In-vitro & in-vivo efficacy of liposomal β-carryophyllene in ethylene glycol induced urolithiasis in rats

Background

Urolithiasis refers to the formation of stones in the urinary system. β-Caryophyllene, a bicyclic sesquiterpene found in herbs like cloves (Dīng Zǐ Xiāng), cinnamon (Ròu Guì), Black Pepper (Hú Jiāo) and Ginseng (Rén Shēn). Despite its potential, the antiurolithiatic activity of β-Caryophyllene, particularly in liposomal formulations, remains unexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the antiurolithiatic effects of liposomal β-Caryophyllene in ethylene glycol-induced urolithiasis in Wistar albino rats and elucidate its underlying mechanisms.

Materials & methods

IN-VITRO: Using various in-vitro methods like aggregation, nucleation and titrimetric assay the percentage inhibition of calcium oxalate using the calcium chloride (Caox) and sodium oxalate solutions against the liposomal β-carryophyllene was performed for assessing anti-urolithiatic effect.

IN-VIVO: Ethylene glycol was used as the inducing agent. Albino rats were separated into 6 groups. Group-I named as normal diet. Group II-VI was given 0.75 % v/v EG was mixed in drinking water for causing renal stones, along with group III- V was treated with liposomal β-carryophyllene 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg respectively. Group-VI was treated with standard drug, cystone (750 mg/kg).

Results

The study proved that liposomal β-caryophyllene (BCP) significantly inhibits calcium oxalate crystal formation, aggregation, and dissolution in both in-vitro and in-vivo models. BCP significantly reduced serum and urine markers of renal dysfunction and oxidative stress, with the highest dose (400 mg/kg) demonstrating effects similar to the standard drug (cystone).

Conclusion

Liposomal β-caryophyllene (BCP) shows promising therapeutic agent for urolithiasis, effectively preventing crystal formation and improving renal function. It demonstrated comparable efficacy to the standard treatment, suggesting its potential as a viable alternative or complementary therapy for managing urolithiasis.