INVITRO AND INVIVO EVALUATION OF THROMBOLYTIC AND ANTI - UROLITHIATIC ACTIVITY OF PIPER BETEL LEAF EXTRACT WITH STANDARD DRUGS

The present study was designed to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo anti-urolithiatic and thrombolytic activities of Piper betel leaf extract using standard experimental models. Urolithiasis was induced in rats using ethylene glycol (EG) administration, while thrombosis was induced using the ferric chloride (FeCl₃) model. In vitro anti-urolithiatic activity was assessed by calcium oxalate crystallization inhibition and struvite crystal growth models, whereas in vitro thrombolytic activity was evaluated using clot lysis assays. In the EG-induced urolithiasis model, Piper betel extract significantly reduced urinary calcium and oxalate levels, serum creatinine, and kidney weight in a dose-dependent manner. In vitro studies showed significant inhibition of calcium oxalate crystallization and crystal growth, indicating interference with crystal formation and aggregation processes. In the FeCl₃-induced thrombosis model, the extract significantly reduced thrombus weight and improved platelet count. In vitro clot lysis studies further demonstrated a marked increase in percentage clot lysis and reduction in clot dissolution time in a concentration-dependent manner. The observed pharmacological activities may be attributed to the presence of bioactive phytoconstituents such as flavonoids, phenolic compounds, tannins, and alkaloids, which possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and membrane-stabilizing properties. Overall, the findings suggest that Piper betel leaf extract exhibits significant anti-urolithiatic and thrombolytic activities, thereby supporting its traditional medicinal use and indicating its potential as a natural therapeutic agent. Further studies are recommended to isolate active compounds and elucidate the exact mechanism of action. Keywords: Piper betel, anti-urolithiatic activity, thrombolytic activity, calcium oxalate crystallization, struvite crystals.