8.

Herbs used in the treatment of kidney disorders

Following herbs are used in the treatment of kidney diseases

8.1. Cucumis melo

8.1.1. Biological source

Cucumis melo
8.1.2. Common names
Melon, kharboza
8.1.3. Family
Cucurbitaceae
8.1.4. Part used
Seeds and fruit
8.1.5. Chemical constituents
 Seeds contains edible fixed oils which contains fatty acids (linoleic acid, oleic
acid) and sterols
 Fruit contains Vitamin C and E, Cucurbitacins (terpenes), β-carotenes, minerals,
proteins, carbohydrates, fibres, flavanoids.
8.1.6. Mode of action
In Pakistan, Cucumis melo and Berberis vulgaris has been commonly used for renal
problems. In both of these plants were found flavonoids, alkaloids and terpenes,
which may stand for their renal protective properties. Their reported vitamin E
contents and antioxidant potentials also provide a base for their defensive mechanism,
may be due to their free radical scavenging properties.
8.1.7. Uses
 Diuretic
 Emmenagogue
  Lithotriptic
 Demulcent
 Laxative
 Nutritive
 Useful Liver and kidney disorders
 Inflammation and ulcer in the urinary tract
8.1.8. Adverse effects
Melon may cause allergic reactions in hypersensitive individuals
8.1.9. Special precautions and warnings
 Ideal fruit in pregnancy because it contains folate, reduces birth defects, also
alleviates the problem of morning sickness.
 The galactagogue effects of melon also increases the production of breast milk in
lactating mothers
8.2. Berberis vulgaris

8.2.1. Biological source

Berberis vulgaris
8.2.2. Common names
Common barberry
European barberry
Jaundice berry
8.2.3. Family
Berberidaceae
8.2.4. Part used
When barberry is intended as herbal medicine it is primarily the stem, root bark, and
fruit that are used.
8.2.5. Chemical constituents
The chief constituents are isoquinoline alkaloids like berberine, palmatine,
berbamine, hydroxycanthine, steroid stigmasteols, quercetin(flavonoids),
rutin(flavonoids), resins tannins
8.2.6. Mode of action
 Ethanolic extract of berberine inhibits HCV replication.
 The extract could protect liver against the CCl4-induced oxidative damage in rats
and this hepatoprotective effect might be contributed to its modulation on
detoxification enzymes and its antioxidant and free radical scavenger effects.
8.2.7. Uses
 Tonic
 Purgative
 Anti-viral
 Anti-bacterial
 It is used in all cases of jaundice (Hepatoprotective)
 Anti-pyretric
 Cough suppressant
8.2.8. Adverse effects
Hypersensitivity reactions (burning, itching, redness)
8.2.9. Special precautions & warnings
It should not be used in pregnancy as berberine stimulates uterine contractions.
8.3. Zea mays

8.3.1. Biological source

Zea mays
8.3.2. Family
Poaceae
8.3.3. Part used
Seeds
8.3.4. Chemical constituents
Fixed oils, starch, proteins, grains contain vitamins B1, B2, and E in greater d
provitamin A
8.3.5. Uses
 A soothing diuretic helpful in any irritation or inflammation of the urinary system.
 Is used for renal problems in children (e.g. enuresis, infection) and as a urinary
demulcent combined with other herbs in the treatment of cystitis, urethritis,
prostatitis, urinary retention and kidney or urinary stones.
8.3.6. Mode of action
 Corn is a useful diuretic for almost all problems of the urinary system. Corn
soothes and relaxes the lining of the urinary tubules and bladder, relieving
irritation and improving urine flow and elimination.
 Corn is also helpful for frequent urination caused by irritation of the bladder and
urethral walls, and for difficulty in passing urine such as in prostate disorders.
8.3.7. Adverse effects
There are no known side effects when corn is taken in designated therapeutic dosages.
8.3.8. Special precautions & warnings
Not known
8.4. Tribulus terrestris

8.4.1. Biological source

Tribulus terrestris
8.4.2. Common names
Gokhru
8.4.3. Family
Zygophyllaceae.
8.4.4. Part used
Aerial parts, leave, fruits and seeds
8.4.5. Chemical constituents
 The dried fruits of T. terestris consist of steroidal saponins as the major
constituents. It includes terestrosins A, B, C, D, and E.
 The hydrolyzed extract consists of sapogenins such as diosgenin, chlorogenin,
hecogenin, and neotigogenin. Certain other steroidal such as terestroside F,
tribulosin, trillin, gracillin, dioscin have also been isolated from the aerial parts of
the herb.
 The flavonoid derivatives reported from the fruits includes tribuloside and
number of other glycosides of quercetin, kaempferol, and isorhamnetin.
 It also consists of common phytosterols, such as, β-sitosterol, stigmasterol
8.4.6. Mode of action
Increase the GFR and decrease blood urea, increase urine volume and maintains urine
PH.
8.4.7. Uses
 Digestive
 Diuretic
 Aphrodisiac
 Fruits are used in the treatment of kidney stones.
 To treat painful urination and act as diuretic
 Tonic
 Anti-inflammatory
8.4.8. Adverse effects
Adverse effects are usually mild and uncommon but might include stomach pain,
cramping, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, constipation, excitation, difficulty sleeping, or
heavy menstrual bleeding
8.4.9. Special precautions & warnings
 Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Taking gokhru during pregnancy is possibly
unsafe.
 Animal research suggests that tribulus might harm fetal development. Not enough
is known about the safety of using tribulus during breast-feeding. It's best not to
use tribulus if you are pregnant or nursing.
 Diabetes and Surgery: Tribulus might affect blood sugar levels and blood
pressure. This might interfere with blood sugar and blood pressure control during
and after surgery. Stop using tribulus at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.