Preclinical evaluation of Hibiscus cannabinus Linn. in the treatment of urolithiasis and cholelithiasis

ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic effect of Hibiscus cannabinus Linn. (H. cannabinus) leaves on cholelithiasis and urolithiasis.

MethodsThe study evaluated the effect of aqueous leaf extract of H. cannabinus on thiouracil and cholesterol cholic acid diet induced cholelithiasis in BALB/c mice and ethylene glycol induced urolithiasis in Wistar rats. Three doses of aqueous extract (40, 80, and 160 mg/kg) were selected to evaluate the effectiveness in cholelithiasis in mice; another three doses of aqueous extract (400, 800, and 1600 mg/kg) were administered for evaluating the effect on urolithiasis in rats. Biochemical parameters such as biliary cholesterol, biliary phospholipid, and bile acid were determined in cholelithiasis model. Similarly, 24-hour urine output, urinary parameters such as creatinine, uric acid, protein, urea, presence of calcium oxalate crystals, red blood cells (RBCs), and pyuria were determined in urolithiasis model.

ResultsStatistically significant differences were noted in the biliary and urinary parameters after administrating three test doses of H. cannabinus aqueous extract (P < 0.05).

ConclusionH. cannabinus was found to be effective against high fat lithogenic diet urolithiasis and cholelithiasis.