[Experimental study in treating chronic renal failure with dry extract and tannins of herba ephedra]

The effects of dry extract and tannin of Herba Ephedra on adenine-induced chronic renal failure in rats and their mechanisms of action have been studied. Dry extract of Herba Ephedra in dose of 10 mg, 20 mg and 30 mg/d with adenine (for 24 days) were administered to rats. After inducing renal failure (34 days), it reduced toxins in blood significantly. The action of 30 mg-dose was highly significant, BUN decreased by 37%, creatinine (Cr) 35%, methylguanidine (MG) 76%, guanidinosuccinic acid 83%, blood phosphate 39%, while blood calcium raised for 28%. But in 25mg and 45mg-dose, MG in urine decreased by 49%-65%. The mechanisms of action might be including (1) Inhibiting the production of Cr; (2) Inhibiting the production of hydroxyl free radical, blocking the conversion of Cr into creatol, thereby reducing, the production of MG from creatol. In conclusion, dry extract of Herba ephedra could improve renal function in adenine-induced chronic renal failure in rats, correct Ca and P disorder, and especially inhibit the production of MG. Fraction 2 and fraction 3 of Ephedra tannin had no effect on this renal failure model.