Structural Characterization and Pharmacological Potential of Antiurolithiatic Phytochemicals from Moringa oelifera

Background and purpose: Kidney stone formation affects approximately 12% of the global population. Crude extracts of different parts of <i>M. oleifera</i> are reported to possess antiurolithiatic potential. This study aimed to explore the phytochemicals responsible for the antiurolithiatic activity in the seeds, as crude extracts have been reported to exhibit this potential. Experimental approach: In this research work, the 30% aqueous methanolic seed extract was fractionated using nonpolar to polar solvents. Thin layer chromatography of fractions led to combine and chromatograph the dichloromethane and ethyl acetate fractions over silica, which furnished the isolation of two compounds characterized through FT-IR, ¹H NMR, and ¹³C NMR. Furthermore, these compounds were evaluated for their antiurolithiatic potential, Niazimicin via <i>in vivo</i> and Niazimicin and Wajidinol via <i>in vitro</i> methods using Cystone, a herbal medicine, as a standard drug. Key results: Spectroscopic data helped to elucidate the compounds as Niazimicin, a thiocarbamato aromatic rhamnoside, while the second compound was thiocarbamato aromatic glucoside, named as Wajidinol. <i>In vitro</i> studies of both compounds showed good inhibition of calcium oxalate crystallization through physicochemical assay, while Niazimicin further marked phenotypic improvements in ethylene glycol-induced urolithiasis. Conclusions and implications: The current research work clearly indicated that <i>M. oleifera</i> seeds contain secondary metabolites, consisting of thiocarbamate moieties, which inhibited the kidney stones formation through <i>in vitro</i> and <i>in vivo</i> tests, and thus carry the pharmacological potential to be used for health benefits.