Antiurolithiatic Activity of Daucus carota: An In vitro Study

Context: Urolithiasis is a polygenic disorder with complex etiology and even complicated treatment outcomes. Daucus carota is a widely cultivated crop with traditional claims for its antiurolithiatic potential. Aim: Present study was an attempt to investigate the antilithic potential of D. carota root extract (DCRE) against calcium oxalate (CaOx) urolithiasis by employing in vitro methods. Methods: Nucleation, growth and aggregation assay of CaOx crystallization were used. FT-IR analysis was used for characterizing CaOx crystals. Results: DCRE exhibited significant inhibition of nucleation, growth and aggregation of CaOx crystals. It produced a favorable morphological transformation of CaOx crystals from calcium oxalate monohydrate to calcium oxalate dihydrate. FT-IR analysis confirmed formation of calcium oxalate monohydrate crystals to be utilized for growth and aggregation assays. Conclusion: DCRE possesses significant antiurolithiatic activity against CaOx urolithiasis in vitro which could be attributed to its saponins, tannins, flavonoids and polyphenolic content.