<I>Cnidoscolus Aconitifolius</I> Leaves Extract Attenuates Oxidative Stress and Modulates Lithogenic Mineral Concentrations in Ethylene Glycol-Induced Urolithiasis

Abstract

Urolithiasis is a prevalent urinary disorder which results from an imbalance in salt solubility, leading to the formation of painful kidney stones. Due to the cost of antiurolithiatic drugs and involvement of surgical interventions with high recurrence rates and potential complications in urolithiasis treatment, attention has been drawn to natural sources of urolithiasis treatment with little or no side effects. Cnidoscolus aconitifolius is a readily available and less expensive medicinal plant which has been reported to possess hepatorenal protection. This study investigates the anti-urolithiatic potential of C. aconitifolius aqueous extract (CAE) in an ethylene glycol-induced urolithiasis model using Wistar rats. Thirty-six male Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups, including a normal control, untreated, standard (cystone-treated), and CAE-treated groups receiving 200, 300, and 400 mg/kg body weight doses. Urolithiasis was induced using 0.75% ethylene glycol for 14 days. Results showed significant reductions (p < 0.05) in urinary calcium, phosphate, and oxalate levels in CAE-treated groups at day 28 compared to the untreated group. Antioxidant enzyme activities, such as superoxide dismutase and catalase, were significantly restored, while malondialdehyde levels decreased. Histopathological analysis revealed normal kidney and liver morphology in CAE-treated groups. This suggests that CAE possesses significant anti-urolithiatic and antioxidative properties, presenting a promising natural therapeutic option for managing urolithiasis. scholarumoh