From the Guidelines
For cholelithiasis (gallstones), Rowatinex, sambong, and potassium citrate are not first-line treatments, and the standard treatment for symptomatic gallstones is surgical removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) as recommended by the American College of Physicians 1. The use of Rowatinex, a terpene mixture, is sometimes considered for urinary tract stones but has limited evidence for gallstones. Sambong (Blumea balsamifera) is a medicinal plant traditionally used for kidney stones and urinary problems, not specifically for gallstones. Potassium citrate is primarily used for kidney stones by alkalinizing urine, which doesn't address the cholesterol or bilirubin composition of gallstones. If you're experiencing gallstone symptoms (right upper quadrant pain, nausea, vomiting after fatty meals), it is crucial to consult a healthcare provider for proper evaluation. While waiting for medical care, maintaining a low-fat diet can help reduce symptoms. These supplements might be marketed for gallstone management in some regions, but they lack robust clinical evidence and shouldn't replace proper medical evaluation and treatment. Gallstones can lead to serious complications like cholecystitis, pancreatitis, or bile duct obstruction if left untreated. Key considerations in the management of gallstones include:
- The natural history of the disease and the risk of complications
- The patient's treatment goals and attitudes towards intervention
- The efficacy, safety, and benefits of each treatment option, including expectant management, nonsurgical therapies, and surgical removal of the gallbladder
- The potential risks and complications associated with each treatment option, including bile duct injury and gallbladder cancer.
From the Research
Efficacy of Rowatinex, Sambong, and Potassium Citrate for Cholelithiasis Treatment
There are no research papers provided that directly assess the efficacy of Rowatinex (Phenolic compound), sambong (Blumea balsamifera), and potassium citrate (K citrate) for the treatment of cholelithiasis.
Available Treatment Options for Cholelithiasis
- Surgical methods such as laparoscopic cholecystectomy, open cholecystectomy, and laparoscopic common bile duct exploration are commonly used to treat cholelithiasis 2, 3, 4.
- Non-surgical methods like lithotripsy, indirect dissolution, direct dissolution, sphincterotomy, and drainage may also be used in specific cases 2.
- Interventional radiology-operated percutaneous cholecystoscopy with ultrasonic lithotripsy and stone basket retrieval is another treatment option for symptomatic cholelithiasis in non-operative candidates 5.
- Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) has been studied as a potential preventive measure for gallstone formation after bariatric surgery, with varying results 6.
Comparison of Surgical Methods
- A study comparing LCBDE+LC and ERCP/EST+LC found that LCBDE+LC had a slightly higher stone clearance rate, shorter hospitalization, and lower total hospitalization costs 3.
- Another study evaluating surgical methods for cholecystolithiasis combined with choledocholithiasis found that LC+LTCBDE had the highest CBD stone clearance rate and the least postoperative complications 4.