Therapeutic effects of Chinese herbal medicines for treatment of urolithiasis: A review.
10.1016/j.chmed.2023.09.001
- Author:
Chen JIANG
1
;
Lingyun WANG
2
;
Yang WANG
1
;
Rongjia XU
1
;
Hongtao YANG
1
;
Jibin PENG
2
Author Information
1. Division of Nephrology, National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 300384, China.
2. Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Nephrology Research and Training Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham 35294, United States.
- Publication Type:Review
- Keywords:
Chinese herbal medicines;
chronic kidney disease;
mechanism;
pharmacology;
urolithiasis
- From:
Chinese Herbal Medicines
2023;15(4):526-532
- CountryChina
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Urolithiasis is a common and complex disease of the urinary system, which can cause urinary tract blockage, urinary tract infection, and even damage to urinary system-related tissues. Although urolithiasis can be cured, its high recurrence rate and the development of chronic kidney disease in some patients have drawn the attention of nephrologists. Although the application of extracorporeal lithotripsy, percutaneous nephrolithotomy and other minimally invasive techniques have made the treatment of urolithiasis more efficient, pharmacotherapy plays an indispensable role in reducing their morbidity and recurrence rates. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been used for treatment and prevention of urolithiasis in developing countries for centuries, known for its unquestionable efficacy and safety. This article reviews the progress of clinical trials and pharmacological studies on the treatment of urolithiasis with Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs). The mechanism of CHMs in the treatment of urolithiasis mainly involve preventing further growth and aggregation of urolithiasis, reducing the PH of urine, promoting calculus dissolution. Furthermore, some CHMs can increase urine output, relax smooth muscles, and promote the removal of calculus. These findings provide new treatment strategies and options for urolithiasis and secondary kidney damage.
