In-vitro and in-vivo evaluation for anti-urolithiasis potential of Ficus racemosa L. bark extract in ethylene glycol induced rat model.

Even after stone removal, urolithiasis might reoccur, affecting patients' quality of life. Our study tested Ficus racemosa L. bark hydroalcoholic extract (FRBHE) for anti-urolithiasis efficacy. First, the extract was tested for dissolution of calcium oxalate as well as calcium phosphate crystal in-vitro. Also in-vivo, 0.75% w/v of Ethylene glycol (EG) for 28 days with drinking water was used to induce urolithiasis. By day 14, EG consumption developed calcium oxalate crystals, altered urine pH, urine volume, levels of minerals, and nephrological indicators in urine and serum that indicates urolithiasis. From day 15 to day 28, while EG consumption continued, FRBHE (200 and 400 mg/kg) and marketed formulation Cystone tablet (150 mg/kg) were given to rats. FRBHE treatment lowered the calcium, uric acid and urea and increase the creatinine, magnesium in urine in contrast to disease control group (P < 0.001). In plasma of EG consuming rats, level of calcium, potassium, magnesium, creatinine, uric acid and urea were elevated compared to normal rats (P < 0.001). FRBHE, similar to Cystone, normalized plasma parameters. On days 14 and 28, glutathione (P < 0.001) and catalase (P < 0.05) decreased and malondialdehyde (P < 0.001) increased in the kidney as compared to normal control group, indicating oxidative stress in urolithiatic rats. Treatment groups showed increased levels of glutathione and decreased malondialdehyde indicating oxidative stress recovery as compared to disease control group ((P < 0.001). Histopathological study of the kidney reveals medication therapy can reduce EG and calcium oxalate stone-mediated cellular damage. Current study proves Ficus racemosa L. bark may inhibit urolithiasis in-vitro and in-vivo warranting further clinical trials to confirm therapeutic efficacy.