Mechanistic approach to herbal formulations used for urolithiasis treatment

Abstract

Urolithiasis is a most common health problem seen amongst most of the population suffering from the recurrence of kidney stones composed of calcium and oxalate crystals. Although the various conventional therapies are available for the urothialisis, the recurrence of kidney stones and the side effects of the drugs cannot be avoided. Increasing incidence of the stone formation associated with inflammation and severe pain, the demand of polyherbal formulations have gained more attention in preventing a suffering from lithiasis. The various herbal plants extract consist of active phytoconstituents like flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, strerols possesses an bioactivity like diuretic, ant-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-oxidant property. The current review emphasizes the understanding pathology of the stone formation and traditional used medicinal plants as an alternative complementary therapy with less side effects. In addition, the review has also put an effort to summarize mechanisms of various herbal plants in the management of urolithiasis and providing a future investments and direction in developing plant based formulations for urolithiasis.