Control of Urinary Risk Factors of Stones by Padina boergesenii (Allander and Kraft), a Brown Algae in Experimental hyperoxaluria

Objective: In view of the continued screening of seaweeds of the Gulf of Mannar for biological activity Padina boergesenii, the most common species along the Mandapam coast was identified to study the various biological effects. Padina spp, exhibits diuretic effect hence, the antiurolithiatic effect of Padina boergesenii was tested in hyperoxaluric male albino rats. Methodology: Urolithiasis was induced in rats by feeding 3% glycolic acid along with pyridoxine deficient diet. The effect of the seaweed extract (ethanolic) at different doses was determined by comparing with the controls. Results: The ethanolic extract of Padina boergesenii at a dose of (150 & 200mg /kg p.o) significantly reduced the calcium excretion to normal level and significantly decreased oxalate excretion, thus reducing the risk of calcium oxalate super-saturation in urine as compared to the pyridoxine deficient control rats. The extracts also slightly elevated phosphorous, decreased uric acid and raised the magnesium excretion. Protein and creatinine elimination was effectively normalized by the extracts. Conclusion: The antiurolithiatic activity exhibited by the ethanolic extract is related to the chemical constituents in the algae which is discussed.