In Vitro Investigation of Anti-Urolithiatic Potential from Different Types of Hydroalcoholic Plant Extracts

Abstract

Kidney stones, or urolithiasis, are a worldwide medical challenge to the urinary system. Pentacyclic triterpenoids occur in nature as the main constituents of several plants and are reported to have an excellent protective effect against kidney stones. The current in vitro investigation aims to compare the effects of hydroalcoholic extracts of the bark of Madhuka longifolia (Sapotaceae) (sample 1), the leaves of Catharanthus roseus (Apocynaceae) (sample 2) and Salvia officinalis (Lamiaceae) (sample 3) on calcium oxalate kidney stones. The antiurolithiatic impact of plant extracts (Samples 1, 2, and 3) was assessed in the current study utilising the nucleation and aggregation method at increasing concentrations (100, 250, 500, 750, and 1000 µg/ml). After the initial screening for phytochemicals, terpenoids were found in all of the extracts, indicating their presence. The crystallisation of calcium oxalate was caused by calcium chloride and sodium oxalate. The results of the nucleation and aggregation assay from all samples are significant as compared to the control. In nucleation assays, sample 1 showed significant results as compared to samples 2 and 3. Sample 1 showed a maximum percentage inhibition of 77.42% at 1000 µg/ml concentration, and its 50% inhibitory concentration was calculated as 54.49 μg/ml. In an aggregation assay among three samples, sample 2 showed significant results. The percentage inhibition of sample 2 was 80.87 % at 1000 µg/ml and its 50% inhibitory concentration value was calculated as 57.90 μg/ml. As a result, the current study supports the finding of the most effective hydroalcoholic extract derived from the abovementioned plants against anti-urolithiatic efficacy, providing a pathway for further isolating the lead bioactive compounds responsible for the anti-urolithiatic effect.