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Abstract
Urolithiasis is a major health problem in south East Asia. This disease in India is characterized by endemic occurrence in a distinct geographical pattern the reasons for this is unclear. It has been suggested that dietary patterns of the population may play an important role in development of urolithiasis. The most painful urologic disorder is formation of calculi or stones in the kidneys and urinary bladder due to imbalance between promoters and inhibitors of crystallization in urine. Stone formation is documented from traditional periods and is considered as a medical challenge due to its multifactorial etiology. Stone formation commonly occur due to inadequate urinary drainage, foreign bodies in urinary tract, microbial infections, diet with excess oxalates and calcium, vitamin abnormalities like vitamin A deficiencies, excess vitamin D and metabolic diseases like hyperthyroidism, cystinuria, gout, intestinal dysfunction etc. Methods for the induction of experimental urolithiasis in animals are necessary for the understanding of the etiology of this disease as well as for the development of drugs which may prevent the growth of urolithiasis or may help in the resolution of the renal calculi.