Solubility, inhibition of crystallization and microscopic analysis of calcium oxalate crystals in the presence of fractions from Humulus lupulus L.

The “fraction soluble in methanol” obtained from water-alkaline extracts contains sugar alcohols and organic acids, and is effective in dissolving the kidney stones. The “fraction insoluble in methanol” contains only sugar derivatives and it changes the morphology of the crystals, making them “jelly-like”. Both fractions are potentially effective in kidney stone therapy.