The current investigation is an attempt to explore the comparative in vitro antiurolithic potential of various phytoconstituent-rich fractions derived from the hydroalcoholic extract of aerial parts and roots of Aerva lanata (Linn.) Juss. ex Schult (Amaranthaceae). The antiurolithic assay was performed by nucleation method. The analysis revealed the phenolic and flavonoid containing fraction from aerial parts to be the most active (71.01±1.13 %) amongst the different extract-derived fractions compared to the one obtained from roots (54.61±2.30 %). Besides, fluorescence analysis and physicochemical evaluation were carried out according to the official guidelines and supported the quality control of the plant material. Preliminary phytochemical screening of the fractions was also performed and confirmed the presence of various metabolites. Additionally, the content of tannins, total phenolics and flavonoids were also determined spectrophotometrically and found to be comparatively higher in aerial parts (tannin content of 4.34±0.63 mg tannic acid equivalent/g extract, total phenolic content of 127.84±1.50 gallic acid equivalent/g extract and total flavonoid content of 77.61±3.78 rutin equivalent/g extract) than roots (tannin content of 3.03±0.63 mg tannic acid equivalent/g extract, total phenolic content of 98.09±1.10 gallic acid equivalent/g extract and total flavonoid content of 62.81±5.69 rutin equivalent/g extract). Hence, the present study aids in screening out the best active extract derived fraction exerting litholytic efficacy, which provides a route to further isolation of lead bioactive compounds contributing to significant antiurolithic potency of this traditionally employed herb of immense pharmacological spectrum.
Objectives
The study was carried out to evaluate the in vivo antiurolithic efficaciousness of an ethyl acetate fraction of Aerva lanata (EAFAL) derived from the hydromethanolic extract of its aerial parts (HMEAL).
Methods
In vivo pharmacological potency of EAFAL was assessed by ethylene glycol (EG) induced urolithiasis model in male Wistar albino rats. Urine samples of the animals were analysed for physical parameters, stone promoters, inhibitors along with an evaluation of the biochemical parameters of serum and kidneys. Histopathological investigation of the kidneys was done. The fraction was further subjected to LC-MS and HPLC for its phytochemical evaluation.
Key findings
EAFAL demonstrated a significant antiurolithic effect by a restoration of the balance between urinary promoters and inhibitors along with an amelioration of the urinary pH. The abnormally elevated levels of serum nitrogenous substances, calcium, albumin, globulin, total protein along with altered renal calcium, oxalate and uric acid were also alleviated significantly followed by an improvement of the histopathological aberrancies. Phytochemical analysis showed evidence of phenolic components and flavonoids.
Conclusions
The current findings prove the beneficial role of phenolic and flavonoid rich EAFAL in ameliorating urolithiasis induced abnormalities of urine, serum and kidneys.
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