Antioxidant Potentials of Mitragyna Inermis Stem-Bark Methanol Extract in Sodium Oxalate-Induced Urolithiasis in Rats

Abstract

The development of urolithiasis has been closely linked to oxidative stress and the resulting cellular damage within the urinary system. Several medicinal plants exhibit strong antioxidant activities due to their high phenolic content. These properties may help reduce oxidative stress associated urolithiasis. This research aimed to assess antioxidant potentials of Mitragyna inermis stem-bark methanol extract in sodium oxalate induced urolithiasis in rats. In vitro assay was conducted using 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging and ferric reducing power procedures. Sodium oxalate 70mg/kg, i.p was used to induced oxidative stress in in vivo studies and six groups, each consisting of six animals (n = 6): Group I served as vehicle control, received normal saline (5ml/kg p.o.), Group II served as lithiatic control, received sodium oxalate 70mg/kg, i.p., Group III served as positive control, received standard drug Cystone (500mg/kg, p.o.) + Sodium oxalate 70mg/kg, i.p., and Groups IV, V and VI received Sodium oxalate 70 mg/kg, i.p.,+ extract 50, 100 and 200mg/kg, p.o. respectively. The extract demonstrated dose-dependent antioxidant activities, though Vitamin C consistently showed higher activities, with significant (p<0.05) differences observed only in DPPH scavenging at 500 µg/ml. In vivo, the extract and standard drug (cystone) improved superoxide dismutase levels in treated rats, with some groups reaching values comparable (p>0.05) to normal controls. Although treatments significantly (p<0.05) reduced elevated serum levels of catalase, glutathione, malondialdehyde, and vitamins A, C, and E, none fully restored normal levels. These findings suggest that M. inermis stem-bark has notable antioxidant potential, which may be beneficial in managing oxidative stress associated with urolithiasis.