Phytochemical investigations, diuretic and antiurolithiatic activity of selected medicinal plants in experimentally induced hyperoxaluric rats

Abstract

In India, Anantmul (Roots of Hemidesmus indicus R. Br.; Family Asclepidaceae), Amrutphala (Fruits of Vitis vinifera L.; Family Vitaceae) and Rakta Shalmali (Fruits of Bombax ceiba L.; Family Bombacaceae) are commonly used as a phytotherapeutic agents for urinary problems. However, the systematic scientific evaluation in this regard has not been reported for these plants. Aims and Objectives To ascertain the scientific validity for folklore uses of these selected plants, the study was designed and conducted in two phases; firstly to evaluate the diuretic effects and secondly, to assess their antiurolithiatic potentials. The study was further aimed to identify classes of phytoconstituents present in extracts possessing biological potentials. newlineMaterials and Methods H. indicus (roots), V. vinifera (fruits) and B. ceiba (fruits) were collected, authenticated, and subjected for extraction and preliminary phytochemical investigation followed by pharmacological screening of all extracts in Wistar albino rats for diuretic activity and to assess their curative effects in ethylene glycol induced hyperoxaluric rats. Urea (1 g/kg), frusemide (25 mg/kg), hydrochlorothiazide (25 mg/kg) and spironolactone (50 mg/kg) were used as reference diuretic drugs; while, Cystone (750 mg/kg) was used as standard antiurolithiatic drug, in respective study. Various parameters such as, total urine excretion and urinary concentration of Na+, K+ and Cl- were estimated for assessment of diuretic activity. While, for evaluation of antiurolithiatic activity, various biochemical parameters such as, urinary excretion and kidney deposition of offending salt components (Ca++, inorganic phosphorous, oxalate) and serum levels of (urea nitrogen, uric acid and creatinine) were estimated. Bioactive extracts were subjected to further fractionation and separation and isolation of probable phytoconstituents using chromatographic techniques. Isolated compounds were analyzed by spectral studies.