Pharmacological and toxicological effects of Paronychia argentea in experimental calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis in rats

Aim of the studyRenal protection and antiurolithiasic effects of two extracts of Paronychia argentea (PA), a traditional Algerian plant commonly known as Algerian tea, were evaluated. This study was carried out to determine whether the aqueous extract (APA) or the butanolic extract (BPA) of aerial parts could prevent or reduce calculi aggregation in experimental calcium oxalate (Ox) nephrolithiasis in Wistar rats.Materials and methodsThe two extracts (APA and BPA) were administrated orally and daily, during 28 days to nephrolithiasic treated rats at the dose of 250, 500 mg/kg b.w. and 10, 20 mg/kg b.w. respectively.Body weight, renal index, liver index, serum level of creatinine, uric acid, urea, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+ and transaminase (alanine aminotransferase, ALT; aspartate aminotransferase, AST), phosphatase alkaline activity (PAL) were evaluated following the 28 days treatment in rats. In addition histopathological changes in kidney and liver were stained in hematoxylin eosin (HE).ResultsThe effect of the extracts could be advantageous in preventing urinary stone retention by reducing renal necrosis and thus inhibit crystal retention. In contradiction with APA, the two doses of BPA attenuated elevation in the serum creatinine (p < 0.01) and blood urea levels (p < 0.01) (nephroprotective effect). However, the increase in ALT (27%) and PAL (31–51%) serum levels and in the relative liver weights (p < 0.01) in the groups treated with doses of APA may indicate that this extract has not a hepatoprotective effect against oxalate toxicity.ConclusionsThe presented data indicate that administration of the butanolic extract of aerial parts to rats with NaOx induced lithiasis, and reduced and prevented the growth of urinary stones in experimental calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis in Wistar rats.

Renal protection and antiurolithiasic effects of aqueous and butanolic extracts of Paronychia argentea (PA), a traditional Algerian plant commonly known as Algerian tea, were evaluated.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide