Preclinical Evaluation of Tribulus terrestris, Hibiscus sabdariffa and Boerhaavia diffusa for Anti-urolithiatic Activity Using COM Crystal Aggregation Assay

Abstract

Objective: The current study was undertaken for “Preclinical Evaluation of Tribulus terrestris, Hibiscus sabdariffa, and Boerhaavia diffusa for Anti-urolithiatic Activity Using COM Crystal Aggregation Assay”. Background: The third most prevalent urinary condition, urolithiasis, or kidney stone production, is a common issue with a high recurrence rate and no assurance of effective therapy. It has been estimated that between 10% and 12% of persons in affluent nations will experience at some point in their lives, a kidney stone (10% of men and 3% of women). As a result, it has been believed that using natural resources has more potential and fewer negative repercussions. Material and Methodology: Flavonoids and phenolic chemicals found in the poly-herbal drug (Boerhavia diffusa, Tribulus terristris, and Hibiscus sabadariffa) are what give it its anti-urolithiatic properties. Following different extraction methods, the extract is assessed for COM crystal agglomeration. Statistical Examination and Result: The statistical comparison and dose-dependent study were conducted using Graph Pad Prism version 10.2.2. The anti-urolithiatic effect of poly-herbals was supported by the two-way ANOVA and Dunnett's multiple comparison test, which showed a substantial (p<0.05) inhibition in the COM crystal aggregation of the group treated with the extract. Cystone exhibited a marked and rapid inhibitory effect on crystal aggregation across all tested concentrations and time intervals. At 100 µg/ml, inhibition increased from 54.54% at 5 minutes to 77.27% at 25 minutes (SEM ±4.40). Similar dose-dependent responses were observed at higher concentrations, with maximum inhibition of 81.81% recorded at 400 and 1000 µg/ml after 25 minutes (SEM ±5.26 and ±4.40, respectively). In contrast, the poly-herbal extract also produced a progressive and sustained inhibitory response, though of a lower magnitude compared with the standard drug. At 100 µg/ml, the percentage inhibition increased from 4.51% at 5 minutes to 45.45% at 25 minutes (SEM ±8.38). The inhibition rose steadily with increasing concentrations, reaching a peak of 59.09% at 1000 µg/ml after 25 minutes (SEM ±7.93).