Calcium Oxalate Crystallization-Modifying Activity of Moringa oleifera Seeds-Derived Thiocarbamates: In vitro and In vivo Evaluation

Abstract Calcium oxalate (CaOx) is the predominant crystalline component of most urinary stones. Formation of kidney stones affects approximately 12% of the global population. Moringa oleifera has been associated with antiurolithiatic effects, but the individual constituents underlying these effects remain insufficiently characterized. This study aimed to isolate and characterize thiocarbamate glycosides from M. oleifera seeds and evaluate their effects on CaOx crystallization, with preliminary assessment of Niazimicin in experimental CaOx crystalluria. A hydromethanolic extract of M. oleifera seeds was subjected to solvent partitioning and chromatographic separation. Isolated compounds were structurally characterized using spectroscopic techniques. Niazimicin and Wajidinol were evaluated for their effects on CaOx nucleation, aggregation, and crystal growth, with Cystone as a reference treatment. Niazimicin was further evaluated in an ethylene glycol-induced experimental model of nephrolithiasis. Urinary crystalluria and selected urinary and serum biochemical parameters were assessed following treatment. Niazimicin and Wajidinol were isolated and characterized as thiocarbamate glycosides. Both compounds inhibited CaOx nucleation, aggregation, and crystal growth, with Niazimicin showing greater activity. At the highest tested concentration, Niazimicin and Wajidinol inhibited nucleation, aggregation, and crystal growth by 65.6±3.1% and 54.9±0.8%, 75.2±0.5% and 57.2±3.4%, and 66.7±0.9% and 55.9±2.2% as compared to Cystone, which showed 69.3±2.3%, 80.4±0.3%, and 71.7±0.9%, respectively. In experimental nephrolithiasis, Niazimicin treatment was associated with reduced urinary CaOx crystalluria and improvement in selected biochemical parameters. M. oleifera seed-derived thiocarbamate glycosides, particularly Niazimicin, demonstrated CaOx crystallization-modifying activity in vitro and preliminary activity against crystalluria in vivo. Further adequately powered studies are warranted to establish their therapeutic relevance in CaOx nephrolithiasis.