Fractions from Coconut water (Cocos nucifera) influencing in vitro calcium oxalate crystal growth

Urolithiasis, the formation of calculi in urinary tract, has been a major problem for mankind since ages. Although the surgical techniques such as Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) and Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PN) revolutionized the management of urolithiasis yet these approaches have some limitations. So, it is worthwhile to look for an alternative management of urolithiasis, hence the significance of phytotherapy. The current study evaluated the in vitro potential of antilithiatic fractions from coconut water towards calcium oxalate growth. The coconut water was also evaluated for in vitro inhibitory and stimulatory potential of mineralization and demineralization reactions, respectively. Inhibitory activity of coconut water fractions was tested by observing a decrease in growth of calcium oxalate seed crystals in the presence of a test sample. The active fraction of coconut water was partially purified by dialysis, ion exchange chromatography and molecular sieve chromatography. Coconut water was found to inhibit in vitro homogeneous precipitation of calcium phosphate crystals from supersaturated solution (initial mineralization). Moreover, it stimulated dissolution of preformed calcium G. Manish. et.al/ 1(4) pp 281-288 2013 International Journal of Pharmacy and Engineering (IJPE) Page 282 phosphate crystals (demineralization). Fractions obtained from coconut water on anion exchange inhibited seeded calcium oxalate growth by 38.77% while that from molecular sieve chromatography caused 70.1% inhibition of calcium oxalate growth.