Effect of lupeol isolated from Crataeva nurvala stem bark against free radical-induced toxicity in experimental urolithiasis

The cytoprotective action of lupeol isolated from C. nurvala stem bark against free radical toxicity has been investigated in experimental urolithiasis. Glycolate, an inducer of stone formation, significantly raised the renal tissue levels of calcium, oxalate, phosphorus and magnesium in calculogenic rats and brought about a remarkable decrease in kidney oxalate level. The increase in lipid peroxidation and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, associated with decreased catalase activity and glutathione (GSH) level are the salient features observed in tissues of stone forming rats. Lupeol administration induced a remarkable decrease in kidney oxalate level and also was effective in counteracting the free radical toxicity by bringing about a significant decrease in peroxidative levels and increase in antioxidant status. These observations highlighten the antioxidant property of lupeol and its cytoprotective action against free radical toxicity.