SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF MEDICINAL PLANTS AS POTENTIAL ANTI-UROLITHIATIC AGENTS

Chemical compounds from different plant sources and plant products are referred to as Phyto-constituents. These are mainly extracted from the plants either in fresh or dried forms. These bioactive compounds are necessary mediator in the pathophysiology of kidney stones. Unlike allopathic medicine that target only one aspect, most of plant-based therapies have been shown to be effective at different stages of stone pathophysiology. A number of ethno-medicinal plants from different countries are used against urolithiasis. However, the knowledge of health-promoting plants is limited to few elderly people of villages. This review aims to highlight the current trends in research of ethno-medicinal plants possessing potential anti-urolithiatic activity. The results as presented in this review demonstrate the promising role of phyto-extracts in the management and treatment of kidney stones. The study would help investigators to identify lead chemical compounds or formulate herbal products responsible for urolithiatic activity.