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Gahat: a Napalese cure for urolithiasis?
B F Schwartz1, N Schenkman, R Nguyen
1Tripler Army Medical Center, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA.
Urology
|January 11, 2000
Summary
Gahat consumption showed no significant changes in most 24-hour urine electrolytes but increased urinary magnesium. Further research is needed to understand its potential role in urinary calculi prevention.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Nephrology
- Ethnobotany
Background:
- Gahat (Vigna unguiculata) is a traditional legume used in Nepal and Pakistan for urinary calculi symptoms.
- Its in vivo effects on urinary parameters require scientific validation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively evaluate the effect of Gahat consumption on 24-hour urine parameters in healthy volunteers.
- To assess the potential mechanisms of Gahat in managing urinary calculi.
Main Methods:
- Eight healthy volunteers collected baseline 24-hour urine samples.
- Subjects consumed Gahat (Vigna unguiculata) prepared traditionally for 2 days while maintaining routine diet and fluid intake.
- Urine was analyzed for pH, volume, electrolytes (calcium, citrate, phosphate, sodium, magnesium, uric acid, oxalate) before and after Gahat consumption.
Main Results:
- No significant differences were observed in most urinary electrolytes.
- Urinary magnesium and uric acid levels showed a trend towards an increase.
- Increased urine volume was noted, attributed to increased fluid intake.
Conclusions:
- Gahat consumption led to an increase in urinary magnesium via an undetermined mechanism.
- The legume did not significantly alter other routine 24-hour urine electrolytes.
- Potential therapeutic effects of Gahat for urinary calculi may involve pathways not reflected in standard urine electrolyte analysis.