Evaluation of the efficacy of methanolic extract of Foeniculum vulgare in urolithiasis on Wistar rats.

Abstract

Objective: Evaluation of the efficacy of methanolic extract of Foeniculum vulgare in urolithiasis induced by gentamycin and calculi producing diet on Wistar rats. Methods: Gentamycin (40 mg/kg, subcutaneously) and calculiproducing diet (CPD) was fed to induce urolithiasis on Wistar rats. The effect of oral administration of methanolic extract of Foeniculum vulgare seed on calcium oxalate urolithiasis has been studied and is compared with the effect of oral administration of Cystone as standard on Wistar rats. Results: Gentamycin and CPD feeding resulted in hyperoxaluria and calcium oxalate deposition as well as increased renal excretion of calcium and oxalate. Supplementation with methanolic extract of Foeniculum vulgare seed reduced the elevated urinary oxalate, showing a regulatory action on endogenous oxalate synthesis. Conclusion: The results indicate that the seed of Foeniculum vulgare is endowed with antiurolithiatic activity.