Polygonum Multiflorum for Kidney Health? What the Research Says

observational-study PMID: 24517060

Quick Summary: A study found that a Chinese herbal formula containing Polygonum multiflorum, when combined with a specific medication, helped reduce protein in the urine of people with a certain kidney condition. This suggests it might help manage kidney health, but more research is needed.

What The Research Found

Researchers looked at people with a kidney condition called chronic primary glomerulopathy (CPG) who also had a specific Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) diagnosis. They found that a treatment including a formula called Yishen Qingli Granule (which contains Polygonum multiflorum) and a low dose of another medication was more effective at reducing protein in the urine than a placebo. This is a good sign for kidney health, but it's important to understand the details.

Study Details

Who was studied: 231 people with CPG and a TCM diagnosis of "Shen deficiency and dampness heat syndrome."

How long: The study lasted 24 weeks, with another 24 weeks of follow-up.

What they took:

Trial Group: Yishen Qingli Granule (containing Polygonum multiflorum) twice a day, plus a low dose of another medication, and their standard treatment.
Control Group: Placebo (fake medicine) twice a day, plus their standard treatment.

What This Means For You

If you have kidney problems, this research suggests that a specific herbal formula containing Polygonum multiflorum, when combined with other treatments, might help reduce protein in your urine. However:

Talk to your doctor: This study used a specific formula and medication. Don't self-treat.

More research needed: This study is a starting point. More research is needed to confirm these findings and understand the long-term effects.

Consider TCM: This study used Traditional Chinese Medicine principles. If you're interested in this approach, consult a qualified TCM practitioner.

Study Limitations

Not a standalone treatment: The study used a combination of treatments, so we don't know if Polygonum multiflorum alone would have the same effect.

Specific condition: The study focused on a specific kidney condition and TCM diagnosis. The results may not apply to everyone.

More data needed: The study was not a randomized controlled trial, so the results may not be as reliable.

Potential side effects: The other medication used in the study has potential side effects, so it's important to discuss this with your doctor.

Key Findings

The study found that combining Yishen Qingli Granule (YQG), which includes prepared Polygonum multiflorum (10 g/day), with low-dose Tripterygium wilfordii multiglycoside tablet (TWT, 10 mg twice daily) significantly improved proteinuria control in chronic primary glomerulopathy (CPG) patients with Shen deficiency and dampness heat syndrome (SDDHS). The trial group showed a total effective rate of 82.83% versus 61.54% in the control group (P < 0.01). 24-hour urinary total protein (UTP) declined earlier (week 8) and stabilized in the trial group, with stratified analysis showing superior efficacy in patients with baseline UTP 0.8–3.0 g/24 h (P < 0.01). However, urine red blood cell (U(RBC)) reduction was not statistically significant between groups (P > 0.05). Adverse reactions (gastrointestinal discomfort, skin rash, irregular menstruation) and safety markers (WBC, SGPT, SGOT) were comparable between groups.

Study Design

This was a multi-center observational study (non-randomized) conducted across six Chinese hospitals. 231 CPG patients with SDDHS were assigned to a trial group (n=115) receiving YQG + TWT or a control group (n=116) receiving placebos. 217 patients completed safety analysis, and 203 underwent full analysis. The treatment duration was 24 weeks, with a 24-week follow-up.

Dosage & Administration

Yishen Qingli Granule (YQG): 1.5 g/pack (containing 10 g crude herbs, including 10 g raw astragalus and 10 g prepared Polygonum multiflorum) administered twice daily.
Tripterygium wilfordii multiglycoside tablet (TWT): 10 mg, twice daily, adjusted based on 24-hour UTP levels.
Control group received placebos mimicking YQG and TWT.

Results & Efficacy

Proteinuria reduction: Trial group UTP decreased significantly from week 8 onward (P < 0.01), with sustained effects.
Stratified UTP analysis: Patients with baseline UTP 0.8–3.0 g/24 h showed the most pronounced improvement (P < 0.01).
U(RBC): Decreased in the trial group but not statistically different from control (P > 0.05).
Safety: No significant differences in WBC, SGPT, or SGOT between groups (P > 0.05). Adverse reactions were mild and comparable.

Limitations

Observational design: Lacks randomization rigor and blinding, increasing risk of bias.
Combination therapy: Effects of Polygonum multiflorum alone cannot be isolated.
Population specificity: Results apply only to CPG patients with SDDHS, limiting generalizability.
Short follow-up: Long-term safety and efficacy beyond 24 weeks remain unassessed.
Dose adjustments: TWT dosing based on UTP levels may confound outcome interpretation.

Clinical Relevance

For CPG patients with SDDHS, this study suggests that YQG (containing Polygonum multiflorum) combined with low-dose TWT may enhance proteinuria control compared to standard therapy (ACEI/ARB + placebo). However, the lack of long-term safety data and the use of a multi-herb formula complicate conclusions about Polygonum multiflorum’s individual role. Users should exercise caution due to potential Tripterygium wilfordii toxicity at higher doses or prolonged use. These findings support further investigation into TCM-based combinations for proteinuria, but current evidence is insufficient to recommend Polygonum multiflorum alone for CPG without medical supervision.

Note: The study is rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) syndrome differentiation (SDDHS), which may not align with Western diagnostic frameworks. Always consult a healthcare provider before combining herbal therapies with conventional treatments.