TO EVALUATE THE ANTIUROLITHIATIC ACTIVITY OF AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF CATHARANTHUS ROSEUS IN ETHYLENE-GLYCOL-INDUCED UROLITHIASIS IN RATS

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the potential antiurolithiatic activity of the aqueous extract of *Catharanthus roseus* in a rat model of ethylene-glycol-induced urolithiasis. Methods: Thirty male Wistar rats were divided into five groups: Group I served as the control, Group II received ethylene glycol (0.75% v/v) in drinking water for the induction of urolithiasis, Group III received standard treatment (cystone), and Group IV was treated with the aqueous extract of Catharanthus roseus (200 mg/kg). Throughout the experimental period, various parameters such as urinary calcium, phosphate, oxalate levels, and kidney histopathology were assessed to evaluate the antiurolithiatic potential of Catharanthus roseus. Results: The results demonstrated a significant reduction in urinary calculi formation, lowered calcium and oxalate excretion, and ameliorated histological changes in the kidneys of rats treated with the aqueous extract of Catharanthus roseus. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the aqueous extract of *Catharanthus roseus* possesses promising antiurolithiatic activity, potentially attributed to its ability to modulate urinary stone-forming parameters. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and explore the therapeutic potential of *Catharanthus roseus* in managing urolithiasis.