LOWERING CREATININE LEVELS BY HERBAL TREATMENT AND YOGA: A PILOT CONTROLLED TRIAL

Purnima Datey* and Alex Hankey

ABSTRACT

Background: Elevated creatinine levels are a well-known measure of kidney dysfunction, and a criterion for dialysis, with its low life expectancy problems. Despite this, dialysis is commonly used to lower creatinine levels as it is the only recognised means of doing so. Here we present results of a pilot controlled trial showing that treating newly diagnosed diabetic patients with herbal juices and/or Yoga can also lower creatinine levels. Methods: a three month controlled trial was conducted on 112 incarcerated males aged 40.8±11.1 yrs with newly diagnosed elevated fasting blood sugar levels. Informed Consent was obtained from all participants. Ethical Clearance: was obtained from S-VYASA’s IEC. Interventions comprised fresh herbal juices and yoga; yoga; and no intervention controls. Assessments of creatinine levels were made on days zero and 90, pre/post the intervention. Those performing the assessments were blind to the reason for, and nature of, the study. Statistical analysis used SPSS-20. Findings: Significant reductions (all p < 0.001) of creatinine levels were observed in the herbal juices and yoga group (0.15±0.06), and yoga alone group (0.09±0.06) Control group levels increased by 0.12±0.07. Between group differences were also significant. Interpretation: Results suggest that a combination of daily intake of herbal juices and regular Yoga practice improves kidney function more than regular Yoga practice alone. Trial Registration: Clinical Trial Registration of India, Ref/2015/03/008680. Funding: The study was privately funded by Bhopal Central Jail and the first author. Conflict of Interest: P. Datey is founder-owner of Bhopal’s five Rasahara Kendra clinics.

Keywords: Interventions comprised fresh herbal juices and yoga; yoga; and no intervention controls.