Does Renalof Work? A Review of Its Efficacy for Kidney Stones

October 8, 2025 •

4 min read

Approximately 80% of all kidney stones are composed of calcium oxalate. The herbal supplement Renalof, featuring an activated extract of Agropyron repens, is marketed to help dissolve these stones. But does Renalof work according to scientific evidence?

Quick Summary

An analysis of the supplement Renalof and its effectiveness in treating and preventing kidney stones, particularly calcium oxalate stones. It examines the active ingredient, Agropyron repens, and clinical study findings.

Key Points

Main Ingredient: Renalof's primary active component is an activated extract of Agropyron repens (couch grass), a plant traditionally used for urinary health.
Primary Target: It is specifically marketed for dissolving and eliminating kidney stones, with a focus on the most common type, calcium oxalate stones.
Clinical Efficacy: A double-blind, placebo-controlled study showed Renalof led to stone disappearance in 86.5% of patients with stones <10 mm after three months.
High Elimination Rate: A separate study reported a 97.5% stone remission rate after 12 weeks of treatment with Renalof, compared to 11.4% with a placebo.
Mechanism of Action: Its effects are attributed to diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and crystal-inhibiting properties of compounds like triticin, mannitol, and salicylic acid.
Safety Profile: Clinical trials report minimal adverse effects, with one study noting only mild nausea in 3.33% of participants.
Consult a Doctor: Despite positive findings, it is not recommended for certain conditions (e.g., edema from heart failure) and professional medical advice is essential before use.

Understanding Kidney Stones and Treatment Options

Kidney stones, or nephrolithiasis, are a common and painful condition affecting more than 10% of the population worldwide. These hard deposits are made of minerals and salts that form inside the kidneys. The most prevalent type, accounting for about 80% of cases, is calcium oxalate stones. The formation of these stones is often linked to factors like insufficient water intake, diet, and metabolic disorders. Symptoms can be severe, including sharp pain, urinary urgency, and nausea.

Traditional management for kidney stones depends on their size and type. Small stones may pass on their own with increased fluid intake. For larger or more problematic stones, medical procedures like extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), ureteroscopy, or surgical removal are often necessary. Prevention is a key aspect of management, focusing on dietary changes like reducing sodium and oxalate-rich foods, and staying well-hydrated. In this context, various natural and phytotherapeutic remedies are explored as alternative or complementary treatments.

What is Renalof and How Does It Claim to Work?

Renalof is a nutritional supplement designed to support urinary tract health and aid in the elimination of kidney stones, especially those made of calcium oxalate. The primary active ingredient in Renalof is an activated extract from the rhizomes of Agropyron repens, commonly known as couch grass. This plant has a long history of traditional use as a diuretic and for urinary tract ailments.

The proposed mechanism of action for Renalof involves several components found in couch grass:

Diuretic and Osmotic Effects: Compounds like triticin, mannitol, and potassium salts are believed to increase urine flow. This helps to flush out small stones and prevent urinary stasis.
Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic Action: Salicylic acid in the extract may help to soothe irritation in the urinary tract and reduce the pain associated with passing stones.
Remineralization and Tissue Elasticity: Silicon salts are thought to contribute to the maintenance of connective tissue, potentially increasing the elasticity of the urinary tract to facilitate stone passage.
Antioxidant and Regulatory Effects: Inositol acts as an antioxidant and helps regulate intracellular calcium concentrations, which could play a role in preventing crystal formation.
Ionic Competition: Some sources suggest that magnesium silicate may act as an ionic competitor, interfering with the formation of calcium oxalate crystals.

Clinical Evidence: Does Renalof Work?

The central question for anyone considering this supplement is whether the claims are backed by scientific research. While traditional use of couch grass is well-documented, modern clinical evidence for Renalof itself is more specific.

