Inhibition of crystallization of calcium oxalate monohydrate using leaves from different species of Moringa – Experimental and theoretical studies

•Inhibition of calcium oxalate crystallization by the leaves of two Moringa species.•Turbidity measurements, SEM and AAS of mixtures with and without the plant extracts.•Theoretical evaluation of possible inhibitory action of selected phytochemicals. The effect of Moringa leaves on the inhibition of crystallization of calcium oxalate, a key component of kidney stone, has been assessed by experimental and theoretical methods. Specifically, methanol-water extracts of Moringa oleifera and Moringa peregrina leaves have been considered as inhibitors for the crystallization of calcium oxalate monohydrate. Studies based on turbidity measurements, microscopy of crystals, as well as calcium content in mixtures with and without the leaf extracts have revealed greater inhibitory potential in the case of M. oleifera as compared to M. peregrina. Modelling of the interactions between a representative fragment of calcium oxalate monohydrate with selected phytochemicals present in both leaves enables us to propose a possible mechanism of inhibition.