Can herbal teas be used as complementary therapies for kidney disorders? Results from a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has limited treatment options and is becoming more and more common. Since apparent evidence in the literature shows that herbs may be reno-protective, we discussed different kinds of herbal tea in relation to CKD and related disorders. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in health care centres located in a region in central Iran by enroling subjects aged 18 years and older. A self-reported questionnaire was used to evaluate the frequency and type of herbal tea drinks by participants. Anthropometric characteristics were measured and blood samples were obtained using a standard procedure. The Kidney Disease Outcome Quality Initiative (K/DOQI) guideline was the reference for diagnosis of CKD. Through multiple logistic models, the association between herbal tea drinking with CKD and related disorders was examined. Results: Overall, 3 322 subjects were examined in this study. Three types of herbal tea were consumed by the study participants including green tea, chamomile-thyme tea, and borage tea. No statistically significant consistent associations between kidney disorders, including CKD, haematuria, albuminuria, and kidney stone and consumption of these herbal preparations were identified. Conclusion: Overall, this study failed to suggest any consistent association between renal function and three categories of herbal tea in adult Iranian individuals.