PHYTOCHEMICAL STANDARDIZATION, ANTIOXIDANT AND IN-VITRO ANTIUROLITHIATIC EVALUATION OF A POLYHERBAL FORMULATION

Naresh Kumar Sachan*, Manju Makhija, Sunil Kumar Singh, Mahesh Gupta

The present study aimed to develop and scientifically evaluate a polyherbal formulation for phytochemical standardization, antioxidant activity, and in-vitro antiurolithiatic activity. Extracts of selected medicinal plants traditionally used for urinary disorders were prepared by the cold percolation method and formulated into three polyherbal formulations (F1, F2, and F3). Organoleptic evaluation, preliminary phytochemical screening, and TLC fingerprinting analysis were performed for phytochemical characterization and standardization. The antiurolithiatic activity was assessed using in-vitro calcium oxalate crystal nucleation and aggregation assays, along with microscopic evaluation of calcium oxalate crystals. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using DPPH free radical scavenging, Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP), and Potassium Ferricyanide Reducing Antioxidant Power (PFRAP) assays. Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, glycosides, terpenoids, and saponins in the developed formulations. Phytochemical consistency was confirmed through characteristic TLC fingerprint profiles with specific Rf values. All formulations exhibited concentration-dependent biological activity, with F3 showing the highest inhibition of calcium oxalate crystal nucleation and aggregation. Microscopic evaluation further demonstrated a reduction in crystal size and aggregation in formulation-treated groups. Among all formulations, F3 exhibited the highest antioxidant activity in DPPH, FRAP, and PFRAP assays and showed activity comparable to the standard antioxidant compound. The results of the present investigation indicated that the developed polyherbal formulation possesses significant antioxidant and in-vitro antiurolithiatic activities, which may be attributed to the synergistic action of its phytoconstituents. The formulation may serve as a potential therapeutic candidate for the prevention and management of urolithiasis. However, further in-vivo studies and clinical investigations are required to establish its safety and therapeutic efficacy.