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Kidney injury from alternative medicines.
Conny R D Colson1, Marc E De Broe
1Department of Nephrology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.
Advances in Chronic Kidney Disease
|July 13, 2005
Summary
Traditional and alternative medicine (AM) use poses significant risks for kidney injury due to inconsistent quality, contamination, and undisclosed ingredients. Increased physician awareness of AM toxicity is crucial for patient safety and preventing kidney damage.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Pharmacology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Traditional medicine is widely used globally for primary healthcare.
- Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use is increasing in industrialized nations.
- Alternative medicine (AM) poses potential risks for kidney health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review acute and chronic kidney toxicity associated with AM.
- To highlight the risks of nonconventional medicine and drug interactions.
- To emphasize the need for increased physician knowledge regarding AM hazards.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on AM and kidney toxicity.
- Analysis of factors contributing to AM-induced kidney injury.
- Examination of various kidney syndromes linked to AM use.
Main Results:
- AM preparations lack standardization, contain undisclosed drugs, and risk contamination (pesticides, heavy metals).
- Errors in identification and substitution increase risks.
- Lack of adverse event reporting and toxicity data hinders patient care.
- AM is linked to acute tubular necrosis, interstitial nephritis, hypertension, kidney stones, and transplant rejection.
Conclusions:
- AM poses significant risks for acute and chronic kidney injury.
- Undisclosed ingredients, contamination, and lack of regulation contribute to toxicity.
- Physician education on AM hazards is essential for patient management and preventing kidney damage.