Lemongrass and Parsley Seed Nanogel: A Remedy for Kidney Stones

Greg Howard
3rd April, 2024

Lemongrass and Parsley Seed Nanogel: A Remedy for Kidney Stones

Macroscopic studies of (a) GA, (b) C. proximus and P. crispum seeds extracts, (c) C. proximus and P. crispum seeds extracts/GA emulsion, (d) C. proximus and P. crispum seeds/GA nanogel emulsion

Image adapted from: Essa et al. / CC BY (Source)

Key Findings

  • Study shows plant extracts may help treat kidney stones by reducing stone-promoting substances
  • Nanogel form of plant extract treatment is more effective than regular emulsion
  • Findings suggest a natural, potentially cost-effective approach to managing kidney stones
Kidney stones, or urolithiasis, are a common health issue that can cause severe pain and lead to more serious conditions such as chronic kidney disease. The disease affects around 10% of people globally at some point in their lives, and in 2% of those cases, it becomes a recurring problem[2]. Understanding the factors that contribute to the formation of kidney stones is crucial for developing effective treatments and prevention strategies. Recent research conducted by the National Research Centre has shed light on potential new treatments for this painful condition[1]. The study focused on the anti-urolithic effects of two plant extracts: Cymbopogon proximus, commonly known as Halfa Bar, and Petroselinum crispum, known as parsley, when prepared as an ethanolic extract and mixed into a Gum Arabic (GA) emulsion or formed into a nanogel. The study involved rats that were divided into groups, with one group serving as a control and another being induced with kidney stones through the administration of ethylene glycol (EG) and ammonium chloride (AC) in their drinking water. The remaining groups were treated with the plant extract emulsions, either as a regular emulsion or as a nanogel emulsion, alongside the kidney stone-inducing substances. Results were promising. Rats with induced urolithiasis showed a decrease in urinary magnesium and antioxidant activity, and an increase in substances that promote stone formation, such as calcium, oxalate, phosphate, and uric acid. These changes were accompanied by worsening renal function and increased lipid peroxidation, a process that can lead to cell damage. Treatment with the plant extract emulsions reversed many of these effects. The emulsions increased levels of inhibitors that prevent stone formation, such as excreted magnesium and antioxidants like glutathione and catalase. They also reduced the number of oxalate crystals and the excretion of stone-promoting substances. Furthermore, the treatments improved the rats' kidney function and reduced lipid peroxidation, as well as improved the histopathological changes associated with kidney stone formation. Interestingly, the nanogel form of the emulsion showed even more potent effects than the regular emulsion, suggesting that the delivery method of these plant extracts can significantly influence their therapeutic efficacy. This study builds upon previous findings that highlight the importance of dietary and genetic factors in the development of kidney stones[2]. It also aligns with the growing body of research suggesting that herbal remedies could offer cost-effective and accessible treatments for urolithiasis, particularly in parts of the world where conventional medical treatments are prohibitively expensive[3]. Moreover, the use of plants such as Peganum harmala L. in traditional medicine for treating kidney stones has been supported by scientific studies demonstrating their beneficial effects[4]. The current study adds to this knowledge by identifying two more plants that could have anti-urolithic properties and by presenting a novel delivery method in the form of a nanogel. In conclusion, the findings from the National Research Centre provide a new perspective on the treatment of kidney stones. The use of C. proximus and P. crispum seed extracts in a GA emulsion or nanogel form could represent a natural and effective approach to managing urolithiasis. While further research is needed to confirm these results in humans, the study offers hope for those suffering from kidney stones and points towards a future where plant-based treatments could play a more significant role in urological healthcare.

HerbsMedicineHealth

References

Main Study

1) Cymbopogon proximus and Petroselinum crispum seed ethanolic extract/Gum Arabic nanogel emulsion: Preventing ethylene glycol and ammonium chloride-induced urolithiasis in rats.

Published 2nd April, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1007/s00240-024-01559-2

Related Studies

2) Etiopathogenic factors of urolithiasis.

Journal: Archivos espanoles de urologia, Issue: Vol 74, Issue 1, Jan 2021

3) Antiurolithic effects of medicinal plants: results of in vivo studies in rat models of calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis-a systematic review.

https://doi.org/10.1007/s00240-020-01236-0

4) In vivo investigation of the inhibitory effect of Peganum harmala L. and its major alkaloids on ethylene glycol-induced urolithiasis in rats.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2022.115752


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