Review on role of herbal drug in the prevention and management of kidney disease
Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: Review on role of herbal drug in the prevention and management of kidney disease
AYUSHDHARA is an international peer-reviewed journal. It focuses on research in Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy, Allopathy, and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Kidney disease remains a significant global health issue, particularly in developing countries where its prevalence is rising. It is a leading cause of mortality and is often exacerbated by lifestyle-related conditions such as diabetes and hypertension. The incidence of kidney failure is increasing, with millions of individuals worldwide relying on dialysis or kidney transplants. Modern medicine has yet to address this issue fully, prompting a renewed interest in traditional herbal medicines, particularly those documented in Ayurvedic practices. Herbal drugs offer various pharmacological effects, including nephroprotection, diuresis, and anti-inflammatory properties, which may be beneficial in preventing and managing kidney diseases.
Role of Herbal Medicines in Nephroprotection
Herbal drugs have been extensively documented for their nephroprotective properties, aiding in the recovery from drug-induced kidney damage and other renal disorders. For instance, several medicinal plants, such as Punarnava (Boerhaavia diffusa) and Varuna (Crataeva nurvala), have demonstrated the ability to lower serum creatinine and blood urea levels, indicating their therapeutic effects on kidney function. Studies show that these plants can mitigate oxidative stress, reduce renal hypertension, and restore electrolyte balance. The antioxidant activity of these herbs may also protect kidney cells from damage inflicted by various nephrotoxins, including those from medications like antibiotics and NSAIDs.
Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Effects of Herbal Drugs
In addition to their nephroprotective qualities, many herbs used in Ayurvedic medicine have recognized antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. For example, Haridra (Curcuma longa) and Amalaki (Phyllanthus emblica) are renowned for their ability to combat oxidative stress and inflammation, which are pivotal in the pathogenesis of kidney disease. The inclusion of these herbs in treatment regimens not only aids in restoring kidney health but also helps prevent the progression of renal issues. By supporting the body’s natural defenses and enhancing detoxification processes, these traditional remedies serve as valuable adjuncts to contemporary therapeutic approaches.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the integration of herbal drugs into the management of kidney disease offers promising avenues for enhancing treatment efficacy and patient outcomes. Traditional Ayurvedic medicine presents a variety of plants that possess nephroprotective, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, indicating their potential role in addressing kidney dysfunction. As the global burden of kidney disease continues to grow, further clinical research is essential to explore the mechanisms through which these herbal remedies exert their beneficial effects. Ultimately, a collaborative approach that combines modern medicine with traditional herbal treatments may lead to more effective management and prevention strategies for kidney diseases.
Original source:
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*Laxmi Maharana
PhD Scholar, P.G. Dept. of Sharir Kriya, National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur
Om Prakash Dadhich
Dean Academic & H.O.D. P.G. Dept. of Sharir Kriya, National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur
Ayushdhara:
(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: Review on role of herbal drug in the prevention and management of kidney disease
Year: 2016
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
Download the PDF file of the original publication
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What are the common causes of kidney diseases today?
Common causes of kidney diseases include lifestyle disorders like diabetes and hypertension, drug-induced nephrotoxicity from medications like NSAIDs and antibiotics, and chronic diseases that affect kidney function.
How do herbal drugs help in managing kidney diseases?
Herbal drugs offer nephroprotective, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects, reducing damage and improving kidney function. Plants like Punarnava and Varuna help lower elevated blood urea and creatinine levels, providing a holistic approach to kidney health.
Which herbal plants are known for kidney protection?
Several herbal plants, including Punarnava, Varuna, Ashwagandha, and Gokshura, show nephroprotective properties. They help alleviate kidney conditions by reducing oxidative stress, promoting diuresis, and improving overall renal health.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Review on role of herbal drug in the prevention and management of kidney disease”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Drug:
A drug can cause kidney disease and is responsible for a significant number of cases of nephrotoxicity resulting in kidney injury. Herbal drugs like Curcuma longa show protective effects against such drug-induced toxicity.
