IN VITRO ANTI-UROLITHIATIC ACTIVITY OF FRESH JUICE OF WHEATGRASS

The objective of this work was to determine the anti-urolithiatic potential of fresh juice of wheatgrass, i.e., Triticum aestivum L. Wheatgrass juice is a rich source of mineral nutrients like iron (Fe), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn). The qualitative phytochemical screening of fresh wheatgrass juice showed the presence of amino acids, flavonoids, saponins, phenols and tannins. The in vitro anti-urolithiatic activity was determined using dissolution method and by turbidity method. Crystals of calcium oxalate were prepared and packed in semi-permeable membrane in both methods. Percentage increase in dissolution of calcium oxalate crystals and increase in turbidity was measured, and compared with control (distilled water). Wheatgrass juice exhibited significant anti-urolithiatic activity when compared to the control. The result revealed that wheatgrass juice has potential in the treatment of kidney stone.