Infecciones Fúngicas

Aerva lanata (Ayurvedic name Pashanabheda, meaning 'stone breaker') has been used in Ayurvedic and Siddha medicine for centuries for urinary calculi, dysuria, and kidney disorders. Multiple preclinical studies in rat models of oxalate-induced urolithiasis demonstrate antiurolithic activity via reduction of urinary calcium, oxalate, and phosphate. Aqueous extracts have been shown in vitro to dissolve calcium oxalate. Human clinical data are limited.

A human clinical study in 350 patients with urinary stones found that an ajwain preparation removed 100% of calcium oxalate stones and 53% of uric acid stones over 9 days of treatment. Antilithiatic proteins in ajwain seeds that inhibit calcium crystal deposition have also been identified. This constitutes direct human clinical evidence.

ACV's acetic acid is metabolized to bicarbonate, potentially alkalinizing urine and increasing urinary citrate — both recognized strategies for preventing calcium oxalate kidney stones. A registered clinical trial (NCT04073719) is investigating ACV for prevention of urinary lithiasis. No completed large RCT evidence is currently published.

Studies demonstrate that asparagus consumption reduces urinary levels of stone-forming ions (calcium, oxalate) while increasing urinary magnesium, an inhibitor of kidney stone crystallization. The diuretic effect increases urine volume, further reducing stone formation risk. Medieval Persian physician Avicenna specifically documented asparagus for kidney stones.

Banana's potassium content suppresses urinary calcium excretion, reducing the risk of calcium oxalate kidney stone formation. A Swedish prospective cohort study (61,000 women, 13.4 years) supported this association. Dietary potassium intake from sources like bananas is recognized as a modifiable protective factor against kidney stones.

Oral sodium bicarbonate alkalinizes urine, raising urinary pH, which increases the solubility of uric acid and thereby helps prevent and dissolve uric acid kidney stones. Clinical studies and urological guidelines support urine alkalinization as a non-surgical treatment for uric acid nephrolithiasis. Its role in calcium oxalate stone prevention is less established and requires comparison with potassium citrate as the preferred first-line agent.

Nigella sativa (black seed/black cumin) has been studied in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial for kidney stone dissolution and demonstrated significant antilithic properties. Preclinical studies show ethanolic extract significantly reduces calcium oxalate deposits in rat kidney. It is among the most frequently cited plants for kidney stones in Iranian, Middle Eastern, and South Asian traditional medicine.

Boerhavia diffusa (Punarnava) is a foundational Ayurvedic herb used for kidney stones, urinary calculi, and nephritis. Its diuretic alkaloid punarnavine promotes urine flow and dilutes stone-forming minerals. Preclinical studies in rat models have confirmed antiurolithic and diuretic properties. It is a principal ingredient in the Ayurvedic urolithiasis formulation Cystone, which has been evaluated in clinical settings.

Adequate dietary calcium intake is essential for kidney stone prevention by binding oxalate in the intestine, reducing urinary oxalate—the primary driver of calcium oxalate stone formation. Clinical RCTs and large prospective cohort studies (Nurses' Health Study, HPFS) confirm that higher dietary calcium is associated with reduced stone risk. Calcium supplementation taken without food can raise urinary calcium and increase stone risk.

Preclinical studies using ethylene glycol-induced urolithiasis models demonstrate that A. aspera extracts and saponin-rich fractions reduce calcium oxalate kidney stone formation, lower renal mineral deposits, and normalize renal biomarkers.

Phyllanthus niruri, known as 'stone breaker,' has been used in Amazonian and Latin American folk medicine for centuries and has been studied in human clinical trials for its antiurolithic effects. Three clinical studies in kidney stone patients have been completed, showing inhibition of calcium-oxalate binding and, in post-lithotripsy patients, improved stone clearance. Laboratory and animal research supports its ability to inhibit calcium oxalate crystal nucleation and growth. Evidence is encouraging but mixed at the clinical level.

Orange juice (C. sinensis) raises urinary citrate levels and alkalinizes urine, mechanistically inhibiting calcium oxalate stone formation. Johns Hopkins Medicine and a 2025 systematic review confirm citrus juice—including orange—as evidence-supported for increasing urinary citrate. C. sinensis bioflavonoids also show nephroprotective effects in preclinical oxalate models.

