Severe Kidney Damage in Diabetics on Alternative Medicine

Aim: This study was designed to ascertain whether plant extracts had deleterious effects on patients using it to replace or compliment their prescribed medication. Animal model studies were also conducted to confirm or negate the findings in the patient study. Methods: Thirteen diabetic patients who had a history of exposure to herbal treatment and/or food toxins were compared to 10 insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) patients and 10 normal controls. Each group was matched for age, gender, body mass index (BMI) and in the case of the diabetic controls duration of diabetes. Microalbumin, urinary amylase, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and blood pressure were measured using standard techniques. Purified extract from the seeds of the annatto, Bixa Orellana, was fed to anesthetized mongrel dogs (n = 8-14). Subsequently, oral glucose tolerance tests and insulin measurements were performed using the standard methods. Concomitant electron microscopy of tissue biopsies was done. Results: Microalbuminuria was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in those that used bush medicines than in the control groups. Urinary amylase concentration was also higher in the former. Confounding factors such as high blood pressure and urinary tract infections were excluded as causes for the differences. The purified extract demonstrated hyperglycemia in the dog model. Electron microscopy of tissue biopsies revealed damage to major organs especially kidneys and pancreas. Conclusion: It is apparent that patients who substitute or take bush treatment along with or instead of their prescribed medication suffer severe kidney damage as confirmed by the animal studies.