The incidence of renal calculi (urolithiasis) is increasing in both developed and developing countries. It is estimated that 12% of world population experiences renal stone disease with a recurrence rate of 70-80% in males and 47-60% in females.  Urolithiasis carries high risk of recurrence after the initial episode, of around 50% at 5 years and 70% at 9 years. Search for alternative medicines available at low cost which exhibit least adverse effects are anticipated to benefit many poor patients with renal calculi. It has been described in Ayurveda that Hordeum vulgare is effective in the expulsion of renal calculi. SuÅ›ruta the father of surgery explained urinary calculus under the heading of Ashmari in details including etiological factors, classification, symptomatology, pathology, complications and its management in a most scientific manner. This disease is dreadful and hence considered one of the ‘Mahāgadās’ by SuÅ›ruta, may be owing to its potentiality to disturb the anatomy and physiology of urinary system. The old bladder stone is reported at “ELAMARAH” in Upper Egypt, dated about 4800 BC, shows that humans of ancient time were undoubtedly affected with the disease Ashmari just as humans are now. Å–igveda and Atharavaveda (2000 – 5000 BC) also mentioned the stone and advise people not to ride a horse, Caraka has advised medical management and SuÅ›ruta advised both conservative and surgical removal of stone through perineal root cystolithotomy. All the Acharyas except Charaka have classified the disease MÅ«trāśmari into four types.

i.e. i.) Shleshmaja Ashmari

ii.) Pittaja Ashmari

iii.) Vataja Ashmari

iv) Shukraja Ashmari

Management of various types of Ashmari has been described in Suśruta Samhitā in view of the fatality of the diseases treatment has been advised to be undertaken in the early stages of the disease. Ghŗta recipes for three types of calculi have been mentioned along with indication of appropriate food, drinks and other measures, where he exclusively described about the usage of Yava Kshara. Indication for the surgical management has been given along with a note of caution regarding its dangers and doubtful chances of success. It was to be undertaken only on failure of conservative treatment and when death was inevitable if not treated surgically. However, there is no comprehensive analysis and the formulation has not been scientifically validated. Ours is the first attempt to validate the formulation described in Ayurveda. Development of new formulations which are likely to be cheaper and exhibit minimal or no adverse effects will be beneficial. The preliminary results advocate undertaking systematic scientific studies of the Hordeum vulgare formulation in the management of renal calculi. In view of the above facts and also the existing clinical trial data, it is proposed to validate the formulation through systematic studies.