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Use of herbal medicines has been linked to an increasing number of Kenyans suffering from chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Following this association, researchers at the Ministry of Health want the public educated on the dangers of using herbal medicines.
A study carried out among 306 patients admitted to Kenyatta National Hospital with various ailments suggests up to 39 per cent could unknowingly be suffering from kidney problems.
"This health facility-based study revealed a high burden of CKD in the population, with a prevalence of approximately 4 out of 10 inpatients," says the study published on August 23. Pan African Medical Journal.
The study was carried out by the Ministry of Health, Kenyatta National Hospital and Me University in Eldoret.
Chronic kidney
The study of patients with Kenyan counties is one of the most common in the country.
Some of the predisposing factors include older age, males, anemia (deficiency in red blood cells), hypertension, bloody urine, and use of alcohol or tobacco.
Possible mechanisms through which herbal medications lead to CKD, the study says, include direct poisoning of kidneys through toxic herbs and use of contaminated or adulterated remedies.
The authors say herbal remedies can also lead to CKD or their interactions with other medications.
Last year, the Kenya Medical Research Institute (Kemri) reported that most herbal medicines in major cities in Kenya are highly contaminated and dangerous for human consumption.
The survey, covering Nairobi, Mombasa and Eldoret, reported almost all the herbal powders, tablets, capsules, oils and liquids are contagious, with some untreatable germs resistant to a number of antibiotics.
"Dr. Lucia Keter of Kemri, lead investigator, said that they were literally infected with more dangerous diseases.
Test samples had been purchased from herbal clinics, herbal product manufacturers, local retailers and hawkers and street vendors in the three towns.
The study found 90 percent of the total samples contaminated.
In October 2018, a team of patients was attending Kenyatta National Hospital.
"Of those who have used free medicines," said Mary Perkins of the University of Nairobi.
"Public education on the dangers of herbal medications should be raised with the national level, emphasizing their association with CKD diagnosis," recommends the new study.
It is estimated more than two-thirds of Kenyans depend on herbal medicine for their primary health care needs.
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chronic kidney diseaseKenyatta National Hospital
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