Prophylactic Role of Boerhaavia diffusa in Ethylene Glycol Induced Calcium Oxalate Urolithiasis

Introduction: Boerhaavia diffusa Linn. (Family: Nyctaginaceae) is a widely used plant in India and Brazil as a traditional medicine for treatment of urolithiasis and other urinary disorders. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the antiurolithic activity of Boerhaavia diffusa root aqueous extract (BDE) as prophylaxis for renal stones. Methods: In vitro calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystallization inhibitory effect of BDE was determined by measuring change in turbidity at 620nm on addition of sodium oxalate in the synthetic urine. In a rat model of urolithiasis, induced by adding 0.75% ethylene glycol (EG) in drinking water and effect of simultaneous treatment of BDE (100-200 mg/kg) was observed for 28 days. Results: BDE inhibited CaOx nucleation, aggregation and crystal formation in the synthetic urine in vitro on addition of NaOx. The lithogenic treatment caused polyuria, weight loss, hyperoxaluria and impairment of renal function which was prevented by BDE. Hyperoxaluria and CaOx crystal deposition in the renal tubules caused by EG intake was prevented by BDE treatment. Conclusion: This study indicates that the antiurolithic activity of Boerhaavia diffusa extract possibly mediated through inhibition of CaOx crystallization, diuresis and hypo-oxaluria may justify its prophylactic use in urolithiasis.