Antiurolithic Activity of Berberis Trifoliata Extract on Induced Urolithiasis in Rats by Zinc Disc Implantation

Abstract

Background:In clinical therapy, there is no satisfactory drug available for treatment of urolithiasis, especially for the prevention of their recurrence. The aim of this work was to evaluate in vivo antiurolithic activity of methanolic extract of Berberis trifoliata leaves. Material and methods: Urolithiasis was induced in Wistar rats by zinc disc implantation in urinary bladder. Upon postsurgical recovery, different doses of the methanolic extract of B. trifoliata leaves (50, 100 and 150 mg/kg body weight) were administered orally to zinc disc implanted rats for a period of 20 days. Antiurolithiatic activity was evaluated by measuring the difference between the weight of the implanted zinc discs at the time of implantation and the final weight of the dried calculi taken out from the bladder at the end of the 20 days period of treatment. Results: Extract of B. trifoliata significantly reduced calculi deposition around the implanted zinc disc at all doses (50, 100, and 150 mg/kg). Conclusion: Treatment with methanolic extract of B. trifoliata is useful agent against the kidney stone formation.

Plants Used in Mexican Traditional Medicine for the Management of Urolithiasis: A Review of Preclinical Evidence, Bioactive Compounds, and Molecular Mechanisms

“…This study showed that the oral administration of different concentrations of extract (50, 100, and 150 mg/kg) for 20 days decreased the formation and the weight of the dry stones removed from the urinary bladder compared with the control group. Furthermore, this study showed that intervention with methanolic extract of B. trifoliata promoted a significant reduction in the crystal depositions in a model of UL induced by the implantation of a zinc disc in the bladder [ 40 ].…”

“…These beneficial effects could be associated with the presence of anthocyanins and alkaloid compounds, mainly berberine. This compound has been identified as a component responsible for potential therapeutic effects, including an anti-urolithiatic effect [ 40 , 41 ].…”

“…This has great relevance in urinary supersaturation due to the excess of calcium being the primary requisition for crystal precipitation and one of the major risk factors for stone development [ 41 ]. Thus, berberine may prevent the formation of urinary stones by increasing the excretion of minerals in small particles [ 40 ].…”