Abstract :
Background: Urolithiasis (urinary stone disease) remains a significant global health problem, with high recurrence rates. Current treatments can be invasive, expensive, or associated with side?effects. Herbal medicines have been under investigation as safer, more accessible alternatives. Among them, Acalypha indica Linn. (Kalijeera) has shown promising in vitro and in vivo anti?urolithiatic actions.Aim: To review and synthesize current knowledge on the pathophysiological mechanisms of urolithiasis, existing pharmacological and herbal therapies, with special focus on Acalypha indica, its phytochemistry, mechanism of action, efficacy, safety, and gaps in research.Results: Mechanisms of stone formation include supersaturation, nucleation, growth, aggregation, retention, oxidative stress, and epithelial cell injury. Many herbs (e.g. Phyllanthus niruri, Clitoria ternatea, Dolichos biflorus) and compounds (flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids) have demonstrated anti?urolithiatic properties. Acalypha indica in particular exhibits inhibition of calcium oxalate nucleation (in vitro), restoration of membrane?bound ATPases and marker enzymes in urolithic rats, and favorable safety profile at high doses. Phytochemicals such as flavonoids, tannins, and alkaloids are likely involved.Conclusion: Acalypha indica Linn. constitutes a promising herbal drug candidate for urolithiasis. However, there remain key gaps: clinical trials, mechanistic studies, standardization of extracts, doses, and safety in humans. Future work should address these to translate experimental findings into therapeutic use.
Keyword :
Urolithiasis, Herbal therapy, Acalypha indica, Calcium oxalate, Phytochemicals, Kidney stones