In vitro antilithiasic activity of saponins rich fraction from the leaves of Zizyphus lotus

Introduction: A large number of medicinal plants have been used in Algeria since antiquity, which claims the efficient cure of urinary stone, one of these plants is the specie Zizyphus lotus (Family: Rhamnaceae). Leaves of this species are traditionally used for the treatment of many diseases. Nowadays, numerous clinical studies have provided reliable results on the effects of several hundred plants on several diseases such as the problem of urinary stones. The objective of this study is evaluated in vitro the activity antilithiasic of the extract saponins created fraction. Materials and Methods: Inhibition and dissolution of calcium oxalate (CaOx) were studied by the use of the techniques turbidimetric and gravimetric, using a ultraviolet–visible spectrophotometer and a precision balance. Results and Discussion: Qualitative secondary metabolites determination in the leaves of Z. lotus showed the presence of polyphenols, saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, and tannins, and the yield of the fraction rich in saponins is equal to 1.41%. The absorbance decreased with the increase in the concentration of extract indicating that decreased the nucleation of CaOx particles with inhibition at 55.23 ± 1.23%. The weight of CaOx crystal decreased with the increase in the concentration of saponins, and the extract at 100% concentration possesses a maximum percentage of dissolution equal to 91.95 ± 0.72%. This effect could be attributed to Ca2+ chelation by the compounds that exist in this fraction. Conclusion: This study indicates that extract can be considered as feasible natural products to improve the efficiency of CaOx inhibition and dissolution.