An ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used in treatment of kidney stones and kidney pain in Lorestan province, Iran

Kidney stones are the third most frequent disorder of the urinary tract, after infections and pathological disorders of the prostate. Most affected patients suffer from severe colicky pain. The use of herbs for treating diseases has been a common method since ancient times. This study aimed to identify and report the most important and effective herbs for treating kidney stones and kidney pain in Lorestan province (west of Iran). We accomplished our goal by gathering and integrating indigenous data from local inhabitants of Lorestan. Data were gathered with cooperation of the agents of public health service network all over the towns of Dorud, Boroujerd, Khorramabad, Aleshtar, Poledokhtar, Aligoodarz, Nurabad and Kouhdasht. Prepared questionnaires were distributed to the health system trained volunteers. These trained inquirers attended in villages and recorded the local herbal therapy methods and information. Finally, 17 plants from 12 families were identified. Besides predicating the traditionally believed effects of these herbs, it is essential for researchers to find out the actuality of their clinical effectiveness and active substances. Once the positive effects of these herbs were proved to be true, it is possible to produce drugs which are useful in treatment and controlling kidney stones and pain.