Antiurolithiatic Potential of Eleusine indica Linn. (GOOSE GRASS) Root Extract on Ethylene Glycol Induced Nephrolithiasis in Rattus norvegicus (ALBINO RATS)

Abstract

The study was mainly aimed to determine the antiurolithiathic potential of different concentrations of E. indica root extract on ethylene glycol induced nephrolithiasis in Rattus norvergicus (albino rats). It specifically targeted the effects the plant extract will pose on serum parameters (creatinine, BUN and uric acid) nitrituria, proteinuria, calcium oxalate excretion, and the histopathology of kidney tubules and glomeruli of albino rats. In the study, root of E. indica was collected, dried and extracted using distilled water of 80°C-100°C. The actual experimental period lasted for 4 weeks. The study involved 5 test groups; negative control group (T-), positive control group or lithogenic group (T+), two prophylactic groups (T1 and T2) receiving different concentrations of E. indica root extract (T1- 500mg/kg and T2- 800mg/kg) and one curative group receiving 800mg/kg of E. indica root extract after being induced with kidney stones during the first 2 weeks of the experimental period. All the test groups received 0.75% ethylene glycol (stone inducing chemical) in water for 4 week ad libitum with the exception of the negative control. At the end of the study, there was elevated levels of serum creatinine, BUN and uric acid among the lithogenic group which was normalized in all the three treatment groups. There was no significant difference between the serum parameters of the E. indica treatment groups and that of negative control (P E. indica treatment groups. E. indica root extract also maintained the normal structure of kidney glomeruli and tubules among T1 and T2 (prophylactic groups) and repaired kidney defects in T3 (curative group). E. indica root extract thus possess antiurolithiathic potentials and can be used to prevent and cure nephrolithiasis in albino rats.