Effect of theCopaifera langsdorffiiDesf. Leaf Extract on the Ethylene Glycol-Induced Nephrolithiasis in Rats

Abstract

The potential of theCopaifera langsdorffiileaves extract to prevent stone formation was analyzed by means of an ethylene glycol (EG) animal model of nephrolithiasis and anin vitrocrystallization assay. Different doses of theC. langsdorffiileaves extract were administered to rats treated with EG. Urine biochemical parameters were quantified. CaOx deposits count and analysis of osteopontin expression were conducted on kidneys fixed in formalin. Thein vitroassay was performed by turbidimetry. Phytochemical analyses of the extract were accomplished by HPLC-UV-DAD, and several compounds were isolated.C. langsdorffiileaf extract was able to avoid stone formation. The number of deposits was50.30±31.29at the higher extract dose, compared to the value of179.5±45.96achieved with the EG control. Significantly lower oxalate levels and OPN expression and increased citrate levels were observed after extract administration. In thein vitroassay, the extract diluted the formed crystals. Phytochemical analyses showed that the extract is rich in phenolic compounds that are capable of preventing stone formation. Thus, on the basis of our results, we suggest that theC. langsdorffiileaf extract has potential application in the prevention of kidney stone formation.