Evaluation of Ruellia tuberosa L. for Antiurolithiatic and Antioxidant Activities in Rats

The ischolar_mains of Ruellia tuberosa L. are recommended for kidney stone disorders in the Indian traditional system of medicine. Ethanolic extract of R. tuberosa ischolar_mains was evaluated for antiurolithiatic activity against 0.75% v/v ethylene glycol and 2% w/v ammonium chloride induced calcium oxalate urolithiasis and for antioxidant activity against hyperoxaluria induced oxidative stress in male albino rats. Ethylene glycol and ammonium chloride administration increased the deposition of calcium and oxalate in the kidneys, urinary excretion of calcium, oxalate and creatinine in the preventive and curative control rats. In these groups, increased levels of malondialdehyde and depleted levels of antioxidant enzymes, reduced glutathione and catalase were observed. On treatment with the extract, a significant reduction in the deposition of calcium, oxalate and also urinary excretion of calcium, oxalate and creatinine was observed, indicating its antiurolithiatic effect. The extract administration also decreased the extent of lipid peroxidation and enhanced the levels of antioxidant enzymes in the kidneys of urolithic rats, reflecting its antioxidant efficacy against hyperoxaluria induced renal oxidative stress. Results of the present study support the traditional claim of R. tuberosa ischolar_mains in treating renal calculi.