Traditional Chinese medicine-associated nephrotoxicity and the importance of herbal interactions – an overview

ABSTRACT

Herbal traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) are an increasingly popular alternative therapy globally. Due to the complex chemical composition of herbal products, and with research showing that consumers from Western countries are more likely to take multiple herbal products at one time, the lack of understanding of the potential side effects of herbal TCM may pose a significant risk to health and wellbeing. This may be particularly so now that herbal preparations are being promoted for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 symptoms, often in association with Western medicines such as paracetamol. Of interest are the potential adverse effects of herbal TCMs on the kidney. Many factors can lead to the development of renal injury including intrinsic toxicity, plant misidentification, adulteration, contamination, and of increasing importance, interactions with conventional drugs and other herbs. This review evaluates and summarises some of the key aspects of TCM-induced nephrotoxicity and the current scope of herb-drug and herb-herb interaction that may cause adverse effects.