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Abstract
The root of Pisonia alba (Family: Nyctaginaceae), extract was investigated for its antiurolithiatic activity. Ethylene glycol (0.75% in water) feeding resulted in hyperoxaluria as well as increased renal excretion of calcium and phosphate. Ethanolic extract (250 & 500 mg/kg) of P. alba was given orally in curative and preventive regimens over a period of 28 days. Supplementation with extract significantly (P < 0.001) lowered the urinary excretion and kidney retention levels of oxalate, calcium and phosphate. Furthermore, high serum levels of urea nitrogen, creatinine and uric acid were significantly (P < 0.001) reduced by the extract. The results were comparable with the standard drug, cystone (750 mg/kg). The reduction of stone-forming constituents in urine and their decreased kidney retention reduces the solubility product of crystallizing salts such as calcium oxalate and calcium phosphate, which could contribute to the antiurolithiatic property of the extract. These findings affirm assertions made regarding the effectiveness of the extract of this plant against urinary pathologies in Indian folk medicine.