Effect of Hydro-alcoholic Extract of Punica Granatum L. Peel on Ethylene Glycol-Induced Kidney Calculi in Wistar Rats

This study evaluated prevention effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of punica granatum Peel ethylene glycol-induced Nephrolithiasis in wistar rats.
Experimental: 20 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 equal groups. Group I animals served as normal control (A) and received distilled water for 28 days. Group II to IV animals received 1% v/v ethylene glycol (EG) in distilled water for 28 days. Group II served as EG or negative control (B). Group III and IV (preventive groups) received hydro-alcoholic extract of punica granatum Peel orally for 28 days in dose of 200 mg/kg (C) and 400 mg/kg (D) respectively. 24-hour urine samples were collected on day 0 and 28. Urine volume and urine parameters levels (oxalate, calcium and citrate) were measured. On day 28, blood was collected for biochemical parameters (craetinine, urea and uric acid). Animals were sacrificed and kidneys were harvested, histopathologically evaluated for calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystals.

EG significantly increased urine oxalate and calcium, serum creatinine, urea and uric acid levels. It also significantly decreased urine citrate level. In C and D group resulted in lower levels of urine oxalate, calcium and serum creatinine, urea and uric acid as compared to Group II. Also resulted in significantly higher levels citrate as compared to Group II (P<0.05).  
Industrial and practical recommendations: hydro-alcoholic extract of punica granatum peel is effective in prevention of EG- induced nephrolithiasis in Wistar rats.