A Comprehensive Review on Urolithiasis: Etiology, Clinical Management and Emerging Role of Bioactive Phytochemicals

Abstract

The oldest and third most frequent painful urinary condition, urolithiasis, also referred to as kidney stones, is characterized by the development of calculi or stones in any part of the urinary system.The most prevalent kind of urinary stone, accounting for around half of all occurrences, is calcium oxalate.The prevalence and incidence, age, sex distribution, stone composition, and stone placement of urolithiasis vary by geographic region. Not all patients respond well to the synthetic medications used to prevent urolithiasis, and many of them have side effects that make long-term usage difficult. Because they are more effective, have fewer side effects, and lower the recurrence rate of stone development, herbal medications have become increasingly popular.Numerous phytoconstituents included in herbal remedies may help treat kidney stones. Phytochemicals such as flavonoids, alkaloids, polyphenols and saponins have demonstrated the ability to disrupt stone nucleation, growth and aggregation thereby facilitating the excretion of small, non-adherent crystals. More interdisciplinary research Preclinical  studies need to be develop the efficacy of herbal extract inhibiting calcium oxalate crystallization and reducing oxidative stress. Standardized dose, safety profiles, and long-term efficacy of phytoconstituents must be established by extensive randomized controlled studies. The various medicinal plants and phytoconstituents used to cure kidney stones are covered in this review.