The antiurolithic activity of Origanum vulgare on rats treated with ethylene glycol and ammonium chloride: Possible pharmaco-biochemical and ultrastructure effects

BACKGROUND: Origanum vulgare (OV) Linn is one of the conventional remedies for urolithiasis. Hence, we tested the potential antiurolithic effect of OV active extract, in order to rationalize its medicinal use. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The in vivo study was of male Westar rats receiving lithogenic treatment consisting of two 0.75% ethylene glycol injections with a 1 day interval and then in drinking water given for 3 weeks along with ammonium chloride (NH(4)Cl) from the 2nd day to the 7th day. RESULTS: The active ethanolic extract of OV treatment (20 mg/kg) reversed toxic changes including loss of body weight gain and appetite, raised serum urea and creatinine levels, and raised blood pressure compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS: The acquired data thus suggested that OV showed antiurolithic effects against renal calcium oxalate crystal deposits by combined mechanisms acting on multiple sites through hypoxaliuric, hypocalciuric, and antioxidant effects.