EVALUATION OF ANTI-NEPHROLITHIATIC ACTIVITY OF ETHANOLIC LEAF EXTRACT OF MORUS ALBA L. IN ANIMAL MODELS

Abstract

Kidney stone is a common painful condition of multifactorial etiopathogenesis, and calcium oxalate (CaOx) is the commonest component of stone. The effect of the ethanolic leaf extract of Morus alba L. against Calculi-Producing Diet induced nephrolithiasis in Wistar rats is summarized in the present study. Nephrolithiasis was induced by fed with Calculi-Producing Diet (CPD: Rat pellet mixed with 5 % sodium oxalate) and it was manifested by high calcium, oxalate, serum creatinine, Blood Urea Nitrogen, reduction in urine volume and creatinine clearance. The extraction was done by successive cold maceration and evaporation by distillation using 95 % ethanol. After the extraction the crude extract were subjected to phytochemical screening. The preliminary phytochemical screening showed the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, phenols, tannins, carbohydrates, proteins, saponins and sterols. The extract of Morus alba L. showed a potent percentage inhibition in different in vitro models.The treatment with plant extract (500 and 1000 mg/kg/day), exhibited a significant effect in preventing calcium oxalate formation and also in dissolving the preformed stones. Significant effect is exhibited by the treatment groups with 1000 mg/kg/day. Histopathological evaluation also supports the protective effect of Morus alba L.