Exploration of Anti-Urolithiasis Potential of Traditional Siddha Formulations Amukkara Chooranam and Karisalai Karpam Chooranam by Struvite Crystal Growth Inhibition Assay

Background: Urolithiasis is a medical condition characterized by formation of stone which comprises of calcium oxalate, magnesium ammonium phosphate and uric acid. Reoccurrence becomes the primary hindering factor in providing relief for urolithiasis; hence there is a need of alternate therapeutic strategy that may effectively combat and halt the formation and nucleation of the crystals. Objective: The main aim of the present investigation is to explore the anti-urolithiasis potential of the two versatile siddha formulations Amukkara Chooranam (AKC) and Karisalai Karpam Chooranam (KKC) using diffusion gel growth technique. Materials and Methods: Silica hydrogel matrix was divided in to three groups which were control, AKC and KKC treated groups. Test drugs were screened at two dose levels of 0.5% and 1%. The efficiency of the formulations was screened by comparing the crystal size of the control and treatment medium. Results: The average size of the crystals in the control medium was found to be 2.12 ± 0.22 cm, whereas the crystal size was significantly decreased in medium contains 0.5% and 1% of AKC with the size of 1.4 ± 0.15 and 1.14 ± 0.18 cm. Similar type of findings were observed in medium consist of 0.5% and 1 % KKC with the size of 1.52 ± 0.13 and 1.08 ± 0.17 cm. Conclusion: Results clearly indicates that both the siddha formulations offers maximum percentage inhibition on the crystal growth in the tested medium, this efficacy may be due to presence of versatile phytocomponents present in the formulations.