From past to present: traditional herbs used in the treatment of nephrologic diseases in southeast Turkey.

Abstract

The use of plants for health care is as old as human history. In cases of disease, the first thing that comes to mind is usually herbs, recommended by older family members who have a knowledge and experience passed down through the generations. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than three quarters of the world population trust in herbs as a traditional medicine for health care (1). Unfortunately, most of these plants are consumed as if “harmless.” However, each plant has side effects and toxic properties besides the intended positive effect. A herb may contain hundreds of components having additive or synergistic effects. Root, leaf and flower of the same plant may contain different chemicals. The acidity, mineral content and heavy metal contamination of the plant’s soil would also effect its contents (2). The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) with herbs has been maintaining its popularity since ancient times at an increasing rate, especially in chronic, recurrent and/or incurable diseases. As a Mediterranean country, Turkey has a rich flora and therefore has vast experience of the use of plants for therapeutic purposes. Gaziantep is one of the major cities located on the historical Silk Road in southeast Turkey. It hosted various civilizations, and it inhabitants have a long experience of the use of herbs. In this article, the mostly used traditional plants in the treatment of nephrologic diseases in that region will be discussed. The duties of health professionals to create awareness about the side effects, interactions and toxicities of herbal treatments will be highlighted. The main diseases for CAM in nephrology are hypertension, urolithiasis, recurrent urinary tract infections and enuresis. Department of Pediatric Nephrology and Rheumatology, School of Medicine, Gaziantep University, Gaziantep Turkey Ayse Balat From past to present: traditional herbs used in the treatment of nephrologic diseases in southeast Turkey originAl ArTicle