Antilithiatic Activity of Arbutus Pavarii (Shemeri) Extract on Ethylene Glycol Induced Lithiasis in Rats

Objectives. The objective of this study was to investigate the antilithiatic activity of shemeri (Arbutus Pavarii) on ethylene glycol-induced urolithiasis in male albino rats. Methods. 24 healthy male albino rats were divided into 4 groups. The rats in group A served as the normal control group. Group B (EG-treated group) rats received 0.75% ethylene glycol for three weeks followed by drinking water for the next 3 weeks. Group C (preventive group) rats received 0.75% ethylene glycol along with shemeri for six weeks. Group D (treatment group) rats received 0.75% ethylene glycol for three weeks then supplemented with shemeri aqueous solution. After six weeks, various levels of oxalate, calcium, and phosphate in urine and serum levels of creatinine, urea, uric acid, phosphate, calcium, and sodium were measured. Histopathological examination for kidney samples was also conducted. Results. In comparison to the EG-treated group, oral administration of Arbutus Pavarii (shemeri) significantly lowered elevated levels of creatinine, urea, and uric acid while, significantly increased levels of phosphate, calcium, and sodium in the serum. Shemeri also reduced elevated levels of urinary oxalate, calcium, and phosphate. Histopathological examination showed noticeable kidney lesions in group (B), but these lesions improved in groups (C, and D). Conclusion. This study suggests that shemeri is a promising and effective plant in prevention and treatment of Ethylene glycol-induced urolithiasis in male albino rats.