Global Perspectives on Herbal and Alternative Therapies and Their Impact on Kidney Health

Herbal and traditional medicines have been integral to human healthcare for centuries, with widespread use across Asia, Africa, South America, and increasingly in Western populations. These remedies, rooted in cultural and spiritual practices, are often valued for their accessibility, affordability, and perceived safety. Globally, nearly 80% of the population relies on herbal medicine for primary healthcare, according to the World Health Organization. Despite their popularity, safety evaluations and pharmacovigilance for herbal therapies remain limited, particularly regarding their potential impact on renal health. The kidney, as a metabolically active organ responsible for filtering large volumes of blood, regulating fluid and electrolyte balance, maintaining acid-base homeostasis, producing erythropoietin, and metabolizing xenobiotics, is highly vulnerable to toxic insults. Herbal constituents, though natural, can exert nephrotoxic effects, posing significant risks to kidney function. This review highlights the importance of understanding the renal implications of herbal and alternative therapies, emphasizing the need for rigorous safety assessments, public awareness, and integration of evidence-based practices to safeguard global kidney health