*Corresponding Author Address: Mrs. V.E. Ida Christi, Biotechnology department, Periyar Maniyammai University, Vallam, Thanjore,
TamilNadu, India; E-Mail: 1969idacsha@gmail.com
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences
ISSN (Print): 2321-3310; ISSN (Online): 2321-3086
Published by Atom and Cell Publishers © All Rights Reserved
Available online at: http://www.wjpsonline.org/
Original Article
A comparative study of antilithiatic effect of three traditional plants and their
antioxidant activity
V. E. Ida Christi*
1
, R. Senthamarai
2
1
Biotechnology Department, Periyar Maniyammai University, Vallam, Thanjore and
2
Pharmacognosy
Department, Periyar College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Trichy, India
Received: 13-08-2014 / Revised: 30-08-2014 / Accepted: 14-09-2014
ABSTRACT
Achyranthus aspera Linn (AA), Moringa oleifea Lam (MO) and Scopario dulcis Linn (SD) are the traditional
plants which have many applications in pharmaceuticals, alternative medicines and natural therapies. AA the
whole plant is characterized by its uterine stimulant and many more activities.SD is traditionally used in the
treatment of diabeties, jaundice and stomachache etc.MO is an important medicinal herb and is considered as
miracle tree. All parts of the plant are useful for human health.In the indigenous system of medicine, AA, MO
and SD is reported to be useful in the treatment of urinary disorders. In the present study, an effort has been
made to establish the scientific validity for the antiurolithiatic property of aqueous and alcoholic extract of
leaves of AA, MO and SD using ethylene glycol induced hyperoxaluria model in rats. The acute oral toxicity
study was carried out as per the guidelines set by (OECD) .The LD50 and ED50 of the drugs were calculated.
Albino rats were selected and given 1% ethylene glycol in drinking water to induce hyperoxaluria. In six groups
the oral administration of the aqueous and alcoholic extract of AA, MO and SD, the others are standard and
control. After 14
th
and 28
th
day of treatment urine was collected and estimated for ionic concentrations. After 28
days the histopathological study has been done. In vivo antioxidant activity parameters such as Lipid per
oxidation, Superoxide dismutase, Glutathione, Catalase were also monitored. It shows decrease in MDA and
increase in GSH, CAT, and SOD. The drug treated group animals were resulted in significant reduction in the
bladder stones compared to the control and standard cystone treated group and enzyme activity for antioxidant
property and more in methanolic extract. Among these Scoparia dulcis is having better effect than the others.
The action of herbal drugs exerts their antilithogenic properties by altering the ionic composition of urine viz.;
decreasing the calcium and oxalate ion concentration or increasing magnesium and citrate excretion. The
extracts of AA,MO and SD at a dose of 200mg/kg produced significant reduction in MDA and increased GSH
and antioxidant enzyme likes SOD and CAT compared to standard group cystone. When comparing these three
plants the Scoparia dulcis is having better activity than the others.
Key Words: Hyperoxaluria, Antiurolithiatic, Alternative,Cystone.
INTRODUCTION
Urolithiasis is a consequence of complex physical
processes. The major factors are super saturation of
urine with the offending salt and crystallization.
Crystals retained in kidney can become nucleus for
stone formation. This process is known as
Urolithiasis or Nephrolithiasis. Urinary stone
disease has afflicted humankind since antiquity and
can persist, with serious medical consequences,
throughout a patient’s lifetime. In addition, the
incidence of kidney stones has been increased in
western societies in the last five decades,in
association with economic development. Most
calculi in the urinary system arise from a common
component of urine, e.g.calcium oxalate (CaOx),
representing upto 80% of analyzed stones
[1].Currently, open renal surgery for nephrolithiasis
is unusual and used only rarely since the
introduction of extracorporeal shockwave
lithotripsy (ESWL), which has revolutionized
urological practice and almost become the standard
procedure for eliminating kidney stones. However,
in addition to the traumatic effects of shock waves,
persistent residual stone fragments and the
possibility of infection, suggest that ESWL may
cause acute renal injury, a decrease in renal
function and an increase in stone recurrence [2,3].A
number of vegetable drugs have been used in India
and elsewhere which claim efficient cure of urinary