Curcumin, the principal polyphenol of turmeric, is identified in a PMC systematic review as one of the phytochemicals effective for urolithiasis prevention. Preclinical studies demonstrate curcumin reduces renal oxidative stress, inflammation, and calcium oxalate crystal deposition in animal models of induced nephrolithiasis by inhibiting crystal adhesion to renal tubular cells via antioxidant mechanisms.

Diosmin is a flavonoid glycoside identified in a PMC systematic review as one of the phytochemicals effective for the prevention of urolithiasis. It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that reduce renal tubular cell injury from calcium oxalate crystals. Preclinical studies in animal models of nephrolithiasis support its antiurolithic mechanisms.

EGCG is the major catechin of green tea and is identified in a PMC systematic review as one of the phytochemicals effective for prevention of urolithiasis. It inhibits calcium oxalate crystal formation and reduces oxidative stress in renal cells, protecting against crystal-induced cell injury and adhesion. Multiple preclinical studies in hyperoxaluric animal models support its antiurolithic action.

Green tea (Camellia sinensis) and its polyphenols—particularly EGCG—are identified in a PMC systematic review as having scientific evidence for kidney stone prevention. Green tea polyphenols inhibit CaOx crystal formation and reduce renal oxidative stress and inflammation. Multiple preclinical studies in hyperoxaluric animal models confirm antiurolithic effects, though its oxalate content is a consideration.

A controlled human study of Hibiscus sabdariffa calyx tea in renal-stone-former subjects demonstrated a uricosuric effect, increasing urinary uric acid excretion. HS has demonstrated antiurolithiatic activity in animal models by reducing stone-forming constituent deposition. Traditional use in Thai and African medicine specifically for kidney stones is well-documented.

Anti-urolithic (kidney stone-preventing) activity is listed among the validated pharmacological properties of H. antidysenterica in a PubMed-indexed review (PMID 37605416). Unani medicine uses seeds as lithotriptic. Preclinical anti-urolithic data have been published; no human renal stone trials are available.

Horse gram (Dolichos biflorus / Macrotyloma uniflorum, Kulattha in Ayurveda) is identified in a PMC systematic review as a dietary plant with scientific evidence for kidney stone prevention. Preclinical studies in nephrolithiasis animal models show it reduces urinary calcium, oxalate, and crystal deposition. Traditional use for stones is documented across South Indian and Sri Lankan Ayurvedic practice for centuries.

Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) has a long tradition in European and Chinese herbal medicine as a diuretic and antilithic for kidney stones. Clinical studies show it increases diuresis in individuals with uric acid kidney stones. A study using a formulation predominantly containing horsetail showed significantly lower calcium oxalate crystal deposits in treated patients versus placebo. German Commission E and ESCOP recognize horsetail for urinary tract irrigation therapy.

HCA is a structural analog of citrate that potently inhibits calcium oxalate crystal growth in vitro and, under certain conditions, can dissolve existing crystals—outperforming citrate in preclinical models. Oral HCA is partially excreted in urine (~15%), supporting a plausible clinical mechanism. Early animal and Drosophila models confirm in vivo efficacy; human trials are underway.

Anti-urolithiatic (kidney stone inhibitory) activity and diuretic potentiality of H. indicus have been specifically studied in preclinical research. A ResearchGate publication (2024) is dedicated to this topic. The diuretic and demulcent properties support a role in preventing urinary mineral crystallization.

Khella (Ammi visnaga) is identified in a PMC systematic review as a dietary plant with scientific evidence for kidney stone prevention. Its active constituent khellin has antispasmodic properties on ureteral smooth muscle, facilitating stone passage. It has been used in Egyptian and Middle Eastern traditional medicine specifically for urinary calculi and ureteral spasm.

L-methionine lowers urinary pH through sulfate metabolite generation, reducing supersaturation risk for phosphate and struvite stones that precipitate in alkaline urine. A controlled study in 12 healthy men found that a single 1,500 mg dose decreased 24-hour urinary pH to 5.98–6.32. In vitro data and case reports support use for struvite stone dissolution, and the EAU Urolithiasis guidelines endorse L-methionine as a urinary acidifier.

Lemon juice is the highest citrate-containing citrus juice and has well-documented clinical evidence for increasing urinary citrate levels in patients with hypocitraturia and calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis. Multiple prospective studies and a RCT support lemon therapy as a dietary intervention for recurrent kidney stone prevention.

Lime is among the best-evidenced natural interventions for reducing kidney stone recurrence. A 2025 multicenter RCT (n=173) found a lime-based supplement reduced 2-year calcium oxalate stone recurrence by ~76% versus placebo. The mechanism involves lime's high citrate content raising urinary citrate and alkalinity, which inhibits calcium oxalate crystallization.

