Evaluation of hydro-alcoholic extract of Dolichos biflorus seeds on inhibition of calcium oxalate crystallization

Objective: To evaluate the effect of an extract obtained from Dolichos biflorus (Fabaceae) on calcium oxalate crystallization in vitro. Materials and methods: A hydro-methanolic extract of (30:70, v/v) of D. biflorus seeds at different concentrations (1-10 mg/ml) was subjected to in vitro anticrystallization activity using a synthetic urine system. The results were compared with a parallel study conducted with the herbal medicinal product cystone under identical dosage conditions. The nucleation and aggregation of calcium oxalate crystals were measured using spectrophotometric methods and crystals generated in the urine were also analyzed by light microscopy. Statistical differences and percent inhibitions were calculated using GraphPad prism 5 software. Results: The seed extract was significantly more effective than cystone at inhibiting the nucleation, as well as the aggregation of calcium oxalate monohydrate crystals in a dose-dependent manner. These results were also confirmed by the microscopic analysis. Conclusion: The results showed that the selected herb, D. biflorus has excellent anticrystallization activity and therefore, might be beneficial if used in formulating a strategy for the dissolution and thereby prevention of urinary stones. (C) 2014 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.