Can cilantro help with kidney health?

Cilantro Has No Proven Benefits for Kidney Health and May Be Harmful for Those with Kidney Disease

Herbal remedies like cilantro are not recommended for people with kidney disease, as they lack proven benefits and may potentially cause harm. 1

Current Guidelines on Herbs and Kidney Health

The KDIGO guidelines specifically recommend against using herbal remedies in people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) 1. This recommendation carries a strong evidence rating (1B), indicating that the potential risks outweigh any theoretical benefits. The guidelines emphasize that patients with CKD should seek medical or pharmacist advice before using any over-the-counter medicines or nutritional supplements.

Why Herbal Supplements Are Discouraged

1. Lack of regulation: Dietary supplements, including herbs like cilantro, are not regulated as strictly as medications
2. Unpredictable effects: Herbs can have unpredictable pharmacokinetics and inconsistent manufacturing practices
3. Potential masking of kidney disease: Some herbs may mask symptoms or laboratory markers of kidney disease progression

Specific Concerns About Cilantro and Kidney Health

While cilantro (also known as coriander) is not specifically mentioned in most kidney disease guidelines, similar herbs like turmeric have been shown to mask proteinuria in patients with kidney disease 2. This masking effect can complicate the assessment of kidney disease progression and potentially lead to delayed treatment.

Potential Risks of Herbal Supplements for Kidney Patients

• May alter renal hemodynamics
• Can mask important clinical markers like proteinuria
• Potential for drug interactions with medications metabolized by CYP enzymes
• Risk of nephrotoxicity from contaminants or active compounds

Evidence-Based Dietary Approaches for Kidney Health

Instead of herbal supplements, KDIGO guidelines recommend:

1. Plant-based diet: A balanced, healthy diet high in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fiber, legumes, plant-based proteins, unsaturated fats, and nuts 1
2. Protein moderation: Maintaining protein intake of 0.8 g/kg body weight/day for adults with CKD G3-G5 1
3. Sodium restriction: Limiting sodium intake to <2 g per day 1
4. Regular physical activity: At least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity physical activity 1

Professional Guidance for Kidney Health

If you're concerned about kidney health, rather than using unproven herbal remedies:

• Consult with specialists: Work with nephrologists and renal dietitians who can provide evidence-based guidance
• Follow established guidelines: Adhere to KDIGO recommendations for diet, exercise, and medication management
• Regular monitoring: Maintain regular follow-up appointments to monitor kidney function and adjust treatment as needed

Potential Dangers of Herbal Remedies

A comprehensive review of kidney toxicity related to herbs and dietary supplements identified approximately 7 herbs and 10 dietary supplements linked to kidney injury cases published in medical literature 3. These injuries ranged from kidney stones and nephritis to acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease, and even death.

While cilantro specifically has not been widely reported to cause kidney damage, the general recommendation against herbal remedies in kidney disease applies due to the unpredictable nature of these supplements and lack of quality control in their production.

Bottom Line

For kidney health, focus on evidence-based approaches like proper diet, exercise, and medication management under medical supervision. Avoid unproven herbal remedies like cilantro that may potentially interfere with kidney function assessment or treatment.