In vitro, dissolution and inhibition of calcium hydrogen phosphate dihydrate (CHPD) crystals by Nigella sativa L. seeds extract

Abstract

Background: A large number of people are suffering from health problems due to urinary stones. From this, brushite or calcium hydrogen phosphate dihydrate (CHPD, CaHPO₄⋅2H₂O), which is known as urinary crystal, is found quite frequently in urinary stones and is a stable form of calcium phosphate. <em>Nigella sativa L. or known as black cumin is a medicinal plants locally used for treatment of kidney diseases and urinary stones. Materials and methods: This study aims to investigate the action of aqueous extract of Nigella sativa L. seeds (NSSE) medicinal plant harvested from Slatna region, East of Algeria on crystallization and growth inhibition of calcium hydrogen phosphate dihydrate or Brushite crystals using single diffusion gel growth technique. The structural changes of the treated crystals were assessed by FT-IR and Thermal analysis (TGA-DTA) studies for further confirmations. In addition to the evaluation of these activities, the total contents of phenolic and flavonoids compounds were determined. Results: Results of the present study revealed the synergetic action of bioactive compounds of Nigella sativa L. seeds on in vitro growth inhibition of calcium hydrogen phosphate dihydrate crystals. The standard drug, citric acid also exhibited similar effects. TPC and TFC values of the sample were (2.04 ± 0.09 GAE mg/g) and (2.31 ± 0.13 CE mg/g), respectively. Conclusion: This study indicated that the seeds of Nigella sativa L. have beneficial inhibitory effect on the crystallization of brushite (CHPD) crystals and substantiate the traditional claim.