Preventive Effects of Cannabis Sativaon Renal Calcium Crystallization Induced by Ethylene Glycol in Rats

BACKGROUND: Some herbal plants can prevent kidney stones formation in a dose dependent manner. In present study, we aimed to investigate the protective role of Cannabis sativa aqueous extraction on calcium oxalate formation in ethylene glycol-induced rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To evaluate anti-urolithiasis, variations of the main risk factors (citrate, phosphorous, calcium and PH) have been evaluated one day before the end of the experiment from the 24-hour urine samples of rats. Rats classified in 4 groups; group1: regular drinking water; group 2: 1% ethylene glycolin drinking water, group 3: 100 mg / kg dose of cannabis sativa extract for oral administration by gavage along with drinking water containing 1% ethylene glycol and group 4: 200 mg/kg dose of cannabis sativa extract by gavage along with drinking water containing 1% ethylene glycol. Finally, the histophatological slides from the kidney were also evaluated. RESULTS: Results showed that 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg doses of Cannabis sativa extract reduced the mentioned risk factors statistically significant in comparison with ethylene glycol induced rats (p<0.05).  CONCLUSION: Histopathogical slides showed reduced calcifications with extract treatment at 200 mg/kg of Cannabis sativa. It seems that this antioxidant herb can mediate prevention of kidney stones formation and paves the way for new therapy.