Scientists from the University of Houston (United States) have announced a discovery that is already considered the greatest advance of the last 30 years in the prevention and treatment of calcium oxalate stones , the most common kidney stones, which produce the so-called nephrolithiasis. More than two million Spaniards suffer from this ailment, the culprit of the extremely painful kidney colic .
As reported in the journal Nature , experts have found the first solid indications that hydroxycitric acid (HCA) – a compound naturally present in the dried rind of the malabar tamarind ( Garcinia gummi-gutta ), a fruit of Asian origin – inhibits the formation of calcium oxalate crystals.
Until now, to avoid nephrolithiasis, doctors usually advise drinking water, avoiding foods rich in oxalate (such as spinach, chard or cocoa) or taking potassium citrate supplements , not well tolerated by all patients.
HCA appears to be much more effective, according to the researchers’ electron microscope observations: calcium oxalate crystals would shrink on contact with the substance . And it is that other inhibitors, such as the aforementioned potassium citrate, simply stop growth, they do not reverse it .
The dissolving power of HCA is due to the strong bond –and the consequent tension– that it develops with the surface of the crystals. In addition, trials with patients indicate that the compound is eliminated in the urine, an essential condition for its use as a drug, although its effects and possible contraindications need to be further investigated.
