed that calcium oxalate crystal deposits in the renal tubules and congestion and dilation of the parenchymal blood vessels were significantly reverted after IEE treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The leaf extract of I. eriocarpa reduces and inhibits the growth of urinary stones showing its effect as an antiurolithiatic agent.