Litholytic property of Kulattha (Dolichous biflorus) vs potassium citrate in renal calculus disease: a comparative study.

OBJECTIVE Renal calculus disease is associated with recurrence after its surgical removal in large number of cases. Kulattha is acclaimed to have litholytic property in ayurvedic literature. We decided to compare the litholytic property of Kulattha with potassium citrate, an agent used to reduce stone recurrence in modern medicine. METHODS Forty seven patients with diagnosis of calcium oxalate renal calculi were taken in study. Twenty four patients received Kulattha (Group I) and 23 patients were given potassium citrate(Group II) for a period of 6 months. The size of renal calculi was studied by periodic ultrasound assessment in both groups. RESULTS Mean size of stone in group I at 0 month and at 6 month were 5.42 +/- 1.55 mm and 4.26 +/- 1.2 mm. mean size of stone in group II at 0 month and at 6 month was 6.46 +/- 3.08 mm and 4.64 +/- 1.40 mm. Statistical analysis showed that P value of less than 0.05 was seen in the first group from 0 to 6 month. There was no significant difference in the stone size within group II when the 3rd month and 6th month visit was compared with initial visit. CONCLUSION Kulattha can be used to reduce the recurrence of calcium oxalate stone and it is shown to have a better result than the use of conventional potassium citrate in such patients.