Folium pyrrosiae ingestion has no effect on the thermodynamic or kinetic urinary risk factors for calcium oxalate urolithiasis in healthy subjects: a poor prognosis for alternative treatment in this type of stone former.

Kidney stone disease occurs throughout the world. Conservative treatments involving herbal preparations have been used in traditional Chinese medicine. In vitro studies have suggested that Folium pyrrosiae (FP) has therapeutic potential in this context. The present study was undertaken to investigate the effects of ingested FP on urinary thermodynamic and kinetic risk factors for calcium oxalate (CaOx) stone formation in subjects from two different population groups. Healthy white (n = 9) and black (n = 9) males ingested 1.5 g FP each day for 7 days. 24 h urines (baseline and day 7) and blood samples (baseline and day 3) were collected. Urines were analyzed for lithogenic risk factors and were subjected to CaOx crystallization experiments in which the metastable limit (MSL), particle size-volume distribution and crystal deposition kinetics were determined. Urine composition values were used to calculate the relative supersaturation (RS) of CaOx and other urinary salts. Blood samples were analyzed for liver enzymes to monitor the safety of the protocol. Food diaries were recorded on days 0 and 7. Data were analyzed statistically using standard software. Nutrient intakes and the concentration of liver enzymes did not change during the study. No side effects were reported. There were no statistically significant differences in any of the thermodynamic (RS, MSL) or kinetic (particle volume-size distribution, crystal deposition rate) risk factors for CaOx stone formation in either of the groups following ingestion of FP relative to baseline values. FP does not have potential as a therapeutic agent in the management of CaOx kidney stone disease.