LITHOTRIPTIC ACTIVITY OF NERIUM OLEANDER L.: AN EXPERIMENTAL SCREENING

The present study is aimed at investigating the lithotriptic activity of Nerium oleander L. by inducing experimental urolithiasis in Wistar rats. The screening of lithotriptic effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of Nerium oleander L. 100,200 and 400 mg/kg) was evaluated using ethylene glycol induced urolithiasis in rats. Animals treated with plant extracts (curative and preventive doses) showed promising lithotriptic effects. Particularly low dose (Gr. VI) was more potent compared with medium and high dose of hydroalcoholic extract. Increased urine volume and progressive weight gain was suggestive of diuretic property and protective effect against lithogenesis, respectively, in the animals treated with hydro-alcoholic extract. Increased concentrations of stone-forming components such as calcium, phosphate and oxalate in diseased group were reduced in the animals treated with extracts. Serum creatinine, BUN, and uric acid levels were elevated in calculi induced animals which were close to normal values in animals treated with extract. Severe renal damage was observed in kidney histopathology due to crystal aggregation and deposition. Remarkable recovery with animals treated with extract was confirming about inhibition of process of lithogenesis. It can be concluded that the results are supportive to claims made. The exact mechanism of lithotriptic effect further needs to be studied