Purification and Characterization of a Novel Antilithiatic Protein from the Seeds of Dolichos Biflorus and its Validation in Rat Urolithiatic Model

Abstract

Stone formation in the kidney is one of the oldest and most wide spread diseases known to man. Kidney stone formation also called as urolithiasis is a common chronic disorder affecting 10-15% of the general population world wide. Advancement in various treatments of urolithiasis has tried to sort out the problem to some extent, but recurrence and persistent side effects after the treatment restrict their use. An alternate, using phytotherapy which is advantageous, safe and culturally acceptable is being sought. Many medicinal plants have been employed since ages to treat urinary stones. The rationale behind their use is not well established through systematic and pharmacological studies, except for some composite herbal drugs and plants. The discovery and elucidation of the mechanism of action, in particular the clinical role of these herbal remedies can make an important contribution to treatment of urinary stone disease as an alternative or adjunct therapy. Till date, various plant extracts have been studied to reduce the incidence of urolithiasis but the identification of naturally occurring calcium oxalate inhibitory biomolecules from plants was hampered in the past by limitations in identification method.