Preventive effect of Cynodon dactylon against ethylene glycol-induced nephrolithiasis in male rats

This study was carried out to investigate the preventive effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Cynodon dactylon [C.dactylon] roots on calcium oxalate calculi in rat. 24 Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: group A received tap drinking water while, Groups B, C, and D received 1% ethylene glycol daily for 28 days. Rats in groups C and D received ethanolic extract of C.dactylon at doses equivalent to 3.2 mg/kg and 12.6 mg/kg of root powder, respectively in drinking water from day 0 to day 28. Urine and blood were collected on days 0 and 28 and analyzed for biochemical elements. After 28 days, the kidneys were removed and prepared for histological evaluation of calcium oxalate deposits [CaOx]. The number of CaOx deposits in 10 microscopic fields of kidney slices in group B was 24.5 +/- 4.40 which was significantly higher than group A [p<0.001]. In group C, the number of deposits was significantly lower than group B. The weight of the kidneys was increased in group B vs group A [p<0.05]. However, C.dactylon was able to decrease the weight of kidneys in group C [p<0.05]. Urine oxalate level decreased in nephrolithiatic rats treated with the extract. This study showed that C. dactylon extract was able to reduce the growth of urinary stones in the rat. Therefore, the beneficial action of C.dactylon extract on human kidney stones may be suggested. However, further studies must clarify the mechanism

Effect of commercial [vimang] and hydroalcoholic extract of Mangifera indica [mango] on gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in rat

Mangifera indica [Mango] is used in folk medicine for treatment of different types of diseases, and its anti-inflammatory and free radical scavenging activities have been demonstrated. The present study evaluated the effects of commercial [vimang] and hydroalcoholic extract of Mango on gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in rat. Female Wistar rats were treated with vimang [50 and 100 mg/kg] for 18 days, or hydroalcoholic extract [200 and 400 mg/kg] for 18 days as preventive groups and others with vimang [100 mg/kg] for 8 days, or hydroalcoholic extract [400 mg/kg] for 8 days as treatment groups and also gentamicin [GM] was used at 80 mg/kg/day for eight days, starting from day 10. At the end of treatment, blood and urine samples were taken for measurement of creatinine [Cr] and BUN. The kidney was prepared for histological evaluation. Serum Cr and urea concentrations as well as renal tissue injury increased significantly in GM group compared with the control group. Hydroalcoholic extract of Mango at 200mg/kg was able to reduce plasma Cr and urea concentrations significantly as well as kidney tissue necrosis. Vimang [50 and 100 mg/kg] and hydroalcoholic extract of Mango [200mg/kg] also prevented kidney tissue damage compared with the control group. Mango products were able to improve kidney function in an established model of GMinduced nephrotoxicity in the rat. The beneficial effects of Mango on the rat kidney seem to be dose and time-dependent. However, more investigations are needed to elucidate Mango action on GMinduced renal toxicity