A Clinical Review on a Polyherbal Formulation, Renalka revIew artICle
Transcription
A Clinical Review on a Polyherbal Formulation, Renalka revIew artICle
review article A Clinical Review on a Polyherbal Formulation, Renalka Syrup in Urinary Tract Infection MG Desai*, D Palaniyamma** Abstract Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common bacterial infections in general practice and are responsible for considerable morbidity in certain groups. UTI can be defined as a condition wherein bacteria multiply within the urinary tract. Numerous antimicrobial agents are used to treat UTIs with mixed clinical response. Recurrent UTI, despite antimicrobial treatment is a cause of clinical concern due to their adverse effects on long-term and also because of rising incidence of drug resistance. Hence alternative agents, other than antimicrobial drugs, that are beneficial in treating UTI are required. Recently, there has been emphasis on the search for herbal preparations that can be helpful in the management of urinary disorders. In the Indian medical literature, many drugs have been advocated for this indication. Renalka syrup is a well-balanced, multi-ingredient formula with proven value in a variety of urinary disorders. It is a natural and effective alkalizer. The potent herbs possess analgesic, anti-inflammatory and diuretic activity without increasing excretion of electrolytes such as sodium, chloride and bicarbonate. Renalka syrup not only relieves burning micturition, but also soothes inflamed urinary mucosa. It restores normal urinary pH and normalizes the frequency of micturition. It is effective for long-term prophylaxis of UTI. Several clinical trials were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of this herbal urinary alkalizer in bacteriologically-proven UTIs. It was found to be safe and effective in relieving the symptoms of UTI. Five clinical studies conducted with Renalka syrup on substantial sample size are discussed in the review. Keywords: Renalka, urinary tract infection, alkalizer U rinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most prevalent microbial diseases and their financial burden on society is substantial. These accounted for nearly seven million office visits and one million emergency department visits, resulting in 1,00,000 hospitalizations in the US.1 UTI refers to the presence of microbial pathogens within the urinary tract. Usually classified by the site of infection (bladder [cystitis], kidney [pyelonephritis] or urine [bacteriuria]), these can also be asymptomatic or symptomatic, characterized by a wide-spectrum of symptoms ranging from mild irritative voiding to bacteremia, sepsis or even death. UTIs that occur in a normal genitourinary tract with no prior instrumentation are termed ‘uncomplicated’ (uUTI), whereas infections that are associated with structural or functional abnormalities, including instrumentation *Associate Professor, Dept. of Urology Dr BR Ambedkar Medical College and Hospital, Bangalore **Medical Advisor R&D Center, The Himalaya Drug Company, Makali, Bangalore Address for correspondence Dr D Palaniyamma Medical Advisor R&D Center, The Himalaya Drug Company Makali, Bangalore - 562 123 E-mail: [email protected] such as indwelling urethral catheters, and are frequently asymptomatic are termed ‘complicated’ (cUTI).2,3 The main causative pathogen involved in recurrent UTI in women is Escherichia coli, which accounts for about 80% of all episodes. Other significant pathogens include Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Proteus mirabilis; each causes about 4% of all episodes of acute cystitis. Citrobacter and Enterococci are less likely causes of UTI in women.4 In the classic theory for UTI development, the uropathogen is a part of the fecal flora. It colonizes the vagina and distal urethra. It then ascends into the bladder and causes infection. This model is the same for sporadic and for recurrent UTI in women.5,6 Reservoirs of uropathogenic bacteria can remain in the gastrointestinal tract and vagina of the susceptible individual. Diagnosis and management can be done based on symptoms alone without further laboratory confirmation. In complicated or questionable cases, urinalysis is done to confirm the diagnosis and to detect presence of urinary nitrites, red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (leukocytes), leukocyte esterase or bacteria. Urine culture is deemed positive, if it shows a bacterial colony count of ≥103 colony-forming units (CFU)/ml. Indian Journal of Clinical Practice, Vol. 22, No. 12, May 2012 11 review article Antibiotic sensitivity can also be tested, by carrying out urine culture and