An Overview on Analytical methods for Bioactive markers used in Urolithiasis

Urolithiasis is recurrent common urological disorder with high prevalence throughout the worldwide. The prevalence of kidney stones is influenced by no. of factors such as geographic location, lifestyle, race and other factors. Although a number of invasive and non-invasive surgical treatment methods are available, due to the involvement of high cost, side effects like renal tract damage, fertility problems and possibility of recurrence of stones, limited their use. Herbal medicines have been in vogue as alternative treatment option for prevention and treatment of renal stones in different countries due to the benefits like safety, economic and less chances of recurrence. Herbal medicines contain single or many herbs which have complex chemical compounds. Appropriate quality control and standardization methods are required for herbal medicines to ensure their quality, safety and efficacy. Analytical methods such as UV, IR, NMR, and TLC, HPTLC, HPLC and hyphenated techniques such as LC-MS, LC-MS/MS, and LC-NMR have been established as significant role in estimation of phytoconstituents of herbal formulations useful in urolithiasis. Several standardized protocols are reported on authentication of herbs, isolation, characterization and estimation of active phytochemicals. The present review discusses on various herbal medicines used in renal stone treatment such as marketed formulations of Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Homeopathy and analytical methods available for the estimation of their active constituents.