Abstract

Background:

Baragshun is a natural mineral–organic substance that has long been used in traditional Mongolian medicine. However, its potential role in restoring electrolyte homeostasis has not been adequately investigated under controlled experimental conditions.

Aim:
To evaluate the effects of Baragshun-EN on electrolyte imbalance induced by furosemide in a rabbit model.

Methods:
Eight rabbits were randomly assigned to control and experimental groups (n = 4 each). Electrolyte imbalance was induced using a furosemide-containing veterinary preparation. The treatment group received Baragshun-EN (0.3 g/kg/day) for 21 days, whereas the control group did not receive Baragshun-EN following induction of electrolyte imbalance. Body weight, capillary refill time (CRT), and serum and urinary biochemical parameters (Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Cl⁻, creatinine, urea, and uric acid) were assessed on days 0, 7, 14, and 21. Data are presented as mean ± standard deviation (SD). Statistical analyses were performed using the paired-samples t-test, and a P value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:
Baragshun-EN treatment was associated with improved physiological recovery, increased body weight, normalization of capillary refill time, and favorable changes in selected urinary biochemical parameters. Body weight increased significantly, and CRT values returned toward normal levels in the experimental group (P < 0.05), with moderate to large effect sizes Urinary creatinine and uric acid concentrations decreased, whereas serum electrolyte concentrations remained relatively stable.No significant differences were observed in sodium and chloride levels between groups.

Conclusion:
These findings suggest that Baragshun-EN may support recovery of electrolyte and metabolic homeostasis following experimentally induced electrolyte imbalance. Nevertheless, these findings should be interpreted with caution because of the small sample size and the absence of molecular mechanistic analyses.

Key words: Baragshun-EN; Electrolyte imbalance; Furosemide; Rabbit model; Water-electrolyte balance.