Urinary stone formation: Efficacy of seed extract of Ensete superbum (Roxb.) Cheesman on growth inhibition of calcium hydrogen phosphate dihydrate crystals

The effect of aqueous seed extract of Ensete superbum (Roxb.) Cheesman on in vitro crystallization and growth patterns of calcium hydrogen phosphate dihydrate (CaHPO4·2H2O, CHPD) crystals was studied using single diffusion gel growth technique. Reduction in growth of CHPD crystals was noticed with increasing concentrations of seed extract. The morphology of CHPD or brushite crystals was studied by microscopy. The structural changes of the treated crystals were assessed by SEM, FT-IR, XRD and TGA/DTA analysis. It is expected that this multidisciplinary approach for in vitro crystallization and characterization of CHPD crystals will provide a better explanation to develop novel strategies for prevention of urinary stones.

► Efficacy of seed extract of Ensete superbum on crystallization of CHPD (CaHPO4·2 H2O) was studied.
► Reduction in growth of CHPD was noticed with increasing concentrations of seed extract.
► The morphology of CHPD crystals was studied by microscopy.
► The structural changes of the treated crystals were assessed by SEM, FT-IR, XRD and TGA/DTA.
► Bioactive compounds of Ensete superbum have the potency to inhibit CHPD crystal growth.