Early Nephroprotective Effect of Alhagi graecorum Boiss in Rabbits Ahmed H. Ismael MBChB, PhD

Abstract

Nephrocalcinosis is the deposition of calcium in the form of phosphate or oxalate within the renal tissue, which may lead to impaire the renal function. These crystals may aggregate and provide a nidus for the formation of renal stone. This study aims to evaluate the potential effect of Alhagi graecorum Boiss (Manna tree) in prevention of induced nephrocalcinosis in rabbit model. A twenty-one local domestic rabbits were used in the study. Oxalic acid was given orally to induce nephrocalcinosis in a dose of 333 mg /kg. The animals were allocated into three groups (seven in each); a negative control group received D.W, a positive control group treated with 25 mg/kg Hydrochlorothiazide, and a third group that treated with the aqueous extract of Manna tree roots in a dose of 1 gm/kg. Animals were treated two hours before induction of nephrocalcinosis by using one of the above-mentioned agents for each group. Renal function was assessed by estimating blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine, on three occasions: 1st day before induction, 3rd and 5th day after induction. These results were compared with that of the control group to determine how much the nephroprotective effect of the tested agent. Parameters of second and third groups that were treated with Hydrochlorothiazide and Manna tree respectively, showed a highly significant reduction (p≤0.001) in the levels of BUN and serum creatinine due to their diuretic effect in comparison with the negative control group. From the above one can conclude that Alhagi graecorum Boiss possess nephroprotective effect when used in a dose of 1 gm/kg against induced nephrocalcinosis in rabbits.