The potential therapeutic role of viburnum opulus juice in the management of kidney stones

Abstract

This study examined the therapeutic potential of Viburnum opulus (Gilaburu) juice in an experimental nephrolithiasis model induced by ethylene glycol (EG) and ammonium chloride (AC). Gilaburu juice administration began on Day 8, and outcomes were evaluated through biochemical and histopathological parameters. Urinary analysis revealed that the positive control group had markedly elevated oxalate and reduced citrate levels—key risk factors for kidney stone formation. In contrast, Gilaburu-treated rats showed lower oxalate excretion and higher citrate levels, indicating its capacity to reduce oxalate accumulation and promote crystallization inhibitors. The treatment group also exhibited partial recovery in urinary magnesium levels and increased urine output, suggesting a diuretic effect. Serum biochemical findings demonstrated reduced creatinine and uric acid levels in the treatment group compared to the positive control, implying renal protective effects of Gilaburu. Histopathological examination (H&E staining) showed that while the positive control group displayed severe tubular injury, including epithelial necrosis and inflammation, the treatment group exhibited milder alterations and better preservation of tubular architecture. Pizzolato staining confirmed a significant reduction in both the number and size of calcium oxalate crystals in Gilaburu-treated rats (p < 0.05). In conclusion, V. opulus juice exhibited oxalate-lowering, citrate-enhancing, diuretic, and nephroprotective effects in an experimental kidney stone model. These findings support its potential as a phytotherapeutic agent for preventing and managing nephrolithiasis, although further preclinical and clinical investigations are necessary to confirm these results.