A research paper on Patanjali’s Renogrit, a herbal formulation, has been featured among the most notable research studies of 2024 for its effectiveness in protecting against the damaging effects of cancer drug cisplatin on kidneys. The study, published in the prestigious Scientific Reports journal, found that Renogrit selectively protects against cisplatin-induced injury in human renal tubular cells and in Caenorhabditis elegans by regulating apoptosis and mitophagy. The research paper has been ranked among the 100 best papers in the journal, which is the 5th most-cited journal globally.
Renogrit, a plant-derived prescription medicine, has renoprotective properties against cisplatin-induced injury. The medication targets multiple pathways of cell injury, including oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis, necroptosis, mitophagy, and inflammation, without affecting the anti-cancer potential of cisplatin. The formulation is made from extracts of seven herbs, including Achyranthes aspera L., Saxifraga ligulata Murray, Butea frondosa Roxb. ex Willd., Crateva nurvala Buch.-Ham., Boerhavia difusa L., Cichorium intybus L., and Tribulus terrestris L.
Cisplatin is a powerful chemotherapy drug used to treat various cancers, but it has severe side effects, including nephrotoxicity (kidney damage) and other problems. This study highlights the potential of Renogrit as a clinical candidate to reduce cisplatin-induced kidney toxicity while preserving its anti-cancer effects. The phytopharmacological profile of the medicine was analyzed using in vitro and Caenorhabditis elegans based models, demonstrating its effectiveness in reducing cisplatin-induced kidney damage.
Acharya Balkrishna, the first author of the study, believes that this research is a significant step in establishing the scientific credibility of Ayurveda globally. The study’s success demonstrates that when ancient wisdom is tested on modern scientific parameters, it yields groundbreaking results. The researchers concluded that Renogrit shows potential as a clinical candidate to reduce cisplatin-induced kidney toxicity while preserving its anti-cancer effects.