sensitivity test which will be useful in the selection of antibiotic treatment.7 UTI is the second most common clinical indication for empirical antimicrobial treatment in primary and secondary care, and urine samples constitute the largest single category of specimens examined in most medical microbiology laboratories.8 Antibiotics such as fluoroquinolones (norfloxacin, ciprofloxacin, pefloxacin), cephalosporins (cephalexin, cefaclor), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and nitrofurantoin are commonly used. Choice of antibiotic should rely on community patterns of resistance, adverse events and local costs. Antibiotics are usually effective in treating acute infections and are the primary means of prophylaxis for recurrent UTI patients; but, their utility is declining by the emergence of increasing numbers of drug-resistant bacteria.9 At least 50% of men with recurrent UTI10 and over 90% of men with febrile UTI11 have prostate involvement, which may lead to complications such as prostatic abscess or chronic bacterial prostatitis. Each system of the body has its own physiological pH value and variation too far from that pH range, increases susceptibility to disease. Humans live in an acidic environment with poor quality and highly processed foods, polluted water and air, environmental toxins, poor breathing techniques and acidifying prescription medications consistently adding to the acidic burden of the body. Most diseases arise from an acidic milieu. An acidic body is a reactive body, thus by reducing acidity, one can also reduce allergic symptoms, tendency towards inflammation and reverse the trend towards chronic conditions. An alkalizer helps to reduce tissue acidosis and shift the acid-base balance to a normal range, promoting good health and well-being. Dysuria is attributed to the acidic urine, due to bacterial infection. Therefore, alkalinization of the urine may provide symptomatic relief.12 Recently, there has been greater emphasis on the search for herbal preparations that can be help in the management of urinary disorders. In the Indian medical literature, many drugs have been advocated for this indication. Renalka syrup is a well-balanced, multi-ingredient formula with proven value in a variety of urinary disorders. It is a natural and effective alkalizer, not only relieves burning micturition, but also soothes inflamed urinary mucosa. It restores normal urinary pH and normalizes the frequency of micturition. It is effective for long-term prophylaxis 12 Indian Journal of Clinical Practice, Vol. 22, No. 12, May 2012 of UTI. In this review, we discuss five clinical studies conducted with Renalka syrup. Pharmacological actions of individual herbs in Renalka Syrup Renalka syrup contains principal ingredients like Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris), Varuna (Crataeva magna), Sariva (Hemidesmus indicus), Musta (Cyperus rotundus), Ushira (Vetiveria zizanioides), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Trikatu, Ela (Elettaria cardamomum) and Kshara parpati. Gokshura or (T. terrestris): It has remarkable antiinflammatory and analgesic actions to reduce pain, as noticed during dysuria. The anti-inflammatory action normalizes the mucosa.13 It also has antimicrobial actions against common etiopathogens.14 T. terrestris has potent diuretic action that increases blood flow in the kidneys.15 This, in turn, increases glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and hence urinary output. Though it increases the excretion of water, it does not increase elimination of electrolytes such as sodium, chloride and bicarbonate as occurs with other diuretics. This action is useful in conditions such as pyelonephritis, urethritis and cystitis and also prevents urolithiasis that result from stasis of the urine in kidneys. It is renoprotective by increasing chloride and creatinine clearance from the body.15 Varuna (C. magna): It has remarkable anti-inflammatory and analgesic actions to reduce pain on urination (dysuria). The anti-inflammatory action normalizes the mucosa.16 It is useful in urolithiasis and other disorders of the urinary tract.17 Sariva (H. indicus): It is renoprotective against chemically-induced nephrotoxicity.18 The potent antioxidants in the herb protect the genitourinary system from oxidative tissue damage.19,20 Due to its probably alterative and urinary supportive actions, it normalize urinary pH.21 Musta (C. rotundus): The anti-inflammatory and analgesic actions reduce pain of dysuria.22 C. rotundus has potent diuretic action that increases blood flow in the kidneys. This, in turn, increases GFR and hence the urine output.23 Ushira (V. zizanioides): The potent diuretic action of this herb increases GFR and the urine output. This process increases the amount of water excreted, but does not increase elimination of electrolytes such as sodium, chloride and bicarbonate as occurs with other diuretics.24 review article Shatavari (A. racemosus): It has antimicrobial against common etiopathogens involved in It also has inhibits lithiasis and reduces the of stones.26 The antioxidants in the herb the genitourinary system from oxidative damage.27,28 actions UTIs.25 weight protect tissue Trikatu: An Ayurvedic formulation comprises a 1:1:1 ratio of dried fruits of Piper nigrum, P. longum and dried rhizomes of Zingiber officinale. Piperine from P. nigrum is rapidly absorbed across the intestinal barrier, and acts as an apolar molecule forming apolar complex with drugs and solutes. This modulates membrane dynamics, due to its easy partitioning thus increasing permeability across the barriers. These membrane modulations enhance bioavailability of nutrients and medications.29 Ela (E. cardamomum): It has remarkable antiinflammatory and analgesic actions to reduce pain, as noticed during dysuria. The anti-inflammatory action normalizes the mucosa.30 Kshara parpati: Its potent diuretic action increases blood flow in the kidneys, which increases GFR and hence the output of urine. Though water excretion is increased, but excretion of electrolytes (sodium, chloride and bicarbonate) is not increased. The urinary pH is normalized possibly due to alterative and urinary supportive actions.31 Clinical studies Study 1: Clinical Trial on Renalka Syrup in UTI32 Material and methods: Fifty patients (23 males and 27 females) aged 17-65 years with a history of burning micturition, increased frequency of urination, fever, hematuria and pyuria were enrolled in the study (Table 1). UTI was diagnosed on the basis of clinical features and examination. Written informed consent was obtained from each patient. The study subjects were administered Renalka syrup at a dose of two teaspoonfuls twice-daily for 2-4 weeks. They were followed-up at regular intervals to evaluate its effect and also to rule out any side effects. The response to the drug (Renalka syrup) was observed by urine examination and culture, total leukocyte count (TLC) and differential leukocyte count (DLC). The results were assessed based on patients’ response as very good, good and poor. Results: Of the 36 patients diagnosed with cystitis, 18 patients (50%) improved within a week, 10 (28%) responded well after two weeks of treatment and two patients (5%) showed response after 3 weeks of treatment. But, only six patients (17%) required adjuvant oral antibiotics before they responded (Table 2). No patient developed any side effects that would have required either reduction in the dose or omission of the drug. No patients withdrew from the trial. Conclusion: Renalka syrup is effective in the treatment of cystitis and chronic prostatitis, without producing any undesirable side effects. In chronic UTIs, it may be useful for long-term prophylaxis. However, a larger clinical trial is proposed to evaluate its efficacy in a wider perspective. Study 2: UTI and Its Management by Renalka33 Material and methods: The present clinical trial was carried out in 30 female patients in the age group of 22-46 years, attending Prasuti Tantra OPD of SS Hospital, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi. A complete history of the patients was recorded in a specially prepared research proforma and patients were registered in the trial with an informed consent for the given treatment. Urine analysis and culture was done in all the cases before starting the clinical trial. Renalka syrup was Table 1. Symptom-wise Grouping of Patients32 Symptom No. of patients Cystitis 36 Prostatitis 10 Prostatic abscess 1 Pyelonephritis 3 Table 2. Response to Treatment with Renalka Syrup32 Indication 1 week Response to treatment with Renalka syrup 2 weeks 3 weeks Adjuvant therapy (oral antibiotics) Cystitis (36) 18 10 2 6 Chronic prostatitis (10) – 2 6 2 Prostatic abscess (1) – – – 1 Pyelonephritis (3) – 1 – 2 Indian Journal of Clinical Practice, Vol. 22, No. 12, May 2012 13 review article given twice-daily as 2 teaspoonfuls for four weeks. Weekly urine analysis was done and clinical findings were recorded. Urine culture was treated at the end of four weeks treatment. The final assessment of results was done at the end of four weeks. Twenty-six patients complained of burning micturition, 21 had frequency of urination, 12 patients had severe dysuria with mild-to-moderate fever and 12 only had dysuria as a presenting symptom. Renalka syrup was