Regulation of herbal medicine use based on speculation? A case from Sri Lanka
Authors
Wathsala Wijesinghe
aBandaranayake Memorial Ayurveda Research Institute, Nawinna, Sri Lanka
Senaka Pilapitiya
bDepartment of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Allied Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Saliyapura, Sri Lanka
Priyani Hettiarchchi
cDepartment of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Mihintale, Sri Lanka
Buddhika Wijerathne
dDepartment of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Allied Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Saliyapura, Sri Lanka
Sisira Siribaddana
bDepartment of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Allied Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Saliyapura, Sri Lanka
Keywords:
Chronic kidney disease of unknown aetiology, Aristolochia, Herbal medicines, Ayurveda, Traditional medicine, Sri Lanka
Abstract
Chronic Kidney Disease of Unknown aetiology is a significant public health problem in Sri Lanka. The final report by the WHO mission recommended regulation of herbal medicines containing aristolochic acid, which is an established nephrotoxin. The use of Complimentary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) has a history of more than 2500 years in Sri Lanka. Aristolochia species are rarely used in Ayurveda and traditional medicine in Sri Lanka. Before regulating the analysis of herbal preparations using Aristolochia, collecting data from CAM practitioners regarding the use of Aristolochia is necessary. Analysis of Ayurveda pharmacopeia shows the doses used are negligible and some preparations are used for external applications.
Keywords: Chronic kidney disease of unknown aetiology, Aristolochia, Herbal medicines, Ayurveda, Traditional medicine, Sri Lanka
Click on "Archives" to access the full archive of scientific preprints. You may use the categories and the search functionality to find select preprints you're interested in.
