PHYTOPHARMACOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF GLYCINE MAX (L.) MERR. AGAINST UROLITHIASIS: AN IN VITRO STUDY

Abstract

The present study was designed to evaluate the phytochemical composition, antioxidant activity, and antiurolithiatic potential of the n-hexane extract of Glycine max (L.) Merr. seeds. The seeds were extracted using the soaking (maceration) method with n-hexane solvent and subjected to GC–MS, DPPH antioxidant assay, oxalate depletion assay, crystal aggregation inhibition assay, and FTIR characterization. GC–MS analysis revealed the presence of 25 bioactive compounds, among which linoelaidic acid (32.98%), cis-vaccenic acid (27.62%), n hexadecenoic acid (17.50%), stigmast-5-en-3-ol (5.36%), octadecanoic acid (2.70%), ergost-5-en-3-ol (2.22%), and stigmasta-5,22-dien-3-ol (2.02%) were identified as major constituents. These compounds are known for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and nephroprotective activities. The antioxidant activity evaluated by DPPH assay showed moderate free radical scavenging activity with an IC50 value of 982.6 µg/mL compared to standard ascorbic acid (21.89 µg/mL). The antiurolithiatic activity demonstrated significant inhibition of calcium oxalate crystal aggregation and oxalate depletion activity at different concentrations. Maximum oxalate depletion activity was observed at 500 µg/mL, while crystal aggregation inhibition was highest at 100 µg/mL and 500 µg/mL. FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of important functional groups such as hydroxyl, amine, carbonyl, ester, and aliphatic groups, indicating the presence of phenolics, proteins, fatty acids, and other phytoconstituents. The FTIR spectra also showed similarities with standard cystone powder. The findings of the present study suggest that the n-hexane extract of Glycine max seeds possesses promising antioxidant and antiurolithiatic properties, which may help prevent calcium oxalate crystal formation and kidney stone development. Therefore, Glycine max seeds could serve as a potential natural therapeutic agent for the management of urolithiasis.