Protective potential of Quercus leucotrichophora A. Camus seeds in chemically induced urolithiasis in rats

Background: Quercus Leucotrichophora A. Camus (QL) seeds are used in traditional medicine to treat various urinary and renal diseases. It is used as a diuretic, antioxidant, and nephroprotective agent. In the present study, we investigated the in vitro and in vivo antiurolithiatic activity of methanolic extract of Quercus Leucotrichophora A. Camus (MEQL) Seeds. Methods: An in vitro assay was used to determine whether MEQL prevents the formation of calcium oxalate (CaOx) or promotes CaOx dissolution. In in vivo studies, the effects of oral administration of Methanolic extract of test drug were studied on calcium oxalate urolithiasis in male Wistar rats. Male Wistar rats were divided into six groups of 6 animals each. Animals of Normal control received regular drinking water ad libitum throughout the study. whereas in other groups nephrolithiasis was induced by providing drinking water containing 0.75% ethylene glycol and 1% ammonium chloride for 7 days. Test groups were treated with 250 mg/kg, 375 mg/kg, and 500 mg/kg of the test drug and standard control with Cystone (750 mg/kg) for 21 days. Urine was examined for the presence of crystals on the 8th and 22nd days. On the 22nd day, 24 h urine, serum was collected and various biochemical parameters were estimated in urine, serum, and kidney homogenate along with histology of the kidney. Results: In the in vitro experiments, MEQL exhibited a concentration-dependent inhibitory activity on nucleation and aggregation. The urine volume increased significantly in all test groups. Test groups showed a significant reduction in the number of CaOx crystals in urine. Levels of urinary calcium, phosphorus, and sodium; Serum levels of calcium, phosphorus, creatinine, and urea decreased significantly in standard and test groups. Histopathology shows significant changes. From the above results, it can be concluded that the methanolic extract of Quercus leucotrichophora seeds has a significant inhibitory effect on calcium oxalate urolithiasis due to their diuretic and antioxidant activity. Conclusion: These results indicate that MEQL showed significant activity in urolithiasis which might be due to diuretic and antioxidant action.