Mechanistic Framework of Herbs and Phytoconstituents used Against Experimentally Induced Urolithiasis

Abstract

Urolithiasis, the term is referred to as the process of formation of stones in the urinary system and is a complex process that results in the development of a succession of several physicochemical steps i.e., supersaturation, nucleation, growth, aggregation, and retention within the kidneys. Urolithiasis is a multi-factorial etiopathogenesis involving anatomical, metabolic, genetic, nutritional, infections, environmental and socio-economic factors. Different types of calculi (calcium oxalate, struvite, uric acid and cystine stones etc.,) have been identified and among which the common type of stone found is calcium oxalate-type crystals. A person with urolithiasis may experience nausea, vomiting, severe pain in the side and back and in the process of urination. The medical management of urolithiasis is mainly caused by procedures like percutaneous nephrolithotomy and Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) techniques. But these procedures can cause undesirable side effects such as the development of tubular necrosis, hypertension, haemorrhage, and later fibrosis of the kidney leading to cellular injury and the reappearance of the formation of renal stones. Thus, there is an essential for more effective alternative therapy, which corrects the events of stone formation. Treatment with synthetic drugs has shown many side effects. Some synthetic drugs may cause nephrotoxicity. In India, medicinal plants/herbs have been in use to treat various diseases since ancient times. These plant-based derivatives are stated to be effective in decreasing the recurrence rate of renal stones without any side effects and minimizing toxic free radical generation by radical scavenging action. This review discussed the mechanisms of various medicinal plants and their phytoconstituents in experimentally induced urolithiasis in preclinical models.