MANILA, Philippines- The Department of Health (DOH) has warned against the use of herbal medications and supplements on Wednesday, June 22, reports Interaksyon. In a press briefing held at DOH media relations unit in Tayuman, Sta. Cruz Manila, health secretary Janette L. Garin said some residues of herbal medicines might be deposited in the kidney, which could cause inflammation and eventually lead to renal failure.
According to Garin, the inflammation may eventually create “schemia”, a condition in which the blood supply is restricted in the tissues resulting to shortage of oxygen and glucose required for cellular metabolism.
Philippine Disease Prevention and Control head Dr. Susan Jorge added that there are herbal supplements which can cause irreversible renal failure when used for a prolonged period of time.
“May mga herbal supplements na when taken, para makalabas sa katawan ito ay sa kidney dumaadaan. Ngayon itong mga residue na ito, the waste products, they deposit in the kidneys and become the cause of inflammation to small parts of the kidneys,” Dr. Jorge explained.
(There are herbal supplements that when taken, need to pass the kidney in order to exit the body. Its residue, the waste products, deposit in the kidneys and become the cause of inflammation to small parts of the kidneys.)
From 4,000 cases of renal failure in 2006, the cases rose to 28,215 this year, showing an increase of 185%. Jorge said the rise was brought about by the increasing cases of hypertension and diabetes in the Philippines.
What are Herbal Supplements?
Herbal supplements refers to the type of dietary supplement containing herbs plant or part of a plant used for its potential therapeutic properties.
According to Mayo Clinic, herbal supplements can have drug-like effects and are not as regulated as medications. This is why it’s important to consult a doctor, particularly if you’re taking medications or having chronic health problems, before taking any herbal supplements.