The best-known form of herbal nephropathy is Chinese Herbal Nephropathy, due to aristolochic acid. However, other herbal remedies and supplements can damage the kidneys.
Mechanisms of nephropathic injury:
(1) direct toxicity
(2) adulteration or additives
(3) contamination
(4) replacement
(5) misidentification
(6) mistaken labeling
(7) unfavorable herb-drug interactions, including alteration of cytochrome p450
(8) adverse effects such as diuresis or rhabdomyolysis that can damage the kidneys
Nephropathy may be related to:
(1) heavy metals (mercury, lead, chromium, cadmium, arsenic)
(2) germanium
(3) cape aloe
(4) djenkol bean
(5) cat's claw
(6) toxic mushrooms
(7) adulteration with NSAIDS or other nephrotoxic drugs
(8) aristolochic acid
(9) cannabinoid
Adverse effects that can damage the kidneys:
(1) rhabdomyolysis
(2) dehydration secondary to diuresis
(3) hemolysis
(4) inhibition or activation of cytochrome P450 affecting medications
