Medicinal plants in the treatment of urolithiasis: A review

Context: Urolithiasis is recognized globally as the second most burdensome renal disorder, imposing significant costs on healthcare systems. Aims: To analyze scientific research on medicinal plants that demonstrate potential effects in the treatment of urolithiasis. Methods: Articles that described preparation methods, plant organs used, and phytoconstituents and essential oils responsible for anti-urolithiatic activity were highlighted. Articles were extracted from Google Scholar, Science Direct, and PubMed using specific keywords. Results: A total of 81 articles were selected. All plant organs provided anti-urolithiatic extracts, with leaves contributing 22%, followed by whole plant (17%), seeds (14%), fruits (11%), flowers (8%), aerial parts (7%), barks (4%), rhizomes (4%), and stems (3%). Cold extraction methods were used in 55% of articles, while hot methods were used in 45%. Phenolic and polyphenolic compounds were predominant, particularly flavonoids (25%); in addition to saponin glycosides (18%), alkaloids (11%), and others. Hydro-alcohols were the most utilized solvents, indicating that many polar compounds are readily soluble in urine. This suggests a potential mechanism for their action in the eradication or prevention of kidney stones. Conclusions: Further research on synergistic formulations of these constituents and their pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles is recommended. Extensive research is required to examine the ability of essential oils in the eradication of kidney stones, especially those with high simple phenolic and hydroxyl content. Various active phytochemical groups necessitate various modes of action, emphasizing the unique properties of medicinal plants in drug discovery and development.