Protective effect of Flos carthami extract against ethylene glycol-induced urolithiasis in rats

• Main Authors: Wu-Chou Lin, 林武周
• Other Authors: 陳汶吉
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2012
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/69144286105488731153

博士 === 中國醫藥大學 === 中醫學系博士班 === 100 === Abstract Carthami tinctorius also known as Flos carthami (FC) is a traditional Chinese herbal plant, has been prescribed for centuries to treat symptoms of stasis of blood in many internal organs. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of FC on calcium oxalate (CaOx) formation in ethylene glycol (EG)-fed rats. A total of 50 male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into six groups. Rats in group 1 served as the normal control (n = 5). Rats in group 2 were treated with gastric gavages of starch and 0.75% EG (placebo, n = 5) as a stone inducer. Rats in group 3 (n = 10) were given 0.75% EG and 300 mg FC. Rats in group 4 (n = 10) were treated with EG and 600 mg FC. Rats in group 5 (n = 10) were treated with EG and 1,200 mg FC. Rats in group 6 (n = 10) were with EG and potassium citrate as a positive control. Twenty-four hour urine and blood samples for biochemical data were collected at the beginning and at the end of the experiment. The histological appearances of the kidneys were observed under a polarized light microscope and the crystal deposits were evaluated by a semi-quantitative scoring method (ImageScoring). The crystal deposit scores were significantly lower in the FC groups (600 and 1200 mg) than in the placebo group. FC inhibited the deposition of CaOx crystal EG-fed rats. Therefore, the FC may be effective for preventing stone disease but its side effect maybe slightly bleeding tendency. Future clinical trials should be conducted to prove its effects and to watch its possible side effects.