title: Helichrysum plicatum DC. subsp. plicatum extract as a preventive agent in experimentally induced urolithiasis model.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Since ancient times, various herbal preparations have been used in treatment of urolithiasis, which is basically formation of calcium oxalate stones in kidney. The aim of our study is to assess the effects of Helichrysum plicatum DC. subsp. plicatum (HP) as a preventive agent in experimentally induced urolithiasis model in rats.
  
  
  METHODS
  The efficacy of 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg HP extract was studied in 1% ethylene glycol and 1% ammonium chloride-induced urolithiasis for 21 days in rats. The weight difference and the levels of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, urea nitrogen, creatinine and uric acid in both serum and 24h-urine were measured. The calcium oxalate (CaOx) and pH were defined in urine. Histo-pathological analyses in kidneys were also performed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The rats' weights were higher in HP groups than urolithiasis group. Urolithiasis caused a significant increase in both serum and urine biochemical parameters compared to healthy rats. HP extract decreased levels of these parameters. Urine CaOx level was high in urolithiasis rats, whereas it was decreased by HP extract. Histopathological examinations revealed extensive intratubular crystal depositions and degenerative tubular structures in urolithiasis group, but not in HP treatment groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  More studies will be necessary to elucidate the antiurolithiatic activity of HP. Nonetheless, having a beneficial effect in preventing and eliminating CaOx deposition into kidneys, HP extract may be a potential drug for urolithiasis treatment.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Biochemistry, Ataturk University, 25240 Erzurum, Turkey. yasinbayir@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Yasin
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Bayir
authors.forename: Zekai
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Halici
authors.forename: Mevlut Sait
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Keles
authors.forename: Suat
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Colak
authors.forename: Ahmet
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Cakir
authors.forename: Yusuf
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Kaya
authors.forename: Fatih
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Akçay
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001835:Body Weight; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D036562:Helichrysum / Q000737:chemistry*; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D008297:Male; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology*; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D052878:Urolithiasis / Q000097:blood / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000652:urine
chemical_list: D010936:Plant Extracts