12 - Nephrotoxicity and Nephroprotective Potential of African Medicinal Plants

Abstract

The incidence of xenobiotic-induced nephrotoxicity, estimated at over 150 per million population based on sporadic regional publications, is increasing in all subregions of Africa. Studies across the continent have revealed plants with nephrotoxic or nephroprotective potential. Majority of these studies are conducted in South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt, Ethiopia, with some contributions also from other countries. Most efforts have yielded novel compounds exhibiting diverse pharmacological properties with remarkable efficacy. However, most data are from animal experimentation with few isolated case reports. Extended preclinical studies and large-scale clinical trials are required to provide information on the safety and efficacy of these plants in humans. This chapter provides an overview of the kidney’s role in xenobiotic metabolism and its vulnerability to injury. Special focus is paid to the review of some efforts across the African continent in the screening of plants for nephrotoxic or nephroprotective potential as well as the prominent methods employed.