Scientists have conducted experiments on seven patients
Natural plant extract is able to dissolve calcium oxalate, a component of kidney stones person.
This was stated by U.S. researchers from the University of Houston.
Chemists have determined that a compound called hydroxycitrate is an effective growth inhibitor of calcium oxalate crystals and under certain conditions can dissolve them.
It is noted that usually people who are prone to urolithiasis, it is recommended to take citrate in the form of supplements, but some patients experience severe side effects. Researchers using atomic force microscopy studied the interaction between the crystals as citrate and hydroxycitrate and calcium oxalate.
During the study, the researchers used the density functional theory — calculation method the electronic structure of systems consisting of many particles. With its help they identified as the hydroxycitrate acts on the calcium. The result was that he forms a strong bond with crystal surface, causing the release of calcium atoms and the resulting dissolution of the crystal.
Scientists have conducted experiments on seven patients who took the supplements for three days. The results showed that the hydroxycitrate easily excreted in the urine, which is a prerequisite for effective functioning of the drug.
But chemists emphasize that the creation of a full-fledged pharmaceutical industry requires additional testing for safety, dosage and effectiveness.