given twicedaily as 2 teaspoonfuls for four weeks.Urine culture was done in all 30 patients prior to treatment. The culture was positive in 90%. Results were assessed based on patients’ response as very good, good and poor. Urine analysis revealed the presence of albumin in 20 patients, pus cells in 23 patients, epithelial cells in 19 patients and RBCs in five patients. Results: There was marked relief in burning micturition (96.15%) and frequency of micturition (95.23%). Eleven out of 12 patients showed relief in dysuria with mild fever (91.66%), whereas all the patients had complete relief of dysuria (Table 3). Renalka syrup was also found to be effective against pathogens like E. coli, B. proteus, Klebsiella and Pseudomonas (Table 4). No side effects, which would have required a dose reduction or omission of the drug, were reported. No patients withdrew from the trial. Conclusion: Renalka, an Ayurvedic preparation has proved its efficacy and safety in chronic UTI. The trial drug was quite effective in controlling and relieving clinical symptoms significantly. Study 3: Renalka Syrup in the Treatment of UTI34 Material and methods: All patients included in the study were subjected to a detailed clinical examination, urinalysis, urine culture, hemoglobin (Hb), TLC, DLC, urea, creatinine and blood glucose estimation, including ultrasonography/X-ray KUB. Prostate was examined in patients aged 60 or above. Paracetamol was used if fever was >101°F. Antibiotics were withdrawn in all patients included in this study. Renalka syrup was given orally at a dose of two teaspoonfuls, twice-daily before breakfast and after dinner for 2-4 weeks depending upon clinical response. Treatment efficacy was assessed weekly using clinical/or bacteriological criteria. Patients with cUTI not responding to Renalka syrup in a week’s time were given suitable antibiotics depending upon urinary pathogens and their sensitivity pattern. The factors responsible for cUTI were noted in each patient. Results: Twenty-eight (70%) patients showed good clinical response to Renalka; three patients were lost for follow-up (Table 4). Most patients were given the drug for two weeks and three cases continued treatment for 4 weeks. None of the patients developed any side effects, which would have required a reduction of the dose or omission of the drug. Three patients withdrew from the trial. Conclusion: Renalka syrup is an effective herbal formulation in treatment of uUTI. Patients with cUTI who do not respond well with Renalka alone need antimicrobial agents. Thus, Renalka syrup is an economical, safe and effective herbal preparation in the management of uUTI in adults. Study 4: Effect of Renalka Syrup in UTI35 Material and methods: Forty patients of either sex, of different age groups with complaints like difficulty in micturition, burning micturition, etc., Table 3. Clinical Response after 4 Weeks33 Symptoms No. of patients Relief No. % Burning micturition 26 25 96.15 Frequency of micturition 21 20 95.23 Dysuria with mild fever 12 11 91.66 Dysuria alone 12 12 100 Table 4. Effect of Renalka on the Pathogens33 Organism Culture positive before treatment Culture negative after treatment No. % E. coli 21 19 90.47 B. proteus 3 3 100 Klebsiella 2 2 100 Pseudomonas 1 1 100 14 Indian Journal of Clinical Practice, Vol. 22, No. 12, May 2012 review article from the OPD of the Dept. of Shalya Shalakya, SS Hospital, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, were enrolled in the study. Complete clinical examinations, hematological investigations like TLC, DLC, Hb, blood urea, serum creatinine, urine examination (routine and microscopic and culture and sensitivity) and ultrasonography for urine bladder, kidney and prostate were done on each patient. Subjects with malignancy, pregnancy, renal failure, cerebrovascular episodes, nonconcomitant severe illness necessitating other treatment modes, AIDS, congenital deformity and tuberculosis, were excluded. Antibiotic and alkalizing drugs, which are commonly used in UTI, were withdrawn. Renalka syrup was given at a dose of 2 teaspoonfuls, thricedaily before meals for four weeks. Patients were assessed weekly on the basis of their symptoms and clinical findings. All laboratory investigations were also repeated every week. Results: Patients, who presented with various symptoms of UTIs, were categorized into two major groups, having indwelling catheters 21 cases (52.5%), or without indwelling catheters, 19 (47%). TLC, DLC, Hb, blood urea and serum creatinine were routinely done before, during and at end of therapy and no significant changes were observed after treatment with Renalka syrup. None of the patients