Evaluation of protective effects of diosmin (a citrus flavonoid) in chemical-induced urolithiasis in experimental rats

Context There have not been any conclusive studies of the effects of diosmin, a modified flavanone glycoside obtained from Teucrium gnaphalodes L'Her (Lamiaceae), on urolithiasis.Objective To evaluate anti-urolithiatic effects of diosmin in ammonium chloride and ethylene glycol-induced renal stone in experimental animals.Materials and methods Thirty Sprague-Dawley were divided into five groups (n=6) receiving the following treatments, respectively, p.o. for 15 consecutive days: distilled water, 0.75% v/v ethylene glycol+2% w/v ammonium chloride, 0.75% v/v ethylene glycol+2% w/v ammonium chloride+cystone (R) 750mg/kg, 0.75% v/v ethylene glycol+2% w/v ammonium chloride+diosmin 10mg/kg or 0.75% v/v ethylene glycol+2% w/v ammonium chloride+diosmin 20mg/kg. Different biomarkers of urolithiasis in urine and serum were evaluated and histopathological examination of kidney was done.Results Animals treated with diosmin (both 10 and 20mg/kg) had significantly (p<0.005) decreased in kidney weight, urinary pH, total urinary protein, urinary calcium, phosphorus, serum potassium, sodium, magnesium, creatinine, uric acid and blood urea nitrogen levels and significantly (p<0.005) increased in urinary volume, urinary magnesium, potassium, sodium, creatinine, uric acid and serum calcium levels in comparison to animals treated with ethylene glycol and ammonium chloride. However, results were better with diosmin 20mg/kg in comparison to the control group.Conclusion Diosmin (10 and 20mg/kg) has very good anti-urolithiatic activity similar to the standard drug cystone (R).