SAPONIN RICH FRACTION OF BAUHINIA VARIEGATA LINN. AMELIORATES KIDNEY STONE FORMATION IN RATS

The present study was planned to know the effect of saponin-rich extract of Bauhinia variegata Linn. (SREBV) in an ethylene glycol induced urolithiasis model. The qualitative and quantitative analysis of SREBV revealed presence of beta-sitosterol, stigmasterol and lupeol. Administration of ethylene glycol (0.75% v/v in distilled water) to male Wistar rats for 28 days successfully induced urolithiasis with hyperoxaluria, hypercalciuria as well as an increased renal excretion of uric acid and inorganic phosphate. Supplementation with SREBV significantly decreased these levels of stone promotor via diuresis and increased levels of stone inhibitor like magnesium. There was a significant reduction in creatinine, uric acid, and blood urea nitrogen in rats administered with SREBV. Moreover, reno-protective effect is evident by decreased deposits of calcium-oxalate crystals in the kidney tissue of SREBV treated rats. The antilithiatic activity of SREBV is also supported by its radical scavenging activity portrayed in DPPH assay in-vitro as well as alleviation in lipid peroxidation and improvement in antioxidant enzyme levels in-vivo. With this study, it was clinched that the SREBV supplementation safeguarded EG-induced urolithiasis as it abbreviated the growth of urinary stones. The mechanisms attributing to this effect might be due to its antioxidant, diuretic, nephroprotective and curbing in stoneforming constituents.