Role of Flavonoids in the Treatment of Urolithiasis: A Challenging Herbal Approach

Abstract

A common condition that puts a huge financial and morbidity burden is kidney stones. Throughout the past 20 years, the frequency of urolithiasis has increased; 5 to 15 % of people globally are affected. Calcium oxalate (CaOx) kidney stones, which form in the renal surfaces, are the most prevalent variety. Several physicochemical processes of urinary stone constituents within tubular cells lead to the complex process of stone generation. Obese people are known to be at an increased risk of developing stones. Nephrolithiasis in women is becoming more common because of metabolic syndrome. Recent years have seen a significant change in the detection and initial treatment of urolithiasis. Calcium oxalate renal stones are the most typical type of stone proclaimed in India. Since medicinal herbs are safer, more efficient, more acceptable culturally, and have fewer side effects than produced pharmaceuticals, they have been used for treatment for millennia. Patients are recommended to follow a low-fat diet and take herbal remedies in addition to fibre from naturally occurring plants. Flavonoids are a type of plant polyphenol that has been linked to several health benefits. Recent research has revealed that plant flavonoids can significantly reduce the formation of kidney stones in vitro and in vivo, which correlates with their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, diuretic, antibacterial, and other beneficial actions. Thus, the flavonoids or extracts of flavonoid-rich plants associated with anti-urolithiasis activity were evaluated. This article emphasises the use of flavonoid-containing plants or herbs and synthetic medications to cure kidney stones. The epidemiology, mechanism of action, pathophysiology, synthetic and natural treatments for kidney stone development, and ways to reduce stone risks are all covered in this review article.