Chinese Medicines Can Also Harm the Kidneys—Usage Requires Caution
After reports surfaced that certain Chinese patent medicines containing Guanmutong could damage the kidneys, public concern grew. Recently, a licensed pharmacist in Shenzhen, unwilling to disclose their name, warned patients that some decoctions may cause kidney damage. Long-term users of herbal decoctions must pay attention to this potential side effect.
The kidneys are the body’s primary detoxification organs, making them prone to drug adverse reactions. In December of last year, the National Adverse Drug Reaction Monitoring Center released a list of nine drugs—both Western medications and Chinese patent medicines—with known adverse reactions, including those containing Guanmutong.
Besides Guanmutong, other Chinese herbs may also cause kidney damage. Cases reported domestically include Lei Gong Teng (Tripterygium wilfordii), Qian Niu Zi (Ipomoea seed), Cang Er Zi (Xanthium fruit), Ying Su Ke (Poppy capsule), Sheng Cao Wu (Raw Aconite root), and Shi Jun Zi (Quisqualis seed). Among them, Lei Gong Teng causes the most severe kidney damage, followed by Guanmutong. The reason Guanmutong harms the kidneys is due to its content of nephrotoxic aristolochic acid. Similarly, plants in the Aristolochia family with blood pressure-lowering effects, such as Qingmutong (Aristolochia debilis) and Guang Fang Ji (Stephania tetrandra), also contain aristolochic acid.
Whether a particular Chinese herb causes kidney damage depends primarily on its chemical components. If a herb contains components potentially harmful to the kidneys, long-term or excessive use by a patient will inevitably affect kidney health. A report analyzing herb-induced kidney damage indicates that nearly 90% of cases result from overdose.
This pharmacist emphasized that processing methods, herb compatibility, decoction techniques, and usage methods may mitigate some of the nephrotoxic effects of certain herbs. Patients requiring long-term medication should carefully read the instructions and consult their prescribing doctor about possible toxic side effects. Elderly people, children, and pregnant women should use Chinese herbs with caution, avoiding high doses and prolonged courses, and monitoring any reactions after use.