Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) and IgA nephropathy






Inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system is a widely accepted approach to treat immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy. Tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) is considered to be involved in the pathophysiologic process of this disorder. Recent in vitro and clinical observations that wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) can decrease TNF-α levels.

Herbal drug wormwood markedly decreased protein excretion among ten patients who had biopsy-proven IgA nephropathy and creatinine clearances greater than 90 mL/min. The decrease in protein excretion was also observed six months after stopping the herbal supplement. Thujone-free wormwood with its favorable safety profile can be an alternative supplement to manage proteinuria in patients with IgA nephropathy. 


Source
Krebs S, Omer B, Omer TN, Fliser D. Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) for poorly responsive early-stage IgA nephropathy: a pilot uncontrolled trial. Am J Kidney Dis 2010; 56:1095.
 

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