In vitro Assessment of Antioxidant and Antiurolithic Activities of Ethanol Extract of Whole Plant Biophytum sensitivum (Linn.) DC

Background: Previous research studies have demonstrated that the formation of urinary stones leads to oxidative stress in patients; hence, search for antiurolithic drugs possessing antioxidant activities from natural sources has gained great potential. Objectives: The present study was undertaken to investigate in vitro antioxidant and antiurolithic potency of ethanol extract of whole plant Biophytum sensitivum Linn. DC (EEBS). Materials and Methods: The antioxidant potential of EEBS was determined by nitric oxide radical scavenging assay. Inhibition capacity of EEBS on calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystallization was evaluated by nucleation assay, aggregation assay, and microscopic assay (image analysis of CaOx crystal morphology). Results: Half‑maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of nitric oxide radical scavenging activity of EEBS was found to be 90.12 μg/mL and that of ascorbic acid (standard) was 37.23 μg/mL. In nucleation assay, IC50 of EEBS was found to be 68.82 mg/mL, compared with 52. 41 mg/mL for cystone (standard). In aggregation assay, IC50 value was indicated as 52.39 mg/mL and for cystone, it was found to be 41.62 mg/mL. Addition of various concentration of EEBS (20, 40, 80, and 160 mg/mL) resulted in change in structure of CaOx crystals. EEBS a concentration of 160 mg/mL reduced the size of CaOx crystals to 812.68 μm whereas size of CaOx crystal treated with the control was 1398.05 μm. The size reduction of CaOx crystals was found to be dose‑dependent. Conclusion: This plant can be used alone or in combination with other herbal drugs, as EEBS showed significant antioxidant and antiurolithic activities.