In Vitro Antiurolithiatic Activity by Inhibition of Calcium Oxalate Crystallization of Methanol Extract of Imperata Cylindrica L

AbstractAim: The study investigates the in vitro antiurolithiatic potential of the methanolic extract of the whole Imperata cylindrica L. plant through its inhibitory effect on calcium oxalate crystallization. Methods: Antiurolithiatic activity was evaluated using a nucleation assay to test the extract’s inhibitory effects on urolithiasis at concentrations ranging from 100 to 800 μg/mL. A standard antiurolithiatic drug, Cistone, was used as a reference. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of amino acids, proteins, carbohydrates, saponins, phenols, and flavonoids, while alkaloids and glycosides were not detected. Results and Conclusion: The extract showed dose-dependent inhibition, achieving 83.41% inhibition at 800 μg/mL, close to Cistone's inhibition of 88.98% at the same concentration Imperata cylindrica exhibits significant inhibitory activity against urolithiasis in vitro. These findings suggest potential therapeutic applications, although variability at higher concentrations indicates a need for further studies to enhance accuracy and explore optimization strategies, such as isolation of active components or combination therapies. KeywordsAntiurolithiatic activity, Calcium oxalate crystallization, Imperata cylindrica, Nucleation assay,Urolithiasis.