2) Disease:
Kidney disease is a global health concern with increasing incidence and can lead to kidney failure. Herbal medicine offers preventive and management solutions for diseases affecting the kidneys.
3) Toxicity:
Drug-induced nephrotoxicity affects kidney function, often causing acute renal failure. Herbal remedies like Punarnava have shown nephroprotective effects against such toxicity.
4) Blood:
Kidneys filter waste and toxins from the blood. Malfunction due to kidney disease can cause elevated blood urea and serum creatinine levels, conditions for which herbs like Haridra provide relief.
5) Curcuma longa:
Also known as turmeric, Curcuma longa has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and nephroprotective properties, making it effective in managing kidney disease and reducing nephrotoxicity.
6) Punarnava (Punar-nava):
Punarnava, or Boerhaavia diffusa, is an herbal drug noted for its nephroprotective and antioxidative properties, helpful in treating and managing kidney diseases by reducing oxidative stress.
7) Medicine:
Traditional medicine, particularly Ayurveda, plays a significant role in managing kidney diseases through the use of herbs with nephroprotective and antioxidative properties.
8) Haridra:
Haridra, commonly known as turmeric (Curcuma longa), possesses nephroprotective and antioxidant qualities that help manage drug-induced nephrotoxicity and kidney diseases.
9) Zingiber officinale:
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) has nephroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties, making it effective against gentamicin-induced kidney damage and oxidative stress.
10) Rubia cordifolia:
This herb has shown nephroprotective activity and is used in traditional medicine for its antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties, beneficial for managing kidney diseases.
11) Gokshura (Goksura, Go-kshura):
Tribulus terrestris, known as Gokshura, possesses diuretic and antihypertensive properties that help in managing kidney diseases by promoting urine output and reducing blood pressure.
12) Maharana:
[see source text or glossary: Maharana]
13) Amalaki:
Amalaki (Phyllanthus emblica) has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and nephroprotective effects, making it useful in mitigating kidney diseases and preserving renal function.
14) Shigru (Sigru):
Moringa oleifera, or Shigru, increases functional kidney capacity due to its antioxidant properties and is used in traditional remedies for managing urinary tract infections.
15) Varuna:
Crataeva nurvala, known as Varuna, has a cytoprotective function against free radical toxicity, thereby offering protective benefits in the treatment of kidney stone-induced damage.
16) Animal:
Animal models, such as rats, are often used in experimental studies to assess the nephroprotective and antioxidative effects of various herbal drugs on kidney function.
17) Laxmi:
[see source text or glossary: Laxmi]
18) India:
India has a rich tradition of using Ayurveda and herbal medicine, offering a broad range of natural remedies for treating and managing kidney diseases
19) Tinospora cordifolia:
Guduchi, or Tinospora cordifolia, has diuretic and antioxidant properties, making it effective in managing kidney diseases and reducing the risk of nephrotoxicity.
20) Withania somnifera:
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) shows nephroprotective and immunomodulatory activities, beneficial in managing drug-induced renal damage and boosting kidney health.
21) Tribulus terrestris:
Tribulus terrestris, or Gokshura, is valued for its diuretic and antihypertensive properties, beneficial in managing kidney diseases by enhancing urine flow and reducing blood pressure.
22) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda, an ancient traditional medicine system from India, uses a range of herbal drugs like Punarnava and Haridra for treating and managing kidney diseases.
23) Haritaki:
Haritaki, or Terminalia chebula, has antioxidative and nephroprotective properties, effective in managing kidney diseases by reducing urea and creatinine levels in the blood.
24) Terminalia chebula:
Terminalia chebula, known as Haritaki, possesses antioxidant and nephroprotective properties, useful in managing oxidative damage and reducing urea and creatinine levels.
25) Hordeum vulgare:
Barley, or Hordeum vulgare, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory traits that help in protecting kidney function and preventing chronic renal failure.
