Two separate studies published in Internation journals by Indian researchers have confirmed benefits of using ‘Punarnava’, an Indian herb, for kidney ailments. The extract from the plant can help with both preventing and managing kidney disease, said researchers, and added that one can definitely help slow the disease’s progression and treats its symptoms and complications by using formulations containing ‘Punarnava’ and a careful diet.

According to a case study conducted in Banaras Hindu University (BHU) which has been published in the World Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceuticals Sciences, a woman kidney patient was given Punarnava based syrup for a month. It was found that the creatinine level and urea level in her blood had gone down significantly to a healthy level. Not only this, but her hemoglobin level had also improved. Hence, it was concluded that Punanrva based drugs not only make the kidney’s health but also improves the hemoglobin level.

Similarly, another study published in the Indo American Journal of Pharmaceutical Research too talked about the efficacy of Punarnava based herbal formulations including lotus leaves, patharchur, and other major herbs when given to the subjects. It was found that the drug had helped in maintaining a histological parameter of kidneys, apart from reducing high levels of uric acid and electrolytes, The study said that “the syrup (Neeri KFT) is a potent neuroprotective formulation, protecting kidneys from nephrotoxins including oxidative damage induced by lead acetate.”

“Herbal formulations in Neeri KFT can be an alternative to dialysis to some extent. In fact, because of limited options in allopathy for kidney treatment, which is witnessing increasing trend due to changing lifestyles, now the emphasis is on Ayurveda drugs,” said Professor KN Dwivedi, Head of Department, Department of Dravyaguna, BHU.

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a global epidemic. Nearly 850 million people are known to suffer from kidney diseases from varied causes, worldwide. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) causes about 2.4 million deaths per year and is among the top five causes of deaths worldwide. India contributes to around 10% of the CKD burden of the world. The estimated prevalence of CKD is 1 in 10 (10%) in India. The most common cause of Chronic Kidney disease in India is Diabetes mellitus, which contributes to around 55-60% of CKD.