Antilithiatic effect of Ethanolic extract of Crataeva religiosa on Wistar rats.

To evaluate the anti-lithiatic effect of Crataeva religiosa (a native plant) in wistar rats. 4 adult, male, wistar rats, fasted for 24 hours were divided into3 groups. Group I (Ia+Ib) received normal feed and water, Group II Hydrochlorothiazide (2.5mg/kg) and Group III received Ethanolic extract of Crataeva religiosa (EECR) 200mg/kg orally. Antilithiatic activity was studied by standard means, with addition of 0.75% ethylene glycol in drinking water daily for 28days in group Ib, II & III. Group Ia served as normal control, Group Ib served as lithiatic control. 24hours urinary calcium, magnesium, oxalate, phosphate, uric acid and protein were analysed on day 0, 14 and 28. Data were evaluated using student's 't'-test. Probability values less than 0.05 were considered significant. The animals of GII and III had significant reduction in urinary phosphate and urate, compared to animals exposed to ethylene glycol alone (G Ib). It is likely that HCT and EECR might have protected these animals, from the effects of ethylene glycol. Excessive urinary phosphate and urate excretion are the contributory factor for calcium phosphate and / or urate stones, as calcium excretion was also statistically higher in animal receiving ethylene glycol alone. These observations indicate that the plant extract have got significant antilithiatic effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]