PHYTOCHEMICAL, ANTIOXIDANT, AND IN-VIVO ANTIUROLITHIATIC EVALUATION OF SYZYGIUM CUMINI BARK EXTRACT IN ETHYLENE GLYCOL-INDUCED UROLITHIASIS IN RATS

Background: Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels is traditionally used for its medicinal properties, including management of kidney disorders. This study aimed to evaluate the phytochemical profile, antioxidant potential, and antiurolithiatic activity of its methanolic bark extract. Methods: Bark of S. cumini was collected, authenticated, shade- and oven-dried, and extracted successively with petroleum ether and methanol. Preliminary phytochemical screening and quantitative estimation of total phenolics (TPC) and flavonoids (TFC) were performed. Antioxidant activity was assessed by the DPPH assay. Acute oral toxicity studies were conducted following OECD guidelines. Antiurolithiatic activity was evaluated in ethylene glycol-induced urolithiasis in albino rats at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg, with cystone as standard. Biochemical parameters including serum creatinine, calcium, urea, and phosphorus were measured, Committee (IAEC Approval No: 1650/PO/Re/S/11/CCSEA). Results: Methanolic extract yielded 2.20% w/w and contained significant amounts of phenolics (54.66 mg GAE/g) and flavonoids (18.5 mg RE/g). The extract exhibited dose-dependent DPPH radical scavenging activity (IC₅₀ = 54.09 µg/mL), indicating antioxidant potential. In vivo, the extract significantly reduced elevated serum creatinine, calcium, urea, and phosphorus levels in a dose-dependent manner, with the 200 mg/kg dose showing effects comparable to cystone. Conclusion: The methanolic bark extract of S. cumini possesses significant antioxidant and antiurolithiatic activities, likely mediated by its phenolic and flavonoid constituents. These findings support its potential use as a natural therapeutic agent for the prevention and management of urolithiasis.