A REVIEW ON ANTI-UROLITHIATIC HERBS IN SIDDHA MEDICINE

Dr. P. Porchelvan*, Dr. M. Ramani, Prof. Dr. P. Parthibhan and Prof. Dr. K. Kanakavalli

ABSTRACT

Urolithiasis is the condition where urinary stones are formed or located anywhere in the urinary system. Urolithiasis is the third most common disorder of urinary tract found in humans and its incidence is quite high all over the world. Urinary calculi are formed by deposits of polycrystalline aggregates composed of various amount of crystalloid and organic matrix. It is clinically manifested by dysuria, burning and painful micturition, pain in the pelvis and lumbo sacral region and the presence of small stones in the urine. It is estimated that at least 10% of the population in the industrialized part of the world is afflicted by urinary tract stone disease. In Siddha system of Medicine, there are many herbs which are used to prevent the recurrence of the stone formation. Herbals have been used to help in Urolithiasis through anti-inflammatory, litholytic, antimicrobial and antispasmodic action. This article reviews about the anti urolithiatic activity of the herbs are Mimusops elengi, Musa paradisiaca, Crateva magna, Asparagus racemosus, Tribulus terrestris, Moringa oleifera, Carica papaya, Raphanus sativus, Cynodon dactylon, Ichnocarpus frutescens, which are commonly used in siddha medicine.

Keywords: Anti urolithiatic activity, Urolithiasis, Medicinal herbs, Siddha Medicine.