Litholytic activity of hydro-alcoholic extract of Equisetum arvense L. in male rats

In the present study, effect of Equisetum arvense aerial part hydro-alcoholic extracts on calcium oxalate crystallization was studied in male rats. At first, hydro-alcoholic extract of Equisetum arvense at doses of 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg were prepared. Crystallization of calcium oxalate was induced by adding ammonium chloride and ethylene glycol in drinking water for 3 and 38 days, respectively. Control group was treated by drinking water. Experimental groups were treated by extract at doses 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg for 38 days. After 38 days, animals were anesthetized by ether and left kidneys removed and put them in buffered formaldehyde. Specimens were prepared for histological studies and stained by H&E. Results showed that treatment of extract decreased number of crystals in kidney sections of experimental animals in comparison with control group. Also, administration of plant extract decreased tubule-interstitial damages in treated animals. Also, the extract decreased tubule-interstitial damages of tissue in treated animals. So, the treatment of plant could be confirmed by this research.