Tunisian Nephroprotective Plants: A Review

Abstract

In Tunisian folk medicine, several herbs are prescribed for reducing renal damage and to avoid kidney related complications. These can be of immense value in combating renal damage. In this review, we provide a description of the current literature on the use of indigenous herbs as alternative medicine for treating renal damage. The aim of this review was to collect information on promising active phytoconstituents such as organosulfur compounds, polyphenols, terpenes, alkaloids phenylpropanoids, and polysaccharides from Tunisian plants that have been scientifically examined for their nephroprotective capacities. Twenty-nine Tunisian medicinal plants have been reported for their significant nephroprotective activities against renal toxicities in animal models. Lamiaceae was the most commonly used Tunisian plant family used for renal protection. The leaves were maximally used for nephroprotection compared to the other plant parts. Nephrotoxicity is commonly the result of several nephrotoxins. Many studies have focussed on drug-caused renal failure which is one of the major problems in medical practice. Other studies focused on other important nephrotoxicity factors, including drugs and industrial chemicals. This literature review highlights the use of some medicinal plants as nephroprotective agents. To defend against this nephrotoxicity, some medicinal plants, known as nephroprotective agents, have been highlighted in this review.