In Vitro Antiurolithiatic Potential of Asparagus racemosus Seeds: A Phytopharmacological and FTIR Characterization Study

Abstract

Urolithiasis is a common urinary tract disorder characterized by the formation and accumulation of urinary crystals, particularly calcium oxalate crystals. The present study was designed to evaluate the in-vitro antiurolithiatic potential of Asparagus racemosus ethanolic seed extract using phytochemical screening, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), oxalate depletion, and crystal nucleation assays. Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of several biologically important secondary metabolites, including steroids, tannins, flavonoids, phenols, saponins, glycosides, proteins, and amino acids, whereas carbohydrates were not detected. FTIR analysis demonstrated characteristic absorption bands in the extract, indicating the presence of diverse functional groups and providing supportive evidence for its chemically complex phytoconstituent profile. The extract was further evaluated for its ability to interfere with calcium oxalate crystallization through oxalate depletion and crystal nucleation assays at different concentrations and incubation periods. The experimental findings indicated that the extract influenced oxalate availability and crystal formation, suggesting a concentration- and time-dependent inhibitory effect on processes associated with calcium oxalate stone development. The presence of flavonoids, phenolics, saponins, glycosides, and other phytoconstituents may contribute to this activity through antioxidant effects, ionic interactions, and interference with crystal nucleation and growth. FTIR spectral changes further support possible interactions between extract constituents and chemical species involved in crystallization. Overall, the findings suggest that ethanolic seed extract of A. racemosus possesses promising in-vitro antiurolithiatic activity and may represent a potential source of bioactive phytoconstituents for further investigation. Further studies involving isolation of active compounds, mechanistic investigations, and in-vivo validation are warranted to establish its therapeutic potential against urolithiasis.