Effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of Vernonia cinerea Less. against ethylene glycol-induced urolithiasis in rats

OBJECTIVE: Aim of this study is to evaluate antiurolithiatic potential of whole plant hydro-alcoholic (30:70) extract of Vernonia cinerea Less. in accordance to its claims made in ancient literature and also being one of the ingredients of cystone, a marketed formulation widely used in the management of urolithiasis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To induce urolithiasis, 0.75% v/v ethylene glycol was administered orally for 14 days. The curative dose of 400 mg/kg b.w. and preventive doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg b.w. were administered from 15(th) to 28(th) and 1(st) to 28 days, respectively. Cystone 750 mg/kg b.w. was selected as the reference standard for both curative and preventive doses. On 28(th) day, urinate of 24 h was collected and subjected for estimation of calcium, oxalate, and phosphates. Serum biochemical and kidney homogenate analysis was done for determination of renal oxalate contents. RESULTS: The diseased Group II showed marked increase (P < 0.001 vs. normal Group I) in levels of urine calcium, oxalate, and phosphate. Serum creatinine, urea, and uric acid levels were also increased. Histopathological studies of kidney sections revealed significant changes. Treatment with hydro-alcoholic extract of V. cinerea showed significant (P < 0.01 vs. calculi-induced Group II) dose-dependent activity. A progressive increase in urine output, body weight, and decline in concentrations of stone-forming components such as calcium, oxalates, and phosphates was observed. CONCLUSION: It can be inferred that V. cinerea Less. is effective in ethylene glycol-induced urolithiasis and may have a potential in preventing and curing urolithiasis.