Exploring the Efficacy of Herbal Plants in Nephrolithiasis: An In-Depth Review

Nephrolithiasis, or kidney stones, is a common urological disorder affecting millions worldwide. Traditional and complementary medicine systems have long used medicinal plants to prevent and treat the condition. This in-depth review examines the types of nephrolithiasis, causative and risk factors, composition of stone, major causes of stone formation, mechanism of nephrolithiasis as well as the ethnobotanical properties of these plants like bijora fruit, varuna, and manjishta etc, including anti urolithiatic, diuretic, and anti-inflammatory effects. The review encompasses an extensive search of published scientific literature, traditional knowledge, and ethnobotanical records, yielding a wealth of information on plants with potential anti-nephrolithiatic properties. These plants offer diverse mechanisms of action, including inhibition of crystallization, dissolution of stones, reduction of oxidative stress, and alleviation of pain and inflammation. Several bioactive compounds, such as phytochemicals, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory agents, have been identified in these plants, contributing to their therapeutic efficacy. This in-depth review underscores the potential of medicinal plants in the prevention and treatment of nephrolithiasis. It advocates for the integration of traditional knowledge with modern scientific approaches to develop evidence-based strategies for managing kidney stones.