[The effect of takusha and kagosou on calcium oxalate renal stones in rats]

We examined the inhibitory effect of the two Kampo medicines, takusha and kagosou on the formation of calcium oxalate renal stones induced by ethylene glycol (EG) and 1 alpha(OH)D3 (1 alpha-D3) in rats. Wistar strain rats were divided into 4 groups (A: normal control, B: stone, C: kagosou, D: takusya). There was no significant difference in urinary calcium excretion or oxalate excretion between the stone group and kampo medicine groups. The calcium content of the kidneys was significantly lower in the takusha group than in the other two groups (Stone group and kagosou group). Takusha was effective in preventing oxalate stone formation in rats. Kagosou, which had strong inhibitory effect on calcium oxalate crystal growth and aggregation in vitro as well as takusha, was not effective against in vivo calcium oxalate stone formation in rats. These findings suggest that takusha prevents the formation of calcium oxalate stone by inhibiting calcium oxalate crystal growth and aggregation.