Recent Advances in Possible Treatment Options Including Herbal Remedies for the Management of Cholelithiasis.

Cholelithiasis, particularly cholesterol-bearing-stones, is one of the gastrointestinal diseases representing a substantial global health burden. The five key primary factors inducing cholesterol-bearing-stones include genetics, hepatic cholesterol hypersecretion, rapid phase transition of cholesterol, gallbladder hypomotility, and specific intestinal factors. To date, laparoscopic cholecystectomy remains the primary treatment approach for cholelithiasis patients. The various non-surgical methods, such as bile acid therapy, novel drug candidates, and herbal remedies, are detailed. Special attention is paid to the development of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA)-embedded formulations. Because the UDCA is a biopharmaceutical classification system class II drug, it poses the challenge of low aqueous solubility and thus, limited oral bioavailability. Additionally, promising developments in novel drug candidates (e.g., alirocumab), probiotics, stents, and herbal treatments with purported gallstone-dissolving properties are highlighted. The development of effective non-surgical treatments like various UDCA formulations and novel drug candidates is crucial. Additionally, the integration of herbal remedies into mainstream treatment protocols could offer significant benefits. Future research should focus on optimizing these therapies and exploring personalized treatment. Furthermore, emerging curative approaches such as gene-tailored therapy hold a future direction with a concrete perspective.