Toxicity study and antiurolithiatic activity of Ma‘jῡn Hajrul Yahood (a herbomineral Unani formulation) in rats

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Ma‘Jῡn Hajrul Yahood (MHY), a Unani pharmacopoeial preparation, has been used for urolithiasis since time immemorial. The present study aimed to establish the safety and evaluate the antiurolithiatic activity of aqueous extract of MHY on calcium oxalate (CaOx) urolithiasis in rats. The toxicity study was carried out as per the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development guidelines. Materials and Methods: For antiurolithiatic activity, four male Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into five groups. The animals in plain control were provided water ad libitum; the other four groups received ethylene glycol 0.75% and ammonium chloride 1% added to their drinking water for the first 7 days for induction of urolithiasis. The standard group received Cystone (750 mg/kg, b.w.), while test groups A and B were administered an aqueous extract of MHY (280 and 560 mg/kg), respectively, for the next 14 days. Results: The number of CaOx crystals in urine, serum, and urinary calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, creatinine, urea, and sodium was analyzed. MHY showed no toxic effect in single- and repeated-dose toxicity studies. Extract-treated animals showed improvement in body weight with significantly fewer crystals in urine (P < 0.001). Significant (P < 0.01) reduction was observed in urea, creatinine, and phosphorus in the urine of the animals treated with both doses of MHY, while serum creatinine and calcium reduced significantly (P < 0.01) in test group B. Conversely, magnesium levels increased significantly (P < 0.01) in both the test groups. Histology of the kidney showed no crystal deposition in treated groups with almost normal kidney architecture. Conclusion: The MHY has a significant lithotriptic effect.