Lithotriptic effect of Safūf Hajar-al Yahūd in patients of Hasat-ul Kilya (Nephrolithiasis) - An open prospective clinical validation trial

Abstract

Hasat-ul Kilya (Nephrolithiasis) is one of the most common chronic conditions and has been known to the mankind since antiquity. The incidence is increasing globally with geographic, racial and gender variation in its occurrence. Medical management of Nephrolithiasis still poses a considerable challenge for modern medical practice. Unani drugs possessing lithotriptic activity are not only cost effective but also have least side effects. Safūf Hajar-al Yahūd has been used since long for the treatment of Hasat-ul Kilya (Nephrolithiasis) but no documentary evidence based on scientific parameters as to its safety and efficacy are available. To validate the safety and efficacy of Safūf Hajar-al Yahūd in the treatment of Hasat-ul Kilya. An open prospective clinical trial was carried out on 107 subjects of renal calculi of 3-7 mm diameter diagnosed by Ultrasonogram-KUB (USG-KUB). Subjects were evaluated by clinical history & examination, laboratory investigations followed by USG-KUB for confirmation. The safety was assessed by reporting of adverse events and by pathological and biochemical investigations. Assessment of efficacy was based on improvement observed in VAS score and expulsion/reduction of stone size as detected by USG-KUB. Substantial reduction (53%) in the size of calculi confirmed by USG-KUB and considerable lowering of VAS score (75%) were observed with the active intervention in majority of the cases The trial has revealed that the Unani pharmacopoeal formulation Safūf Hajar-al Yahūd was well tolerated and has the therapeutic potential in the reduction and expulsion of renal calculi.