Magnesium is a well-established inhibitor of calcium oxalate crystallization in urine and has been studied in multiple clinical trials for kidney stone prevention. A landmark double-blind RCT of potassium-magnesium citrate (n=64, up to 3 years) showed new stones formed in only 12.9% of treated subjects vs. 63.6% on placebo (relative risk 0.16). Magnesium supplementation also reduces urinary oxalate excretion and raises urinary citrate, both key protective factors against stone formation.

Orange juice increases urinary citrate levels and alkalinises urine pH, both of which inhibit kidney stone formation. A systematic review of 13 studies (10 prospective clinical trials) confirmed that orange juice raises urinary citrate and has an alkalinising effect without increasing kidney stone risk, unlike grapefruit juice.

Urinary phosphorus excretion is a measured component of 24-hour stone-risk panels. Some evidence suggests excessive phosphorus intake via soft drinks may modestly increase kidney stone risk, though results are contradictory. The kidneys are the primary organ regulating phosphorus homeostasis.

Phyllanthus species (particularly P. niruri) have been studied in multiple clinical trials for kidney stone prevention and treatment, demonstrating inhibition of calcium-oxalate crystal binding and nucleation, and favorable changes in urinary mineral ratios. A 2024 systematic review identified Phyllanthus niruri among the few herbal therapies confirmed to reduce urinary risk factors and stone formation. The AUA Journal of Urology recognizes it as one of the two most globally recognized OTC supplements for kidney stones.

P. umbellatus is a component of Wulingsan (WLS), a formula with well-documented inhibitory effects on calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystallization, nucleation, and aggregation in vitro and in vivo. It is historically cited as a kidney stone prevention herb in multiple pharmacological references.

Pomegranate juice and extract have been studied in preclinical models of nephrolithiasis, showing nephroprotective and antioxidant effects that reduce calcium oxalate crystal deposition in ethylene glycol-induced stone models in rats. Pomegranate is identified in the PMC systematic review as a dietary plant with scientific evidence for kidney stone prevention. Its polyphenols (punicalagins, ellagic acid) contribute to antioxidant and anti-crystallization mechanisms.

Potassium, particularly as potassium citrate, is a cornerstone pharmacological and dietary intervention for kidney stone prevention. It alkalinizes urine, raises urinary citrate, and reduces risk of recurrent calcium oxalate and uric acid stones. Potassium-magnesium citrate in a double-blind RCT reduced new stone formation by approximately 80% vs. placebo. Dietary potassium from fruits and vegetables is also inversely associated with stone risk in prospective cohort data.

Animal and in vitro studies demonstrate that punarnava aqueous extracts can inhibit crystal growth and promote dissolution of urinary stones, particularly ammonium magnesium phosphate (struvite) crystals. Its diuretic effect increases urine flow, reducing mineral concentration and crystallization risk. Traditional Ayurvedic and Siddha formulations have long used it for urinary calculi.

Quercetin is a flavonoid identified as directly inhibiting glycolate oxidase—a key enzyme in endogenous oxalate synthesis—thereby reducing urinary oxalate. A PMC systematic review identified quercetin as one of the phytochemicals effective for prevention of urolithiasis. It is found in multiple antiurolithic plants including Tribulus terrestris and has been studied in preclinical models for calcium oxalate stone prevention.

Hydro-alcoholic root extract of R. cordifolia demonstrated significant anti-urolithiasis activity in a rat model, dose-dependently reducing urinary calcium, oxalate, and phosphate excretion abnormalities, and decreasing calcium oxalate crystal deposits in kidney tissue. A related Rubia species (R. tinctorum) has also confirmed anti-urolithiasic effects. Multiple pharmacological reviews cite anti-urolithiasis and anti-nephrotoxicity as confirmed activities.

Rutin (quercetin-3-rutinoside) is a bioflavonoid glycoside identified in a PMC systematic review as one of the phytochemicals effective for the prevention of urolithiasis. Preclinical studies show rutin inhibits calcium oxalate crystal formation and reduces renal oxidative stress in nephrolithiasis animal models. It is found in buckwheat, citrus, and other plants.

Tribulus terrestris (Gokshura) is used in Ayurvedic, Siddha, and Persian traditional medicine as a diuretic and for urinary calculi. Preclinical studies show its extract inhibits nucleation and growth of calcium oxalate crystals via quercetin and kaempferol content, which inhibit glycolate oxidase (a key enzyme in endogenous oxalate synthesis). In vivo rat studies demonstrated antiurolithic efficacy and improved renal function.

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is a cofactor for alanine-glyoxylate aminotransferase, the enzyme that converts glyoxylate to glycine. When B6 is insufficient, more glyoxylate converts to oxalate, raising urinary oxalate and calcium oxalate stone risk. Multiple clinical studies show B6 reduces urinary oxalate excretion by 30% or more in hyperoxaluric stone patients. It is most established in primary hyperoxaluria type 1 but also useful in idiopathic hyperoxaluria.

Zinc is associated with urinary mineral balance relevant to kidney stone risk. Zinc inhibits calcium oxalate crystallization in vitro, and low urinary zinc is associated with increased calcium oxalate stone risk. NHANES epidemiological data show dietary zinc intake is inversely associated with kidney stone prevalence. It has been studied as part of urinary antioxidant parameters in stone formers.

Animal research has shown that dietary tartaric acid reduces calcium oxalate crystalluria, lowers urinary oxalate, and significantly reduces the incidence and weight of urinary calculi in rats. A human metabolic study also observed that tamarind ingestion (a rich tartaric acid source) altered lithogenic properties of urine in healthy volunteers. Calcium tartrate has been identified as a rare constituent of human kidney stones, reflecting the mineral-binding properties of tartrate in the urinary system. No prospective human RCTs have assessed tartaric acid supplementation for kidney stone prevention.

Alisma (Ze Xie in Traditional Chinese Medicine) is used in TCM for urinary disorders including urinary stones, edema, and difficult urination. It is a key ingredient in the TCM formula Wu-Ling-San, which has been evaluated in clinical studies for kidney stone prevention with significant efficacy. Its diuretic properties are documented in animal and human pharmacological studies. TCM has used it for urolithiasis for over 2000 years.

Treatment of kidney stones is documented as a traditional use of alkanet across Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and South Asian traditional medicine systems. Multiple ethnobotanical and traditional medicine references consistently list this indication. No pharmacological or clinical studies have investigated this use.

TCM sources list urinary calculi (stones) among amber's indications, where it is used to promote urination and resolve urinary obstructions including stones. Traditional formulas combine amber with lithotriptic herbs. No clinical trials evaluate amber specifically for kidney stones.

Barberry is used in traditional Persian and Ayurvedic medicine as a diuretic to support kidney function and promote urinary flow, which may assist in urinary mineral balance. Homeopathic Berberis vulgaris preparations are specifically used for renal colic and kidney stones. Clinical evidence is absent.

Birch leaf is formally indicated by EMA HMPC, ESCOP and the German Commission E for urinary tract irrigation in cases of renal gravel, supporting its traditional use for kidney stone prevention through promoted urine flow. A clinical study on birch leaf tea showed some effectiveness in helping eliminate kidney stones. The diuretic action is considered to reduce crystalline mineral deposits.

In ancient Greece, butcher's broom was believed to dissolve or remove kidney stones when added to wine. Traditional use for kidney stones and nephritis is also documented in Turkish folk medicine. There is no modern clinical evidence supporting this application.

Celery has long-standing traditional use in Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and North African folk medicine for kidney stones and urinary mineral balance. Animal data show increased urinary Ca2+ excretion and diuretic effects. No human clinical trials on kidney stone prevention or dissolution exist.

Cleavers has historical use for urinary gravel and stones across European and Native American herbalism, with the diuretic action proposed to promote passage and reduce mineral crystallization. Preclinical diuretic evidence is supportive. No clinical trials specific to stone management exist.

Corn silk is classically used in multiple traditions as an antilithiasic agent to prevent and treat kidney stones. Preclinical evidence supports inhibition of calcium oxalate crystal adhesion to renal epithelial cells. No human RCTs have demonstrated clinical stone prevention or dissolution.

Cornsilk (Zea mays stigma) is used in North American, Chinese, and Latin American traditional medicine as a diuretic for urinary stones, cystitis, and urinary tract disorders. Pharmacological studies confirm diuretic properties in animal models. It appears in multiple ethnobotanical surveys of plants used for kidney stone treatment and is listed in traditional herbal formularies for urolithiasis support.

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) has a long history in Traditional Chinese Medicine and European herbalism as a diuretic for kidney and urinary health. Its diuretic action is supported by animal and limited human studies. A PMC-published in vitro study found taraxasterol and aqueous extract of dandelion inhibited calcium oxalate crystallization. European herbal authorities list dandelion leaf as a diuretic herb for urinary stone support.

Dog Rose has documented traditional and ethnopharmacological use for kidney stones, and animal model research shows Rosa canina extract reduced calcium oxalate crystal formation in nephrolithiasic rats. Traditional use includes rosehip as a diuretic agent flushing the urinary tract and its citric acid content inhibiting calcium oxalate crystallisation. No human RCTs exist.

Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea) is a classical European urological phytomedicine with documented traditional use for kidney stones, urinary tract inflammation, and diuresis. German Commission E and ESCOP approve it for urinary tract irrigation therapy and kidney stone prevention. Its flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol) and saponins contribute to diuretic and anti-inflammatory effects. It has been used in European phytotherapy for urolithiasis for centuries.

The herb derives its very name from its traditional reputation as a remedy for urinary 'gravel' and kidney stones. Native American tribes, Eclectic physicians, and 19th–20th century pharmacopeias document this use extensively. The evidence is wholly traditional; no clinical trials confirm antilithic efficacy.

Horseradish has a traditional use for kidney stones, documented in European herbal medicine and the PeaceHealth medical database. The diuretic action of sinigrin is proposed to flush urinary minerals and support stone prevention. The German Commission E monograph and historical herbalists record this use. No clinical trials exist.

Treating kidney and bladder stones is among the most consistently cited traditional uses of hydrangea root across Cherokee medicine, TCM, and Western folk herbalism. A small in vitro study also demonstrated that homeopathic Hydrangea arborescens preparations inhibited calcium oxalate crystallization. No human trials have evaluated hydrangea for kidney stone prevention or dissolution.

Traditional European and Middle Eastern herbal medicine uses marshmallow as a urinary demulcent to reduce discomfort during kidney stone passage. Naturopathic sources classify it as anti-lithic (preventing stone formation). No human clinical trials on stone formation or passage exist.

Momordica charantia is documented in traditional medicine from multiple cultures for kidney stones. An animal study showed significant reduction in urinary and renal oxalate, calcium, and phosphate, as well as reduced serum uric acid and creatinine. No human clinical evidence exists.

Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) is identified in a PMC systematic review as a dietary plant with scientific interest for kidney stone prevention. It is used in European traditional medicine as a diuretic and for urinary tract disorders, approved by German Commission E and ESCOP for urinary tract irrigation therapy. Its diuretic properties increase urine flow, diluting stone-forming minerals, and it has been used in European and Middle Eastern herbal kidney stone protocols.

Parsley has a centuries-long traditional use for urolithiasis (kidney stones), attributed to its diuretic action that increases urine volume and reduces urinary mineral concentration. Ancient Greeks and Romans specifically prescribed it to pass kidney stones. Limited modern animal data support modest effects on urinary mineral balance.

Kidney stones are documented among the traditional indications for Plantago major in global ethnobotanical records. Traditional Chinese Medicine uses the closely related Plantago asiatica seeds specifically for urinary calculi. Diuretic properties documented in preclinical studies may support urinary mineral clearance. No clinical trials for kidney stones with P. major exist.

Queen of the meadow has a documented traditional use for supporting the elimination of small kidney stones and urinary gravel, attributed to its diuretic and mild antiseptic properties. This use appears in ethnobotanical records and multiple herbal pharmacopeias. Pre-clinical evidence of renal protective effects exists, but no clinical trials have been conducted.

Traditional medicine systems including Ayurveda formally use radish as a diuretic herb to prevent kidney stone formation by diluting stone-forming substances in urine. The diuretic effect has been validated in animal studies. No clinical trials have tested radish specifically for kidney stone prevention or mineral balance.

Tribulus has well-documented traditional use across Ayurveda, TCM, and Arabic medicine for kidney stone prevention and treatment. Animal studies demonstrate antiurolithic activity and diuretic effects that promote stone expulsion. A ScienceDirect preclinical study showed TT modulated oxalate, uric acid, and calcium to inhibit stone formation.

Watermelon's high water content promotes urine dilution, which is a primary strategy for kidney stone prevention. Traditional use supports watermelon as a stone-preventive food. No dedicated clinical trials examine watermelon specifically for kidney stone risk reduction.

Wood betony has traditional documented use for kidney stones, attributed to its diuretic properties increasing urinary flow and potentially preventing mineral precipitation. Gerard's 1597 Herball specifically lists breakage of kidney stones as a use.