Calcium oxalate crystals are found in majority of kidney stones with calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) as one of the primary types of kidney stones. Various methods of treatment exist, including herbal treatment in the Philippines that uses the medicinal herb Blumea balsamifera (B. balsamifera). The effect of B. balsamifera extract on the morphology of calcium oxalate crystals was studied by light microscopy, image analysis, powder X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The extract decreased the crystal size by 5.22%-82.62% depending on the degree of supersaturation. Through analysis of the projected area of the crystals, the extract was found to shift the phase of the crystals from COM to calcium oxalate dihydrate (COD). This shift in phase is significant with a COM to COD shift of 88.26% at 0.5 mg/mL of extract and 91.53% at 1.0 mg/mL of extract. Scanning election microscopic (SEM) images revealed aggregation of crystals at 0 mg/mL of extract. At 1.0 mg/mL of extract, the scanning electron micrographs showed discernible crystal unit boundaries. B. balsamifera extract was observed to have decreased crystal size, shifted crystal phase from COM to COD and prevented the aggregation of calcium oxalate crystals.

Calcium oxalate stones are among the most prevalent type of kidney stones. Methods of treatment range from surgical removal, shockwave lithotripsy, medical and natural treatment. In the Philippines, consuming tea preparation of Blumea balsamifera is believed to aid in the treatment of kidney stones. The effect of Blumea balsamifera tea in the nucleation of calcium oxalate crystals was studied at 0, 0.5 and 1.0 mg tea preparation per mL of the crystallization solution by UV-Vis spectrophotomery. Induction time decreased with increasing concentration of Blumea balsamifera tea. Further analysis showed that this decrease in induction time is due to a decrease in surface free energy from 20.95 mJ/m 2 to 19.48 mJ/m 2 and 17.22 mJ/m 2 at 0.5 and 1.0 mg/mL, respectively. This decrease in induction time correspond to an increased nucleation rate thus, a large number of smaller crystals are formed. This explains the therapeutic benefits of consuming Blumea balsamifera tea as stone formers would form smaller stones that are easier to eliminate by urination.

Chitosan nanoparticles are nontoxic polymers with diverse biomedical applications. Traditional nanoparticle synthesis often involves harmful chemicals or results in reduced desirable properties, sparking interest in green synthesis methods for nanoparticle production. Utilizing plant-based phytochemicals as reducing and capping agents offers advantages like biocompatibility, sustainability, and safety. This study explored Blumea balsamifera leaf extract for chitosan nanoparticle (CNP) synthesis. CNPs were synthesized using pH-induced gelation and characterized by DLS and SEM. B. balsamifera extract, prepared using ethanol, achieved a total phenolic content of 19.37 ± 6.35 mg GAE/g dry weight. DLS characterization revealed a broad size distribution, with an average particle diameter of 908.9 ± 93.6 nm and peaks at 11.11 ± 0.97 nm, 164.45 ± 6.13 nm, and 1672.04 ± 338.75 nm. SEM measurements showed spherical particles with a diameter of 56.8–63.0 nm. UV-Vis analysis, with an absorption peak at 286.5 ± 0.5 nm, was used to optimize CNP biosynthesis through a Face-Centered Central Composite Design (FCCCD). Higher concentrations of B. balsamifera extract (0.05 g/mL) and chitosan (19.1 mg/mL) maximized nanoparticle yield with a mass of 100 μg/mL. Antibacterial testing against E. coli demonstrated a minimum inhibitory concentration of 25 μg/mL. B. balsamifera extract effectively synthesized nanochitosan particles, showing potential for antibacterial applications.