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Phytotherapy in Urolithiasis: An Updated Overview of Current Knowledge
Wilbert F Mutomba1, Evangelos N Symeonidis2, Ioannis Mykoniatis1,3
1First Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece.
Journal of Clinical Medicine
|May 14, 2025
Summary
Phytotherapy, or herbal treatment, is increasingly used for urolithiasis (kidney stones) as a complementary approach. While promising for stone expulsion, more research is needed on optimal use.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Pharmacognosy
- Integrative Medicine
Background:
- Urolithiasis is a common and recurring urinary tract condition.
- Traditional treatments have limitations, driving interest in alternative therapies.
- Phytotherapy has a long history in managing kidney stones.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current trends in phytotherapy for urolithiasis.
- To evaluate the role of herbal medicine as a complementary treatment.
- To identify gaps in current research on phytotherapy for kidney stones.
Main Methods:
- Narrative review of randomized human studies.
- Data synthesis from electronic databases.
- Focus on phytotherapy for urolithiasis prevention and management.
Main Results:
- Phytotherapy use for urolithiasis is increasing, often alongside conventional treatments.
- Herbal remedies show effectiveness in reducing stone size and aiding expulsion.
- Significant questions remain regarding dosage, mechanisms, and optimal application.
Conclusions:
- Phytotherapy shows potential as a complementary treatment for urolithiasis.
- Further research is crucial to establish evidence-based guidelines.
- Optimizing phytotherapy requires addressing unanswered questions on efficacy and safety.
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