Research from a team of investigators, including University of Houston scientists, could lead to a new treatment to prevent calcium oxalate kidney stones. HCA (hydroxycitrate), a natural fruit extract available as a supplement, could represent the first breakthrough in decades, with the potential to not only stop the growth of calcium oxalate crystals, but dissolve them. The researchers compared HCA to potassium citrate, a supplement that currently slows calcium oxalate crystal growth, but causes side effects for some patients. They found that the more powerful HCA binds to crystal surfaces in a way that causes the crystal to break down. A test in humans showed that the supplement is excreted by the kidneys, which is an important first step in determining its potential as a new treatment. While HCA showed promising results in the lab, more research is needed to find out whether it could be tolerated long term and work effectively in patients.
Source:
Researchers Propose New Treatment to Prevent Kidney Stones, EurekAlert, August 8, 2016