Acute renal failure from herbal and patent remedies in Blacks.

Although widely recognized by physicians in Africa, the acute renal failure resulting from the use of herbal preparations obtained from witchdoctors and of non-proprietary preparations purchased over the counter from pharmacists has not been fully described in the past. Over a 4-year period at Baragwanath Hospital, 91 cases of this condition were encountered. The clinical spectrum of the disease is described and the problem is discussed, in the setting of the traditional beliefs of these patients. Steps which may be taken to eradicate the disease are suggested.