ANTI-NEPHROLITHIASIS ACTIVITY OF ETHANOL EXTRACT OF IPOMOEA CARNEA JACQ. AGAINST ETHYLENE GLYCOL-INDUCED UROLITHIASIS IN RATS

Objective: Urolithiasis, one of the significant urological conditions, develops due to excessive calcium oxalate crystal accumulation, paving the way for various renal disorders. The use of conventional drug therapies often leads to numerous health consequences as far as their adverse effects are concerned, herbal interventions on the other hand have always been a ray of hope in that case. The present research investigated the therapeutic efficacy of ethanolic extract of Ipomoea carnea Jacq. (EEIC), in ethylene glycol (EG)-induced urolithiasis in rat animal models, diuretic potential, and antiurolithiatic activity were evaluated through the assessment of various biochemical and histopathological parameters. Methods: Initially, key bioactive compounds were identified through phytochemical screening, qualitative analysis, and quantitative estimation of EEIC. Thirty, male Wistar albino rats were used in the study, divided into five groups, each group containing six animals. Group 1 (normal control), Group 2 (negative control: EG 0.75% v/v), Group 3 (positive control: Lumasiran 3 mg/kg), and Groups 4 and 5 (EEIC treated test groups: 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg., p.o., respectively). Different biochemical parameters were evaluated in urine, serum, and kidney homogenate after the 28th day. Pathological examinations of renal tissues were also performed. Results: EEIC treatment demonstrated significant dose-dependent improvements in urinary and serum biomarkers linked to kidney stones and renal health. At doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg, urine volume significantly increased (2.17 mL, p<0.01; 2.35 mL, p<0.005), with enhanced Na+ and K+ excretion. After 28 days, urine output reached 4.31±0.38 mL (p<0.005), urine pH shifted from acidic (5.27±0.36) to alkaline (6.26±0.19, p<0.05), and levels of calcium, oxalate, and uric acid decreased significantly. EEIC also improved serum creatinine levels, renal tissue integrity, and supported magnesium and citrate increases, aligning with prior research. Conclusion: The present study highlights that EEIC treatment improved serum creatinine levels, renal tissue integrity, and increased magnesium and citrate levels and has promising potential as a natural therapeutic alternative against urolithiasis, warranting further clinical investigation.