Chanca Piedra and Kidney Stones: The Evidence

Hello everyone.

My name is Justin Ziemba

I’m an assistant professor of urology and surgery

and my expertise is in kidney stones.

We had a wonderful question from the

audience today about Chanca Piedra

and the value of this, also known as the stone breaker,

in treating and preventing kidney stones.

So Chanca Piedra is a a plant

that is commonly referred to as the stone breaker

that you can see here,

and it has promise in treating kidney stones,

although the evidence is quite mixed

and there is a limited data on this in research studies.

However, from the studies that do exist,

there is some potential benefit in reducing stone size,

although the best evidence suggests that perhaps, again,

with limited information that Chanca Piedra possesses alkalizing

qualities that may help prevent kidney stones form.

So it may be more valuable in the prevention aspect rather

than the treatment aspect. It works

by inhibiting the formation of calcium oxalate crystals,

which are often a main component of the most common types

of kidney stones, which are calcium oxalate.

It may also re relax smooth muscle in the ureter,

potentially helping stones pass,

although again, that data is very limited.

Therefore, this is a potentially

useful adjunct to other therapies in preventing calcium

oxalate, kidney stone formation.

However, this should be taken in consultation

with your physician as often many of these nutrient

and supplement components are not always

known in terms of the doses that should be taken, as well

as the formulations that can be purchased through many, retailers and vendors.

And therefore it should be taken with full knowledge

of your stone team as well as probably in conjunction

with other preventative mechanisms.

And so that is a important summary.

Thank you.