26) Dhanyaka:
Coriandum sativum, known as coriander, possesses antioxidant properties and helps reduce renal hypertension, contributing to kidney health management.
27) Sariva (Shariva):
Hemidesmus indicus, or Sariva, shows nephroprotective effects useful in managing renal impairment induced by nephrotoxins such as gentamicin.
28) Raphanus sativus:
Raphanus sativus, or Mulaka, displays antilithiatic activity, beneficial in preventing kidney stone formation without significantly increasing diuresis.
29) Kokilaksha (Kokila-aksha, Kokilaksa):
Hygrophila spinosa, known as Kokilaksha, enhances urinary output and electrolyte concentration, aiding in the effective management of renal diseases.
30) Fenugreek:
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) seeds are used for their antioxidative and diuretic properties, aiding in the prevention and management of kidney disease.
31) Flavonoid:
Flavonoids are compounds found in various medicinal plants like barley and orange, known for their antioxidant properties that help manage kidney diseases.
32) Sahadevi (Saha-devi):
Vernonia cinerea, or Sahadevi, demonstrates nephroprotective activity against cisplatin-induced toxicity, protecting kidney function in experimental models.
33) Brihat (Brhat):
Brihat Gokshura (Pedalium murex) shows nephroprotective properties comparable to standard drug Cystone, effective against cisplatin-induced kidney damage.
34) Jaipur:
[see source text or glossary: Jaipur]
35) Kriya:
[see source text or glossary: Kriya]
36) Kali:
Kali musli (Curculigo orchioides) exhibits significant antioxidant activity, contributing to the management of oxidative stress associated with kidney diseases.
37) Silk:
Corn silk (Stigma maydis) contains various compounds like flavonoids and saponins that offer antioxidant and anti-urolithiatic benefits for kidney health.
38) Trigonella foenum-graecum:
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) seeds have an antioxidative effect and diuretic properties, useful in managing kidney disease and reducing stone formation.
39) Inflammation:
Inflammation is a common condition in kidney disease; herbal drugs like Curcuma longa (turmeric) have anti-inflammatory properties that help manage this issue.
40) Irritation:
Corn silk is used to treat kidney stones as it reduces irritation and increases urine secretion, providing relief in kidney health management.
41) Depression:
[see source text or glossary: Depression]
42) Turmeric:
Turmeric, known as Curcuma longa, is used in traditional medicine for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and nephroprotective properties in managing kidney diseases.
43) Mulaka:
Raphanus sativus, or Mulaka, exhibits antilithiatic activity that helps in preventing kidney stone formation without increasing diuresis significantly.
44) Powder:
[see source text or glossary: Powder]
45) Indian:
Indian traditional medicine, particularly Ayurveda, leverages a broad range of herbs for the prevention and management of kidney diseases.
46) Egypt:
Some beverages made from barley are used in Egyptian folk medicine to alleviate kidney dysfunction, highlighting the global use of herbal remedies.
47) Ghana:
[see source text or glossary: Ghana]
48) Ayus (Ayush):
AYUSH is an acronym for Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy, highlighting India's traditional medicine systems, including herbal kidney disease treatments.
49) Edema (Oedema):
Edema, or swelling due to fluid retention, is a symptom of kidney disease that traditional herbal remedies like Hippophae rhamnoides have shown promise in alleviating.
50) Death:
Kidney disease is a leading cause of death worldwide, emphasizing the importance of preventive and therapeutic measures like herbal medicine.
51) Beta:
[see source text or glossary: Beta]
52) Tree:
The Varuna tree (Crataeva nurvala) contains lupeol, known for its antioxidant properties beneficial in treating free radical toxicity in kidney diseases.
53) Salt (Salty):
[see source text or glossary: Salt]
54) Mud:
Antidepressants can cause nephrotoxicity, but traditional herbal remedies like Amalaki and Ashwagandha offer nephroprotective and mood-stabilizing benefits.