developed any side effects, which would have required a reduction of the dose or omission of the drug. No patients withdrew from the trial. Conclusion: Renalka syrup can be safely used effective control of symptoms like burning micturition and frequency of micturition in UTI. It is also effective in eradicating common urinary etiopathogens like E. coli. Study 5: Renalka in UTI in Traumatic Paraplegia Patients36 Material and methods: One hundred patients of either sex aged between 20-60 years were included in the trial. They were divided into two groups: Group I included 62 patients with significant bacteriuria with symptoms of increased frequency, dysuria, fever or fever with chills and rigor; Group II, which included 38 patients who were asymptomatic but had significant bacteriuria. Patients with history of malignancy, renal failure and a nonconcomitant severe illness necessitating other treatment modes were excluded from the study. Baseline complete urine examination with culture and sensitivity was done. In Group I, 32 patients (51.61%) were on Renalka syrup and 30 (48.38%) were on placebo. In Group II, 21 (55%) were on Renalka syrup and 17 (45%) were on placebo. Renalka syrup was administered at a dose of two teaspoonfuls twice-daily before breakfast and dinner. Specific antibiotics as per culture sensitivity report were added to the Renalka syrup group and to the placebo group besides the drug and placebo. Follow-up was done every 2 weeks for six weeks. Urine routine and culture was also done at these visits. Results: Out of 32 patients in the Renalka group, eight patients had acidic urine at admission. At the end of treatment, only one showed acidic urine. In the placebo group, 21 patients had acidic urine and at the end of six weeks, 22 cases persisted to show acidic urine. None of these patients showed alkaline urine pH after six weeks in placebo group. Out of 19% (4 cases) passing acidic urine at admission, only 4.76% (one) was acidic at six weeks in the Renalka and in almost all the cases (95.24%), urine was alkaline at six weeks. In the patients in Renalka group, urine culture showed E. coli as the commonest pathogen (16) followed by Klebsiella (9), Proteus (2) and five patients culture did not reveal any organism on admission to the study. Patients on the placebo showed the following pathogens E. coli (15), Klebsiella (8), Proteus (2) and urine of five patients was sterile at the beginning of the study. At the end of six weeks 22 patients (68.75%) the urine became sterile in the Renalka group, whereas only nine patients (30%) were sterile in placebo group. None of the patients developed any side effects, which would have required a reduction of the dose or omission of the drug. No patients withdrew from the trial. Conclusion: Renalka syrup was found to be very effective in symptomatic improvement of UTI within two weeks in terms of dysuria, frequency, fever and fever with chills and rigor as well as changing urinary pH to alkaline medium. It was effective in preventing UTI recurrence. It also has antibacterial activity as evident by the decrease in bacterial colony count and absence of pus cells in the urine. No side effects were seen with drug or placebo. There was good response in terms of compliance. CONCLUSION UTI is a common disorder in all age groups and in both sexes worldwide. Though several antibiotics are available for treatment, the problem of drug resistance and adverse effects of long-term use of drugs are quite common. In view of this and given the fact that Ayurveda has guidelines to preserve positive health and to provide relief from disease, Renalka syrup was evaluated as treatment for UTI. The polyherbal formulation has been significantly effective in controlling and relieving clinical symptoms; Indian Journal of Clinical Practice, Vol. 22, No. 12, May 2012 15 review article besides, it also has demonstrated antimicrobial efficacy against the common urinary pathogens such as E. coli, Klebsiella and B. proteus. The efficacy of Renalka syrup can be attributed to the synergistic actions of its constituent herbs. The potent herbs T. terrestris, C. rotundus, V. zizanioides, Kshara parpati increase GFR, and hence the urine output. But, they do not increase excretion of electrolytes such as sodium, chloride and bicarbonate as occurs with other diuretics. Herbs like T. terrestris, C. magna, H. indicus, C. rotundus, V. zizanioides, A. racemosus, Trikatu, E. cardamomum and Kshara parpati possess analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties and help to ameliorate symptoms of UTI like dysuria and increased frequency. 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