The Beneficial Effect of Hydro-alcoholic Extract of Punica Granatum L. Leaves & Flower on Ethylene Glycol-Induced Kidney Calculi in Rats

 Punica granatum L. (pomegranate) is a widely used plant that has high nutritional value .This study evaluated prevention effect of hydro alcoholic extract of Punica granatum flower and leaves ethylene glycol-induced Nephrolithiasis in Wistar rats.  20 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 equal groups. Group I served as positive control and received distilled water for 28 days. Group II to IV received 1% (V/V) ethylene glycol (EG) in distilled water for 28 days. Group II served as EG or negative control. Group III and IV (preventive groups) received hydroalceholic extract of Punica granatum flower asand leaves orally for 28 days in dose of 400 mg/kg respectively. 24-hour urine samples were collected on day 0 and 28. Urine volume and urine oxalate levels were measured. On day 28, blood was collected for biochemical parameters (craetinine, urea and uric acid). Animals were sacrificed and kidneys were harvested, histopathologically evaluated for calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystals. EG significantly increased urine oxalate and calcium, serum creatinine, urea and uric acid levels. It also significantly decreased urine citrate level in group III and IV resulted in significantly lower levels of urine oxalate and serum creatinine, urea and uric acid as compared to Group II (P < 0.001). Hydro alcoholic extracts of Punica granatum flowers and leaves are effective in prevention of EG- induced nephrolithiasis in Wistar rats.