Abstract

Kidney stone formation or Urolithiasis is a common problem that has remained for many centuries with no guarantee of effective treatment and a high recurrence rate. Urolithiasis is the precipitation of insoluble and less soluble salts, such as Oxalate and Phosphate, in the urinary tract, causing obstruction in the urethra resulting in renal colic and hematuria.

Approximately 10-12% of the population in industrialized countries is severely affected by urinary stones. In only a few geographical areas, stone diseases are rare, e.g., in the coastal areas of Japan and Germany. It is believed that 11% of people in India are suffering from urinary stone problems, and approximately 50% of these cases may lead to severe renal damage. Ultimately it causes severe health issues in terms of urinary tract obstruction, severe pain, and infection that adversely affect the health of individuals.

Diuretics and narcotic analgesics like drugs that are used to prevent and cure urolithiasis are not effective in all cases and are costly, have common recurrences, risk of long term fertility and other potential side effects are observed. Therefore, humans are forced to return to nature for safe remedies using herbal treatments. A great number of Indian medicinal plants have been investigated in the treatment of urolithiasis, and they have been reported to be safe and effective.

In the present review, an effort has been made to highlight such herbal medicines that are potentially effective in the management of urolithiasis.

Keywords: Calcium oxalate, kidney, medicinal plants, management, urinary stones, urolithiasis.

Graphical Abstract