Acute interstitial nephritis following kudzu root juice ingestion

Clin Nephrol. 2013 Oct;80(4):298-300. doi: 10.5414/cn107850.

Abstract

Recently, the use of herbal remedies and complementary and alternative medicine has increased globally. Kudzu root (Pueraria lobata) is a plant commonly used in traditional medicine to promote health. A middle-aged woman consumed kudzu root juice to promote health and well-being for 10 days. Subsequently, she developed anorexia, epigastric discomfort and azotemia. These symptoms improved rapidly within several days after discontinuation of the suspected offending agent and conservative treatment. Acute interstitial nephritis was diagnosed by renal biopsy. To our knowledge, this is the first case report describing acute interstitial nephritis following the ingestion of kudzu root juice.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Adult
  • Biopsy
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Eating
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Kidney / diagnostic imaging
  • Kidney / pathology
  • Nephritis, Interstitial / chemically induced*
  • Nephritis, Interstitial / diagnosis
  • Plant Roots / poisoning*
  • Pueraria*
  • Ultrasonography