Inhibition of calcium oxalate monohydrate crystal growth using Algerian medicinal plants

Abstract

A large number of people in this world are suffering from urinary stone problem. Calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) and calcium oxalate dihydrate (COD) containing stones (calculi) are commonly found. In the present study, COM crystals were grown by artificial urine is prepared by mixing and stirring two equal volumes of solutions A and B. A screening of plant extracts from wild species antilithic agents using a urolithic could lead to the urinary risk factors of urolithiasis. Ten extracts of different parts of plant species from West and South of Algeria, belonging to different botanical families, were harvested in 2006 and 2007. From each sample aqueous extract is obtained using decoction. Activity was tested in bioassays using different parts of the plants according to the traditional medicine way. Crystal of calcium oxalate growth inhibition was significantly induced when extracts were incorporated at 100%. The most active plants were: Ammodaucus leucotrichus, Ajuga iva, Erica multiflora and Stipa tenacissima . However, only with A. leucotrichus inhibition was 97.94% and 97.68% at (75%) and (100%) respectively. The extracts of Globularia alypum, Atriplex halimus,   Tetraclinis articulata, Chamaerops humilis and Erica arborea give percentages of inhibition which varies with the concentration of plant and the time to crystallisation.   Key words:  Plants extracts, inhibition, calcium oxalate, crystallization