Abstract

MACROTYLOMA UNIFLORUM (LAM.) VERDC., PHASEOLUS LUNATUS LINN. , AND PHASEOLUS VULGARIS LINN. SEEDS: NATURE’S POTENTIAL CANDIDATES AGAINST UROLITHIASIS BY VIRTUE OF MULTIDIMENSIONAL PHARMACOLOGY

Salman Ahmed, Muhammad Mohtasheemul Hasan* and Zafar Alam Mahmood

ABSTRACT

Urolithiasis arises from disturbances in physicochemical balance and hydro dynamic system in urinary tract. Medicinal plants have been known for millennia and are highly esteemed all over the world as a rich source of therapeutic agents for the prevention of various ailments. A comprehensive literature search of antiurolithiatic plants reported worldwide revealed family Fabaceae with highest number of cited species. The members, Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc., Phaseolus lunatus Linn. and Phaseolus vulgaris Linn. have been selected and hidden versatile weapons of their seeds against urolithiasis such as analgesic, antioxidants, astringent, diuretic, emollient, high soluble oxalate contents, insoluble fibers, magnesium, potassium, phytic acid, pyridoxine (vitamin B6), have been discussed on scientific basis to rationalize the folkloric use.

Keywords: Macrotyloma uniflorum, Phaseolus lunatus, Phaseolus vulgaris, urolithiasis, natural weapons.