Quantitative Estimation of Copper and Magnesium in Anti-Urolithiatic Plants: A Novel Approach to Urolithiasis Treatment

Background: Urolithiasis is a common illness that has insufficient non-invasive therapeutic alternatives. Trace elements like copper and magnesium are known to influence the kidney stone's development, and plant-based treatments, rich in these elements, have gained attention for their potential anti-urolithiasis properties. Objective: To investigate the role of magnesium and copper in the aversion of kidney stone genesis and explore the therapeutic potential of magnesium and copper-rich plants in inhibiting urolithiasis. Methods: Plant samples were collected from Sathuragiri Hills and Kalasalingam University campus. The plant materials were cleaned, dried, and crushed before being prepared for elemental analysis and going through an ashing process. To quantify trace metals such as copper and magnesium in the plant samples, atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) was used. Results: The result indicate that, the plant species Trachyspermum ammi, Pedalium murex, Aerva lanata, Boerhavia diffusa, and Asparagus racemosus had the highest quantities of magnesium, with respective concentrations of 0.8334, 0.8210, 0.7766, 0.7415, and 0.7258ppm. Similarly, plant species Pedalium murex, Solanum virginianum, Asparagus racemosus, Cynodon dactylon, and Trachyspermum ammi had the greatest copper concentrations, with respective amounts of 2.1036, 1.4336, 1.3472, 1.0965, and 0.0923 ppm. Through its interactions with crystal surfaces, magnesium inhibited the crystallization of oxalate. Copper may inhibit the growth of calcium phosphate crystals, suggesting its role in stone composition. Conclusions: Plants such as Trachyspermum ammi, Pedalium murex, and Asparagus racemosus, which are rich in magnesium and copper, show promise in preventing urolithiasis through multiple mechanisms, including antioxidant activity, diuretic effects, and inhibition of crystal aggregation. These findings suggest that magnesium, copper, and plant-based therapies could provide alternative and effective strategies for managing urolithiasis. Stones with higher levels of trace elements such as magnesium, and copper exhibited greater fragility, potentially improving their disintegration during extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL).