Effect of Blumea balsamifera extract on the phase and morphology of calcium oxalate crystals

AbstractObjectiveCalcium oxalate crystals are found in majority of kidney stones with calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) as one of the primary types of kidney stones. Various methods of treatment exist, including herbal treatment in the Philippines that uses the medicinal herb Blumea balsamifera (B. balsamifera).MethodsThe effect of B. balsamifera extract on the morphology of calcium oxalate crystals was studied by light microscopy, image analysis, powder X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy.ResultsThe extract decreased the crystal size by 5.22%–82.62% depending on the degree of supersaturation. Through analysis of the projected area of the crystals, the extract was found to shift the phase of the crystals from COM to calcium oxalate dihydrate (COD). This shift in phase is significant with a COM to COD shift of 88.26% at 0.5 mg/mL of extract and 91.53% at 1.0 mg/mL of extract. SEM images revealed aggregation of crystals at 0 mg extract/mL. At 1.0 mg extract/mL, the scanning electron micrographs showed discernible crystal unit boundaries.ConclusionB. balsamifera extract was observed to have decreased crystal size, shifted crystal phase from COM to COD and prevented the aggregation of calcium oxalate crystals

(Sambong) Tea as a Therapeutic Drink for Calcium Oxalate Stones

Calcium oxalate stones are among the most prevalent type of kidney stones. Methods of treatment range from surgical removal, shockwave lithotripsy, medical and natural treatment. In the Philippines, consuming tea preparation of Blumea balsamifera is believed to aid in the treatment of kidney stones. The effect of Blumea balsamifera tea in the nucleation of calcium oxalate crystals was studied at 0, 0.5 and 1.0 mg tea preparation per mL of the crystallization solution by UV-Vis spectrophotomery. Induction time decreased with increasing concentration of Blumea balsamifera tea. Further analysis showed that this decrease in induction time is due to a decrease in surface free energy from 20.95 mJ/m2 to 19.48 mJ/m2 and 17.22 mJ/m2 at 0.5 and 1.0 mg/mL, respectively. This decrease in induction time correspond to an increased nucleation rate thus, a large number of smaller crystals are formed. This explains the therapeutic benefits of consuming Blumea balsamifera tea as stone formers would form smaller stones that are easier to eliminate by urination

Blumea Balsamifera (Sambong) Tea as a Therapeutic Drink for Calcium Oxalate Stones

Calcium oxalate stones are among the most prevalent type of kidney stones. Methods of treatment range from surgical removal, shockwave lithotripsy, medical and natural treatment. In the Philippines, consuming tea preparation of Blumea balsamifera is believed to aid in the treatment of kidney stones. The effect of Blumea balsamifera tea in the nucleation of calcium oxalate crystals was studied at 0, 0.5 and 1.0 mg tea preparation per mL of the crystallization solution by UV-Vis spectrophotomery. Induction time decreased with increasing concentration of Blumea balsamifera tea. Further analysis showed that this decrease in induction time is due to a decrease in surface free energy from 20.95 mJ/m2 to 19.48 mJ/m2 and 17.22 mJ/m2 at 0.5 and 1.0 mg/mL, respectively. This decrease in induction time correspond to an increased nucleation rate thus, a large number of smaller crystals are formed. This explains the therapeutic benefits of consuming Blumea balsamifera tea as stone formers would form smaller stones that are easier to eliminate by urination