The plant Saussurea costus (Falc) Lipsch has many biological activities and a strong curative and preventive power against a variety of diseases including cancer, diabetes, and hemorrhoids. In the current study, phytochemical screening was carried out as well as an investigation of the antilithiatic and antioxidant activities of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of this plant. The results showed that aqueous and ethanolic extracts were effective in reducing cystine stone mass and that the aqueous extract of Saussurea costus (Falc) Lipsch had the highest percentage of dissolution (6.756 ± 1.024) (p < 0.05). A turbidimetric method and a crystallization test were used to evaluate the antilithiatic activity of an aqueous and ethanolic extract of this plant on calcium oxalate crystallization. The results of these methods revealed that the ethanolic extract of this plant has a significant inhibitory effect on calcium oxalate crystallization, with a percentage inhibition of (91.017 ± 0.299) (p < 0.05) for a concentration of 2 mg mL⁻¹. The DPPH method revealed that the ethanolic extract of Saussurea costus (Falc) Lipsch with a concentration of (IC50 = 0.12325 mg mL⁻¹) had the highest IC50, whereas the FRAP method revealed that the aqueous extract of Saussurea costus (Falc) Lipsch with a concentration of 300 µg mL⁻¹ has the most significant reducing power with (OD = 0.56 ± 0.05). These findings indicate that aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Saussurea costus (Falc) Lipsch had a significant effect on whewellite and weddellite and a greater free radical scavenging effect but had no effect on cystine dissolution.

Saussurea costus (Falc) Lipsch is a traditional herb used to treat kidney stone problems because it contains several molecules used to treat this health problem, such as quercitrin. Infectious stones are the most painful of all urinary tract disorders, with ammonium phosphate (struvite) and carbapatite stones being the most common, caused by a bacterial infection with urease activity. These stones are treated with antibiotics, but antibiotic resistance is on the rise. The current study investigated the anti-urolithic activities of S. costus aqueous and ethanolic extracts of against struvite crystals synthesized using microscopic crystallization and turbidimetric methods, respectively. The utilized methods indicated that the ethanolic extract of this plant has a significant inhibitory effect on struvite crystallization, with a percentage inhibition of (87.45 ± 1.107) (p < 0.001) for a concentration of 1 mg mL⁻¹ and a decrease in the number of struvite crystals, reaching values less than 100/mm³. For the number of struvite crystals inhibited by cystone, we found a value of 400/mm³ and with the aqueous extract we found 700/mm³. The antibacterial activity of the plant extracts studied was examined against several urease-producing bacteria, and this activity was evaluated by qualitative and quantitative evaluation methods; the highest minimum inhibitory concentration was seen in the ethanolic extract, with an MIC of 50 mg mL⁻¹ for Staphylococcus aureus followed by an MIC of 200 mg mL⁻¹ for Klebsiella pneumoniae. It showed a minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) against S. aureus and K. pneumoniae (>50 mg mL⁻¹ and >200 mg mL⁻¹, respectively). Furthermore, to determine the extract’s anti-inflammatory activity, in vivo anti-inflammatory activity was investigated in rats. The results show that at a dose of 400 mg kg⁻¹, the ethanolic extract has a maximum edema inhibition of 66%.

In Morocco, Argania spinosa L. is traditionally used to treat kidney‐related disorders such as urolithiasis. However, its anti‐urolithiatic potential remains poorly documented from a scientific standpoint. This study aimed to evaluate the anti‐crystallization, nephroprotective, and hepatoprotective effects of a polyphenol‐rich fraction from A. spinosa press cake in an ethylene glycol‐induced urolithiasis rat model, and to explore its pharmacokinetic profile and molecular interactions through in silico analyses. Urolithiasis was induced in male Wistar rats by administering 0.75% ethylene glycol in drinking water for 15 days. Treatment groups received either the polyphenol‐rich fraction or cystone. Biochemical analyses of urine and blood were performed, and renal and hepatic tissues were subjected to histopathological examination. In silico studies included molecular docking and ADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity) predictions to evaluate pharmacokinetic properties and target interactions. Ethylene glycol administration led to a significant increase in urinary pH and protein levels, reduced urinary magnesium, and caused renal and hepatic tissue damage. Treatment with the polyphenol‐rich fraction significantly corrected these alterations ( p < 0.05), reduced histological lesions, and restored biochemical parameters. Molecular docking revealed high binding affinities between the major polyphenols and targets involved in urolithiasis pathogenesis. ADMET analyses suggested favorable pharmacokinetic profiles and low toxicity. The polyphenol‐rich fraction of A. spinosa press cake shows promising protective effects against ethylene glycol‐induced kidney stone formation and associated organ toxicity. These findings highlight its potential as a natural therapeutic agent for the prevention and management of urolithiasis and renal dysfunction.

The purpose of this work is to highlight the significance of applying scanning electron microscopy coupled with X-ray energy dispersive (SEMEDX) as a method of analyzing the surface of kidney stones, to assess the antilithiatic activity of extracts from medicinal plants, such as Saussurea costus (Falc) Lipsch. This chapter aims to showcase the substantial application and use of electron microscopy in the field of medical research, with particular emphasis on urinary lithiasis. Initially, we will present the pathology of urinary lithiasis and kidney stones. We will then examine the evaluation of kidney stones and the importance of characterizing them using various methods, including electron microscopy. Subsequently, we will provide an overview of scanning electron microscopy coupled to X-ray energy dispersive (SEMEDX) and its implementation in antilithiatic activity using the stone dissolution test built upon our previous study.

Diabetes, a prevalent metabolic disorder, has prompted extensive research into natural remedies with hypoglycemic potential and minimal side effects. The aim of this study was to examine phenolic compounds using high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Acute toxicity was assessed in mice following OECD 423 criteria, and anti‐diabetic potential was tested by intraperitoneal injection of alloxan (150 mg/kg) to induce experimental diabetes. Acute toxicity assessment found no adverse effects, while chemical analysis revealed various phenolic compounds like rutin, quercetin, and gallic acid, known for their therapeutic properties. In vitro experiments with the aqueous extract showed significant inhibition of pancreatic α ‐amylase enzyme activity (IC ₅₀ value: 119.813 ± 3.827 μg/mL). In vivo studies demonstrated the extract's efficacy in mitigating body weight loss, promoting hypoglycemic effects, and improving oral glucose tolerance. Additionally, the extract regulated biochemical parameters including total cholesterol, triglycerides, liver enzymes, and renal markers. These findings suggest that Cistus albidus leaf polyphenols possess anti‐hyperglycemic and α‐amylase inhibitory properties, supporting its traditional use in diabetes treatment and potential incorporation into future antidiabetic medications. Molecular docking analysis further supported the interaction of extract constituents with relevant target proteins, offering insights into potential therapeutic interventions.