NEPHROPROTECTIVE POTENTIAL OF MEDICINAL PLANTS AND HERBAL MEDICINES: A REVIEW ON NATURAL NEPHROPROTECTIVE AGENTS

Abstract

Renal disorders have always remained a major area of concern for health. Medicinal plants may serve as a vital source of potentially useful new compounds for the development of effective therapy to combat a variety of kidney problems. Incidence of kidney diseases leading to kidney failure is increasing day by day. Many herbs have been proven to be effectual as nephroprotective agents. Various chemicals in common use are potential renal toxins. The use of herbal drugs for the prevention and treatment of various diseases is constantly developing. Some herbal therapy to treat severe renal disorders requires systematic investigation of properties like acute renal failure, nephritic syndrome and chronic interstitial nephritis. Herbal medicines possess curative properties due to the presence of their phytochemicals. Nephrotoxicity is an inherent adverse effect of certain antibiotics, anticancer drugs and other synthetic drugs. Various natural products and dietary antioxidants have exhibited protective effects against nephrotoxicity. Various herbal drugs have shown their potent nephroprotective effect due their antioxidant, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic properties. In this review, study the nephroprotective medicinal plants and herbal medicines which are scientifically proved in treating renal disorders.