Screening of two new herbal formulations in rodent model of urolithiasis

Background: Kidney stone formation or urolithiasis is a complex process that is a consequence of an imbalance between promoters and inhibitors in the kidneys. The recurrence of urolithiasis also represents a serious problem in patients. Not all standard pharmaceutical drugs used to prevent urolithiasis are effective in all patients, and many have adverse effects. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the antiurolithiatic potential of two new herbal formulations DRDC/AY/8080 (tablet) and DRDC/AY/8081 (syrup) against 28-day ethylene glycol (EG)-induced urolithiasis model in Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: Animals were divided into five groups (n = 6). The control group was given normal saline, and the toxicant group was given 0.75% EG with 1% w/v of ammonium chloride (AC) for 10 days followed by 0.75% w/v EG for next 18 days in drinking water. Treatment groups received respective oral co-treatment with DRDC/AY/8080 (265 mg/kg), DRDC/AY/8081 (2.65 ml/kg), and standard (2.65 ml/kg) for 28 days along with EG and AC as given in toxicant group. After 28th day urine, blood and kidney tissue were collected. Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, and K+ levels were estimated in urine, creatinine, and urea levels were estimated in serum whereas the extent of lipid peroxidation was measured in kidney tissue. Further, crystalluria and histopathological evaluation were carried out in urine and kidney tissue, respectively. Results: Toxicant group showed significant elevation (P < 0.001 vs. control) in serum creatinine, blood urea, tissue lipid peroxide, and urinary Mg2+ levels and significant reduction in (P < 0.001 vs. control) urinary Na+ and Ca2+ levels. Histopathology of the toxicant group showed damaged proximal tubules with deposits of refractile crystals and loss of tubular epithelium. Both tablet and syrup treated groups showed nephroprotective activity as evident from lower serum creatinine, blood urea, and lipid peroxide levels. Treatment with tablet and syrup formulations also showed significant (P < 0.001 vs. toxicant) elevation in urinary Na+, Ca2+, and reduction in Mg2+ levels. Histologically, both tablet/AY/8080) and syrup treatment showed protected against urolithiasis and nephrotoxicity. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the two herbal formulations DRDC/AY/8080 and DRDC/AY/8081 possess significant potential in the management of renal calculi.