Pharmacological effects and prospects of traditional Chinese medicine and its bioactive components in the prevention and treatment of urolithiasis and cholelithiasis

Urolithiasis and cholelithiasis are common disorders of the urinary and digestive systems, characterized by high incidence and recurrence rates, imposing a significant public health burden. Current pharmacological and surgical treatments can alleviate symptoms or remove stones but are often limited by incomplete efficacy and frequent recurrence. Recent studies indicate that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and its bioactive components exert multi-target and multi-pathway regulatory effects that may intervene in stone formation and recurrence. This review summarizes current research progress, pharmacological actions, and potential applications of TCM and its active ingredients in the prevention and management of cholelithiasis and urolithiasis, providing a reference for future experimental and clinical studies.