Bryophyllum Pinnatum Tea as a Novel Treatment for Recurrent Kidney Stone Formers

Background and Rationale:

Kidney stones are hard deposits that consist of calcium complexed with phosphate or oxalate, thus, high urinary calcium content is a major risk factor. The precipitation of calcium can arise from various mechanisms including the aggregation of urinary calcium crystals from impaired transport along the nephron, reduced urinary inhibitors (e.g. citrate), and increased oxidative stress and inflammation. Large stones can block the drainage system of the kidney, causing acute severe pain and inflammation. Recurrent kidney stones can lead to sustained inflammation resulting in a progressive loss of renal function. As the global incidence and economic burden continues to rise there is a undisputed medical need to find preventative measures.

Thiazide diuretics have been fundamental in pharmacological recurrence prevention for the past 60 years. The recent NOSTONE trial (NCT03057431) revealed that the most widely prescribed and best studied thiazide, hydrochlorothiazide, did not reduce the incidence of stone recurrence. There remain significant barriers to kidney stone treatment including high treatment costs, side effects, and the difficulty in achieving long-term dietary and lifestyle changes. Therefore, many patients risk recurrent episodes. New innovative approaches are needed to prevent kidney stone formation.

The leaves of Bryophyllum pinnatum are used to treat a variety of ailments, including the prevention and treatment of kidney stones in various formulations. In a rat kidney stone model, aqueous, alcoholic, and non-alcoholic extracts of B. pinnatum leaves prevented the formation and reduced the size of kidney stones. In an uncontrolled trial, patients with renal stones treated with B. pinnatum juice either passed their stones or showed a reduction in the size of their stones. Despite its established use in other countries, B. pinnatum tea has not undergone rigorous scientific or clinical evaluation. Our lab characterized and standardized the formulation of the tea which revealed anti-urolithiatic activity along with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. A combination of these effects may be what is beneficial in the prevention of recurrent kidney stones.

Inclusion criteria

• 18-70 years of age at time of study enrollment
• 1 calcium-based stone event within a 3-year interval and/or hypercalciuria on a 24h urine collection (>5 mmol/day)
• They had an ultrasound or CT imaging within the previous 6 months which showed no evidence of current obstructive kidney stone
• Adhering to the stone prevention diet (high water/low salt/low protein intake) for at least one month prior to enrollment in study but not taking any stone-preventing medications
• Agrees to maintain current lifestyle habits and avoid taking new supplements during the study period

Exclusion criteria

• Patients with secondary causes for calcium stone formation (primary hyperparathyroidism, inflammatory bowel disease, hyperuricosuria, and cancer)
• Patients who are pregnant or nursing or who are trying to become pregnant
• Currently consuming B. pinnatum or any natural health product containing polyphenols
• A known intolerance or allergy to the plant B. pinnatum
• Currently taking stone-preventing medication
• Gluten intolerance or allergy