Traditional remedy: Herbs like punarnava may help prevent, manage kidney ailments

Dialysis is a way of life for many patients suffering from kidney ailments in the country. In view of limited options for treatment of the kidney disease in allopathy, experts representing the traditional medical system claimed on the eve of the World Kidney Day that herbs could slow the disease’s progression and offer relief from the symptoms, along with careful diet and exercise. Two recent scientific studies have claimed that herbal formulations, based on traditional medicinal plants like punarnava, could be effective in preventing and managing ailments related to the kidney. According to a study, a woman suffering from kidney ailment was given punarnava-based syrup for a month, significantly bringing the creatinine and urea level in her blood to a healthy level. Chronic kidney disease is a hidden epidemic affecting millions of people, globally. In India, it has been ranked as the eighth leading cause of death. The prevalence of this disease has almost doubled over the past decade, and is expected to increase further due to rise in risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, stress, and unhealthy eating habits. Dr Vijay Kher, Chairman of Kidney and Urology Institute at Medanta – The Medicity, Gurugram, share how a well-rounded-diet and adequate water intake are key to combating kidney disease. Besides, her haemoglobin level had also improved, concluding that the punanrva-based drugs not only improve the functioning of the kidney but also improve haemoglobin level.  The study, conducted at the Banaras Hindu University (BHU), was published in the World Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceuticals Science in 2017.  Another study published in the Indo American Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, too, stated the efficacy of the punarnava-based herbal formulations, including lotus leaves, patharchur and other major herbs when given to the subjects.