Identification of medicinal plants for the treatment of kidney and urinary stones.

INTRODUCTION: Kidney stones are the third most common urinary tract problems after urinary tract infections and prostate pathology. Kidney stones may cause extreme pain and blockage of urine flow. They are usually treated with medications that may cause a number of side-effects. Medicinal herbs are used in different cultures as a reliable source of natural remedies.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine native medicinal plants used by traditional healers of Shiraz for the treatment of kidney stones.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The ethno-medicinal data were collected between July and September 2012 through face-to-face interview with local herbalist.

RESULTS: A total of 18 species belonging to 19 botanical families were recorded in study area. Species with the highest frequency of mentions were Alhagi maurorum (51.58%), Tribulus terrestris (51.58%), and Nigella sativa (48.14). The most frequently used plant parts were aerial parts (38%), leaf (33%) and fruits (17%). Decoction (68%) was the most frequently prescribed method of preparation. Most of the medicinal plants recommended by Shirazian herbalists have not been investigated in animal and humane models of renal stone which provides a new area of research.

CONCLUSION: In the case of safety and effectiveness, they can be refined and processed to produce natural drugs.