In vivo efficacy of Trachyspermum ammi anticalcifying protein in urolithiatic rat model

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Many medicinal plants have been employed during ages to treat urinary stones though the rationale behind their use is not well established. Recently, we have successfully purified an anticalcifying protein from the seeds of Trachyspermum ammi (L) Sprague ex Turril (Umbelliferae) using oxalate depletion assay and deciphered its inhibitory activity against calcium oxalate crystal growth. Aim: In this report, the antilithiatic activity of Trachyspermum ammi anticalcifying protein (TAP) was studied in urolithiatic rat model. Methodology: Urolithiasis was induced by exposure of 0.4% ethylene glycol (EG) and 1.0% ammonium chloride (NH4Cl) for 9 days. The efficacy of TAP was studied in another group given same dose of EG and NH4Cl in addition to 2 mg/kg body weight of TAP. Further, we evaluated ability of TAP to inhibit the attachment of calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystal in kidney tissue and studied the consequences of CaOx adhesion on renal functioning and tissue integrity. Results: The antilithiatic potential of TAP was confirmed by its ability to maintain renal functioning, reduce renal injury and decrease crystal excretion in urine and retention in renal tissues. Conclusions: Thus, the present investigation suggests the potential of TAP in preventing calcium oxalate deposition and forms the basis for the development of antilithiatic drug interventions against urolithiasis. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.