Comparison of the Effect of Hydroalcholic Extract of Alhagi maurorum and Hydrochlorothiazide on Excretion of 4–10 mm Kidney and Ureteral Stones in Adults: A Randomized Prospective Study

OBJECTIVE: The prevalence of kidney stones and their complications is high. The review of the literature showed the therapeutic effects of Alhagi maurorum extract on urinary tract stones. This study reviewed the Alhagi plant's hydroalcholic extract's effect on eliminating kidney and ureteral stones compared to hydrochlorothiazide. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this randomized prospective study, from March 2019 to September 2021, 80 patients over 18 years of age with kidney stones in the upper ureter with a size of 4–10 mm were divided into two groups based on the block random allocation method. The first group received hydrochlorothiazide tablets (50 mg), and the second group received 1 gram/day of the hydroalcholic areal extract of Alhagi maurorum in a two-divided capsule. The mean size and number of stones, renal function tests, and side effects were checked and compared in both groups before and after the study. RESULTS: Mean age, sex, serum urea level (P=0.351), serum creatinine (P=0.393), stone size (P=0178), and the number of stones (P=0.052) before intervention were similar. After intervention, the size and number of stones diminished, up to 70% in both groups. However, there was not a statistically significant difference between the two groups. CONCLUSION: The study showed that Alhagi maurorum is as effective as hydrochlorothiazide in treatment of kidney and ureteral stones with no significant complications and is promising.