EFFECT OF ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF PORTULACA OLERACEA LINN. ON ETHYLENE GLYCOL AND AMMONIUM CHLORIDE INDUCED UROLITHIASIS

摘要

Objective: This study was aimed to evaluate the antiurolithiasis activity of the ethanolic extract of aerial parts of Portulaca oleracea Linn. Methodology: The activity of the plant was studied using the ethylene glycol (0.75% v/v) and ammonium chloride (2% w/v) induced urolithiasis model in albino rats. Several parameters were used including urinary volume, urine pH, urine and serum parameters to assess t he activity. The ethanolic extract of Portulaca oleracea was administered in doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight orally for 15 days. Standard drug used was cystone. Results: Treatment with the extract restored all the elevated biochemical parameters including serum and urine (calcium, creatinine, urea, BUN), restored the urine pH to normal and increased the urine volume significantly (P < 0.05) when compared to disease control group. The histopathological studies confirmed the induction of lithiasis as microcrystal deposition was observed in section of kidney from animals treated with ethylene glycol and ammonium chloride. This was reduced, however, after treatment with the extract. Conclusion: These observations enable us to conclude that the ethanolic extract of Portulaca oleracea is effective against ethylene glycol and ammonium chloride induced urolithiasis in albino rats