Protective effect of Flos carthami extract against ethylene glycol-induced urolithiasis in rats

Abstract

Flos carthami (FC), also known as Carthamus tinctorius, is a traditional Chinese herbal plant that has been prescribed since centuries for treating various symptoms related to blood circulation improvement. This study aimed to investigate the effects of FC on calcium oxalate (CaOx) formation in ethylene glycol (EG)-fed rats. A total of 50 male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into the following 6 groups: group 1, as the normal control (n = 5); group 2 received gastric gavages of starch and 0.75% EG (placebo, n = 5) as a stone inducer; group 3 (n = 10) received EG and potassium citrate as positive controls; group 4 (n = 10) received 0.75% EG and 300 mg/day FC; group 5 (n = 10) was treated with EG and 600 mg/day FC; group 6 (n = 10) received with EG and 1,200 mg/day FC. For all experimental animals, 24-h urine and blood samples were analyzed at the beginning and end of the experiment. Kidney tissue was histopathologically examined using a polarized light microscope, and crystal deposits were evaluated by a semi-quantitative scoring method; these scores were significantly lower in the FC groups (600 and 1,200 mg/day) than in the placebo group. Thus, FC administration appeared to inhibit the deposition of CaOx crystal EG-fed rats. We, therefore, consider that FC may be effective for preventing stone disease, albeit with certain side effects, such as a bleeding tendency. Further clinical trials are needed for evaluating its benefits and possible side effects.

An Aqueous Extract of the Leaves of Ficus religiosa Inhibits the Growth of Urinary Calcium Hydrogen Phosphate Dihydrate Crystals-An In-Vitro Study

“…In another study, an administration of a drug containing T. terrestris to sodium glycolate fed rats produced a significant decrease in urinary oxalate excretion and a significant increase in urinary glyoxylate excretion [31]. Recently various herbal plants such as Flos carthami, Costus igneus, Tribulus terrestris and Scoparia dulcis have successfully proved as prophylactic and curative medicine for urolithiasis [32][33][34][35]. Another recent in vitro study showed that leaf extracts of I. eriocarpa possesses potent antiurolithiatic activity [36].…”

Plantas medicinais no controle de urolitíase

“…Consideraram ainda, que a liofilização do extrato também pode ter influenciado negativamente. Micali et al (2006) Lin et al (2012), verificaram tendência hemorrágica em ratos portadores de urolitíase, induzida por etilenoglicol, e tratados por Flos carthami, embora tenha sido demonstrada a inibição de deposição de sais de CaOx. Assim, o desenvolvimento de estudos clínicos determinando a eficácia da associação de plantas medicinais no controle de urolitíases (Saleem et al, 2012) é fator determinante para o avanço das pesquisas nesta área.…”

Citrus Bioflavonoids Ameliorate Hyperoxaluria Induced Renal Injury and Calcium Oxalate Crystal Deposition in Wistar Rats

“…5 Significant curative effect of plants was due to various flavonoids and other antioxidant compounds present in it. 6 Studies had shown that supplementation of antioxidants provide cellular protection to the kidney, by inhibiting the over expression of inflammatory cytokines and improved the antioxidant status of the whole system. 7,8 Citrus fruit and their peels consist of a wide range of flavonoid compounds including Eriocitrin, Hesperidin, Naringin, Naringenin, which are known for its abilities to offer beneficial biological properties.…”