ANTIUROLITHIC ACTIVITY OF CORN SILK EXTRACT IN RATS

Aim: Antiurolithic activity of corn silk in Calcium oxalate stones in mice. Place and Duration of Study: APT Research Foundation, S.No.36/1/1, M.N.199, Vadgaon Khurd, Pune - 411041, Maharashtra, India. (2010 to 2013) Study design: Kidney stone formation or urolithiasis is a complex process that results from a succession of several physicochemical events including supersaturation, nucleation, growth, aggregation, and retention within the kidneys. In this present study antiurolithic activity of corn silk was investigated in animal models of urolithiasis. It is induced in mice by administering 0.75 % ethylene glycol in drinking water for 28 days and calcium oxalate crystals were confirmed by urine analysis and X rays. Then, for the next 28 days the animals were given the again urine analysis and X rays were done for crystals observations. Result: At the end of the study animals were sacrificed and organs were studied for histopathological changes. Also, the biochemical parameters responsible for generation of kidney stones like calcium, oxalate, uric acid, protein, citrate and magnesium were analyzed. The enzymes like lactate dehydrogenase and oxalate were also tested to confirm the efficacy and safety of the drug. The histopathological studies and X rays showed significant data to confirm the efficacy of corn silk in urolithiasis. The results indicate that corn silk is endowed with significant antiurolithiatic activity. Conclusion: Corn silk has shown very good efficacy and safety, hence safe for use in humans.