Phytochemical Examination and in Vitro Investigation on Anti Urolithiatic Activity of Coconut Cotyledon

Aim: Coconut cotyledon, a plant part belongs to Arecaceae family rich in nutrients and bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, phenols, glycosides, and saponins, which are known to contribute to antioxidant and effects but rarely explored for medicinal applications. Urolithiasis, or kidney stone formation, is a widespread disorder caused by the accumulation of insoluble crystalline substances such as calcium oxalate in the renal system. Our aim is to evaluate the in vitro anti-urolithiatic activity of the Ethanolic extract of coconut cotyledon. Material and methods: The cotyledons were collected, authenticated, and extracted using the hot percolation method with ethanol as solvent. Preliminary phytochemical screening was performed. The in vitro anti-urolithiatic activity was investigated through crystal inhibition, nucleation, aggregation, and calcium oxalate dissolution assays. Result: In the inhibition assay, the extract achieved a maximum inhibition of 66.46% at 1000 µg/ml, comparable to the standard drug Cystone (71.28%). The nucleation and aggregation assays also showedsignificant inhibition, with the highest concentration (1000 µg/ml) yielding 68.13% and 62.16% inhibition, respectively, closely matching Cystone's activity. Furthermore, the EECC (Ethanolic Extract of Coconut Cotyledon) promoted the dissolution of preformed calcium oxalate crystals, achieving a maximum dissolution of 48.53% at 1000 µg/ml, suggesting a potential effect. Conclusion: In conclusion, the ethanolic extract of coconut cotyledon exhibits significant in vitro anti- urolithiatic activity by inhibiting the formation and aggregation of calcium oxalate crystals and promoting their dissolution. These encouraging results provide preliminary scientific evidence supporting its traditional use and warrant further investigation in animal models to confirm its efficacy and safety in a biological system.