Biochemical mechanisms and effects of Mimosa pudica (Linn) on experimental urolithiasis in rats.

Urolithiasis, following implantation of Zn discs in urinary bladder (foreign body insertion technique), was examined in albino rats of either sex. Marked variation was observed between sex, regarding the formation of bladder stones. Ethylene glycol (1%) mixed in drinking water for 4 weeks, was unable to augment Zn disc-induced stone deposition. Chemical nature of stones was identified as of magnesium ammonium phosphate type. Neither urinary pH nor infection in the urinary bladder/tract affected chemical nature and quantity of stone formed. There was no significant influence of electrolytes or metabolic products on the uroliths. No correlation could be drawn between the quality and quantity of uroliths formed and the urinary electrolytes concentration. M. Pudica was not effective in either preventing stone deposition or dissolving preformed stones.