Benefaction of Herbals in the Management of Urolithiasis

Abstract

: Kidney stone formation or Urolithiasis is a common problem over many centuries with no guarantee of effective treatment and, a high recurrence rate. Urolithiasis is precipitation of insoluble and less soluble salt such as Oxalate and Phosphate in the urinary tract causing obstruction in the urethra resulting in renal colic and, hematuria. Approximately, 10-12% of the population in industrialized countries are severely affected by Urinary stones. In, only a few geographical areas is stone disease rare, e.g., in the coastal areas of Japan and Germany. It was believed that, 11% of people in India are suffering from urinary stone problems, and approximately 50% of these cases may lead to severe renal damage. Ultimately it causes severe health issues in terms of urinary tract obstruction, severe pain, and infection that adversely affects the health of individuals. Diuretics and narcotic analgesic like drugs which are used to prevent and cure urolithiasis are not effective in all cases and are costly, give quite common recurrences, risk long term fertility and, other potential side effects are observed. So, humans are forced return to Nature for safe remedies using herbal treatment. A great number of Indian medicinal plants have been investigated in the treatment of urolithiasis, and they have been reported to be safe and effective. In the present review, an effort has been made to highlight such herbal medicines which are potentially effective in the management of urolithiasis.