Evaluation of Selected Medicinal Plants for Its Antilithiatic Potential under In Vitro

Kidney stones are hard mineral and crystalline material formed within the kidney or urinary tract as a result of an imbalance between inhibitors and promoters of the kidney. Traditional medicinal practices have been known for centuries and are being exploited today for treatment without the risk of unwanted side effects. Extract of Tribulus terrestris (leaf), Aerva lanata (Flower), Scoparia dulcis(leaf),  and Tridax procumbens (leaf), with solvents of different polarity was used to study its inhibitory effect against crystal nucleation, growth and aggregation. Based on results of the analysis, it can be concluded that there was a concentration dependent action of the extracts against the crystals. The Aerva lanata aqueous extract was found to be most effective in inhibiting all the three critical stages of stone formation.