Pharmacological Evaluation of Antiurolithiatic Phytochemicals of Methanolic Extracts of Tetrapleura tetraptera and Syzygium cumini: An In Vitro Study

Abstract

Background: Urolithiasis is a widespread urinary problem, and its main feature is the production of hard crystalline deposits (renal stones) in the urinary tract. The most frequent type of stones formed by calcium oxalate is often connected with oxidative stress, supersaturation, crystal nucleation, and aggregation. Recurrence is common with conventional therapies, which results in the herbal alternatives gaining more attention. Syzygium cumini and Tetrapleura tetraptera have been used for their diuretic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and lithotriptic properties. Objectives: The study aimed to perform a combination study for the prevention of kidney stones. This included the authentication of herbs, preparation of extraction, phytochemical testing, and evaluation via in-vitro methods to fill the gaps in current models. Rationale: Reoccurrence of urolithiasis with conventional treatments encourages a shift toward herbal therapies. (1) While S. cumini and Tetrapleura tetraptera show potential, further in-vitro investigations are needed to confirm their efficacy against calcium oxalate stones (2-3). Methodology: Authenticated plant materials were extracted through methanolic maceration and screened phytochemically. In-vitro assays for antiurolithiasis included nucleation, aggregation, and growth inhibition, using spectrophotometric and gel diffusion techniques. The FTIR method identified the structure of crystals–extract interactions. Results: The two extracts, when compared with controls, effectively inhibited calcium oxalate crystal nucleation and aggregation. Both individual extracts and their combination demonstrated concentration-dependent inhibition of calcium oxalate nucleation and aggregation, with the combination showing substantial inhibitory activity at the tested concentrations. Conclusion: The mixture of Syzygium cumini and Tetrapleura tetraptera exhibited enhanced antiurolithiatic properties compared to individual extracts, supporting their usage as herbal remedies to prevent formation of calcium oxalate stone.