Aerva lanata(Polpala): Its effects on the structure and function of the urinary tract

Abstract

Context:Aerva lanata is not prescribed for long-term use in Ayurveda as it is believed to produce structural changes in the urinary tract of the patients leading to renal failure.Aim:To investigate the toxic effects of Aerva lanata on the structure and function of urinary tract of a rat model (Sprague-Dawley rats).Settings and Design:An experimental study. Thirty male and thirty female healthy rats were randomly assigned to three groups (test groups 1, 2 and control) and administered dried infusion of A. lanata 25g/200ml (low dose), 100g/200ml (high dose) and distilled water respectively, for 30 days.Materials and Methods:Blood and urine were collected and creatinine was measured. Creatinine clearance (Ccr) and urine flow rate (UFR) of rats were determined to assess renal function. Kidneys, ureters, and bladders of rats were harvested for light microscopic (LM) studies. Electron microscopic (EM) studies were done on kidney tissues.Statistical Analysis Used:Difference in mean values of Ccr and UFR between test groups and the control group were compared statistically using independent T test. LM and EM findings of the two treated groups (T1 and T2) were statistically compared with the control group (C) using standard normal distribution.Results:Ccr and UFR of test groups were not significantly different from that of the control group. LM studies did not show any histological changes suggesting toxicity. EM, however showed significant ultra structural changes in proximal convoluted tubular epithelial cells of rats in the two test groups.Conclusion:Administration of dried Aerva lanata for a period of one month did not produce significant effects on renal function of rats. However administration for the same period caused significant ultra structural changes in the proximal convoluted tubular epithelial cells.

Antiurolithiatic activity of natural constituents isolated from Aerva lanata

“…These two active constituents were studied by in silico method by docking into a protein ETE 2 of the enzyme Oxalate oxidase downloaded from PDB [15] . The in silico results gave an insight into the binding of the enzyme which reportedly participates in crystal formation and based on these results they were subjected to in vivo studies on calculi induced male Wistar albino rats by ethylene glycol (0.75% v/v) for 28 days [17] , [18] , [19] , [20] , [21] .…”

“…Biochemical investigations of calcium, oxalate, magnesium, phosphate from urine sample and BUN and creatinine from blood serum sample was carried out. Both the kidneys were isolated from all the animals of different groups and subjected to histopathological study for the detection of calculus in kidneys [20] .…”

Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Anti-Diabetic Activity of Phenolic Acids Fractions Obtained from Aerva lanata (L.) Juss.

“…In Ayurveda, A. lanata (L.) Juss. is described as a diuretic with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anthelmintic, and analgesic effects and as an agent used in the treatment of diabetes [4]. Leaf and root paste has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties and is applied to treat pustules and skin infections [5,6].…”

Antioxidant and Antiurolithiatic Efficacy of Aerva lanata (L) Fractions by in vitro and in vivo Screening Techniques

“…[4][5][6][7][8] Researchers have studied different parts of Aerva lanata for various pharmacological activities such as antidiabetic, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, hepatoprotective, antimicrobial and cytotoxicity. 9,10 This herb is considered to be the next best alternative Pashanabheda by Ayurvedic practioners in India as it is widely available. [9][10][11][12][13] As the extract level work is considered to be more generalized and less specific work and we are interested to identify more specific drugs for Urolithiasis, we have carried out fractionation of the hydro alcohol extract of Aerva lanata based on its bioactivity as the fraction would be more concentrated portion containing specific group of phytochemicals and produce significant results.…”

“…9,10 This herb is considered to be the next best alternative Pashanabheda by Ayurvedic practioners in India as it is widely available. [9][10][11][12][13] As the extract level work is considered to be more generalized and less specific work and we are interested to identify more specific drugs for Urolithiasis, we have carried out fractionation of the hydro alcohol extract of Aerva lanata based on its bioactivity as the fraction would be more concentrated portion containing specific group of phytochemicals and produce significant results. The results of this work shall be land mark for isolation of potent active constituents and development of lead molecules development in future.…”