Medicinal herbal extracts--renal friend or foe? Part two: herbal extracts with potential renal benefits.

In this second of two articles regarding the renal toxicities or benefits of medicinal herbs, herbs are reported as being 'potentially beneficial' to the kidneys if there is strong in vivo evidence of renal protection from toxic substances or drugs; potent, specific renal anti-oxidant effects; in vivo cancer antiproliferative effects specific to the kidneys; or in vivo evidence of being beneficial in renal disease or failure. Among the herbs, polyherbal formulae and fungi with potential renal benefits are Cordyceps sinensis, Sairei-to, Rheum spp., Salvia miltiorrhiza and its component, magnesium lithospermate B and others.