Antilithogenic Potential of Green Tea, Oolong Tea, and Black Tea

Background: Urolithiasis and nephrolithiasis are the commonly occurring painful diseases in most parts of the world. The number of new cases associated with lithiasis is on rise, although various therapies such as percutaneous nephrolithotomy, lithotripsy, and other surgical procedures can remove the stones, high recurrence rate is a major problem. Objectives: The present study was undertaken to evaluate the antilithogenic potential of green tea, oolong tea, and black tea employing chemical model. Materials and Methods: The antilithogenic action of different teas on calcium oxalate crystal formation was investigated on artificial urine spectroscopically, and the modulation of crystal size and density was recorded microscopically. Results: The different tea types showed significant inhibitory action on nucleation and crystal size morphology and density. The optical and spectroscopic techniques demonstrated that standard drug cystone exhibited highest inhibition followed by green tea, oolong tea, and black tea. Conclusion: Green tea illustrated maximum antilithogenic property as compared to other tea types and can be used as a potential dietary agent for the prevention of lithiasis.