Human Stones: Dissolution of calcium phosphate and cholesterol by edible plant extracts and bile acids

Abstract

Tri-calcium phosphate (TCP) and cholesterol are major constituents of human stones. Dissolution of TCP by extracts of kulfa (Portulaca oleracea), pathari (Trianthema monogyna), tomato (Lycopersicon esculantum) and grape (Vitis vinifera) has been studied by monitoring Ca content in the filtrate by flame photometer. Grape extract is found to be most effective for dissolution of TCP amongst other extracts studied. All these extracts contain carbohydrate, which interacts with Ca to form a soluble complex. Dissolution of cholesterol has been studied in extracts of kulfa, pathari, tomato and grape and in alcoholic solutions of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) and chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA). In dissolved portion, cholesterol was estimated by measuring optical density at λmax = 402 nm using UV-visible spectrophotometer. Amongst all these extracts, tomato is found to be most effective for dissolution of cholesterol. UDCA is found to be more effective in dissolving cholesterol than CDCA.