The Effects of Aqueous Extract of Eryngium Campestre on Ethylene Glycol-Induced Calcium Oxalate Kidney Stone in Rats

This study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of E. campestre using the aqueous extracts, obtained from the aerial parts, on Ethylene Glycol (EG)-induced calcium oxalate kidney stone in rats.

64 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 8 groups. Group I was considered as negative control and received normal saline for 30 days, group II as kidney stone control received EG for 30 days, groups III to VI as prophylactic treatment received EG plus 100, 200 or 400 mg/kg extracts for 30 days and groups VI to VIII received EG as therapy from day one and 100, 200 or 400 mg/kg extract from the 15th day. On the 30thday from the start of induction, rats were euthanized. Blood was collected and the kidneys were immediately excised. Slides from each one’s kidneys were prepared and stained with Hematoxylin & Eosin method. Also levels of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were determined in rat’s serum by competitive ELISA kit.

E. campestre reduced IL-1β and IL-6 levels, showing a significant reduction for both cytokines in all prophylactic groups, especially at the dose of 400 mg/kg (P-value < .001). Moreover, IL-1β (p = .011) reduced significantly in the therapy groups in 400 mg/kg dose. Crystal count reduction was seen in all prophylactic and therapy groups in comparison with group II.

These results suggest that the E. campestre extract has potent suppressive effect on pro-inflammatory cytokine production in rat. Also, E. campestre decreases crystal deposition in the kidney of the hyperoxaluric rat.