Evaluation of Microalbumin-Creatinine Ratio, Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate and Serum Creatinine Among Consumers of Polyherbal Formulations (Agbo) in Nnewi Metropolis

Abstract

Objective: Polyherbal medicine (Agbo), which re herbal concocotions prepared from a variety of herbs are commonly used by Nigerians to treat illnesses and has been in existence since the ancient times. However, it has recently been implicated among the leading causes of kidney failure among Nigerians. This study was aimed at evaluating the effects of agbo herbal formulation on the renal function using microalbumin creatinine ratio (uACR) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Methods: A total of hundred subjects were ecruited for this study using random sampling method which included 50 regular consumers of the polyherbal mixture (test group), and age-matched 50nonconsumers (control group). They were also matched for their alcohol and cigarette consumptions. Urine and blood samples were collected for the measurement of uACR, and creatinine respectively, while eGFR was calculated using chronic kidney disease epidemiology (CKD-EPI, 2021) established formula. Questionnaires were used to collect subject information and the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0 was used to analyze the data. Results: There was a significant increase in the mean levels 
of uACR and serum creatinine in the test group when compared with control group (p<0.05). However, the mean levels of eGFR did not differ significantly in test group when compared with the control. Furthermore, no significant correlation was observed in frequency of consumption of these herbal medicines with uACR and eGFR (p>0.05). Similarly, there was no significant correlation between age and uACR, eGFR and serum creatinine in both test and control groups (p>0.05). However, there was a significant positive correlation between the duration of agbo consumption and uACR (P<0.05). Conclusion: These findings indicate that polyherbal medicine intake may be detrimental to the kidney, especially under long period of intake. Caution should be exercised while consuming these products.