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Kidney Week

Abstract: PUB587

A Pilot Randomized Study Comparing Blumea Balsamifera (Sambong) and Terpenes on Ureterolithiasis

Session Information

Category: Mineral Disease

  • 1204 Mineral Disease: Nephrolithiasis

Author

  • Bataclan, Rommel P., San Antonio District Hospital, San Antonio, Nueva Ecija, Philippines
Background

Other agents have been proposed to be given in the management of kidney or ureteral stones. This study aims to investigate the safety and efficacy of Blumea balsamifera (Sambong) in comparison with a terpene combination drug as treatment for ureterolithiasis.

Methods

Patients with clinically stable kidney function and ureter stones of <5mm were randomised to receive a special terpene combination (Rowatinex®; 2 capsules three times daily) or Blumea balsamifera 500mg tablet (2 tablets three times daily). The study consisted of a 12-week active treatment phase, in addition to standard management. All patients had a physical examination, and diagnosis of kidney stones was made by ultrasound at baseline and after 6 and 12 weeks of treatment. Primary outcomes are change in stone size and stone-free status, defined as obviously successful expulsion of calculi/fragments, documented by ultrasound.

Results

After 6 weeks, 5 patients in the Sambong group and 6 individuals in the Terpene group were stone free (p-value 0.90). After 12 weeks, 6 in Sambong group and 8 in the Terpene group were stone free (p-value 0.31). In terms of stone size, there was significant decrease in the mean value of stone size after 6 weeks (1.81+2.01mm, p-value 0.008) and 12 weeks (1.12+1.43mm p<0.005) in the Sambong group, and also with the Terpene group (At 6 weeks 1.24+1.43mm, p<0.005; at 12 weeks 0.74+0.70, p<0.005). However, there were no differences between the two groups. Urine pH also significantly increased in both groups compared to baseline but no statistical difference when comparing both arms, Frequency of pain, hematuria, change in serum parameters were also not statistically significant and no other adverse events were noted.

Conclusion

Treatment with Blumea balsamifera and Terpene combination are well tolerated and safe in patients with Urolithiasis. Further studies may be warranted, with inclusion of other urine parameters.

Results of Primary Outcome after 6 and 12 weeks of Treatment