In-vitro Calcium Oxalate Crystallization Inhibition by Achyranthes aspera L. and Bryophyllum pinnatum Lam

Introduction: Urolithiasis has plagued human kind since antiquity and in the present era, its frequency is increasing with maximum occurrence rate of calcium oxalate stones. Although dramatic changes in the methods of its treatment has undertaken, still need exists for search of antilithic drugs from the nature. Thus, the inhibition of in-vitro calcium-oxalate crystal formation by Achyranthes aspera L. and Bryophyllum pinnatum Lam. was investigated.
Methods: Leaf extracts of both the plants were screened by using nucleation assay. Different concentrations of both the extracts were screened.
Results: In the nucleation assay the% inhibition for calcium oxalate crystal formation was found to be directly proportional to the increase in concentration of the plant extracts. Achyranthes aspera showed maximum inhibition of 60.06±0.19% at 1000 mg/ml while Bryophyllum pinnatum showed maximum inhibition of 49.93±0.07% at the same concentration.
Conclusion: The present in-vitro study provides evidence that Achyranthes aspera is a potent anti-urolithiatic agent; however these in-vitro results should be confirmed in-vivo.