Phytochemical Profiling, In Vitro Antiurolithiatic and Diuretic Activities of Ethanolic Extracts of Cichorium intybus L., Punica granatum L., and Terminalia chebula Retz.

Abstract

The worldwide incidence of urolithiasis continues to rise due to the higher calcium oxalate levels, which make up most of the urinary stones that form in the body. The current pharmacological treatments for urolithiasis show restricted effectiveness while producing adverse reactions, which drives researchers to explore plant-derived therapeutic options. This research investigates the phytochemical content, in vitro antiurolithiatic effects, and in vivo diuretic properties of ethanolic extracts derived from Cichorium intybus seeds, Punica granatum peels, and Terminalia chebula fruits. The extracts contained alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, glycosides, terpenoids, and phenols, as determined by qualitative phytochemical screening. The FTIR analysis confirmed that the extracts contained bioactive functional groups, which included hydroxyl, amine, and carbonyl moieties. The in vitro antiurolithiatic tests showed that C. intybus extract dissolved 85.47% of calcium oxalate. In comparison, T. chebula extract dissolved 66.03%, and P. granatum extract dissolved 78.98% compared to the standard drug, which dissolved 90.59%. In diuretic testing, the urine output matched furosemide levels at 10 mg/kg during in vivo. The research findings confirm the traditional medical applications of these plants for treating renal and urinary diseases; however, additional studies are required to understand their mechanisms of action.