A key study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial evaluating Renalof's effectiveness on patients with calcium oxalate stones smaller than 10 mm. The results were significant:

Stone Disappearance: After three months, 86.5% of the patients in the Renalof group experienced stone disappearance.
Size Reduction: The Renalof group saw a 7.7% reduction in stone size, compared to 0% in the placebo group.
Reduced Colic: The average number of painful renal colic episodes also decreased significantly in the group taking Renalof.

Another study involving 155 patients found that 65% of those in the Renalof group experienced remission of their kidney stones within the first 8 weeks, and this figure rose to 97.5% after 12 weeks of treatment. In contrast, only 11.4% of the placebo group saw stone elimination. This study also reported a significant improvement in the quality of life for patients taking Renalof and noted minimal adverse reactions, with only 3.33% of patients experiencing issues like nausea. It was concluded that Renalof is an effective and safe option for the destruction and elimination of renoureteral calculi.

Comparison of Kidney Stone Management Options


Treatment Method	Primary Use	Mechanism	Effectiveness/Considerations
Hydration	Prevention & Small Stones (<5mm)	Dilutes urine, flushes system	Foundational for all types.
Renalof	Small Stones (<10mm), especially Calcium Oxalate	Diuretic, anti-inflammatory, potential dissolution	Clinical studies show high rates of stone elimination (86-97%) with few side effects.
Alpha-blockers (e.g., Flomax)	Medical Expulsive Therapy	Relaxes ureter muscles to facilitate stone passage	Often prescribed to help pass small stones and manage pain.
Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL)	Larger Stones	Uses sound waves to break stones into smaller, passable pieces	Non-invasive, but success can depend on stone size, location, and composition.
Ureteroscopy	Medium to Large Stones	A thin scope is passed into the ureter to remove or break up the stone	Highly effective but more invasive than ESWL. Often involves placing a temporary stent.

Safety and Side Effects

Clinical studies and product information suggest that Renalof is generally well-tolerated with minimal side effects. The most commonly reported adverse reaction in one study was mild nausea in a very small percentage of participants. Another source mentions potential for mild upset stomach. However, it is not recommended for use during pregnancy or for individuals with edema caused by heart or kidney failure without consulting a doctor. As with any supplement, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before starting treatment, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or are taking other medications.

Conclusion

Based on available clinical evidence, Renalof appears to be an effective phytotherapeutic option for managing and eliminating small kidney stones, particularly those composed of calcium oxalate under 10 mm in size. Its active ingredient, Agropyron repens, works through a combination of diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and potentially crystal-inhibiting actions. Studies have shown a high rate of stone expulsion and a significant reduction in painful colic episodes, with a favorable safety profile. While it is not a substitute for medical procedures for large stones, Renalof presents a promising, non-invasive complementary therapy that could reduce the need for more aggressive interventions. Individuals considering Renalof should always seek medical advice to ensure it is appropriate for their specific condition.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before beginning any new treatment or supplement.

Authoritative Link: Effectiveness of Using Renalof® in the Elimination of Kidney Stones

Frequently Asked Questions

The main active ingredient in Renalof is a specially activated extract of Agropyron repens, also known as couch grass, which is derived from the plant's rhizomes.

Renalof is primarily indicated for and studied on its effectiveness in dissolving and eliminating calcium oxalate kidney stones, which are the most common type.

Yes, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that 86.5% of patients taking Renalof for three months had their kidney stones (<10 mm) disappear, compared to the placebo group. It also reduced stone size and painful colic episodes.

One clinical study showed significant results within three months. Another noted a 65% stone remission rate in the first 8 weeks, which increased to 97.5% after 12 weeks of treatment.

Renalof is generally considered safe with minimal side effects. Clinical studies have reported very few adverse reactions, such as mild nausea in a small number of users. Some sources mention the possibility of a mild upset stomach.

The clinical studies demonstrating Renalof's effectiveness were conducted on patients with kidney stones smaller than 10 millimeters in diameter. It is not intended as a replacement for medical procedures for larger stones.

Renalof is sold as a nutritional or dietary supplement and generally does not require a prescription. However, you should always consult a healthcare professional before taking it to treat a medical condition like kidney stones.