Hepatic And Renal Toxicities Linked To Herbal Remedies In West Africa: a Critical Review Of An Under-Reported Public Health Problem
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.71637/toxicologydigest.vol5no1.51Keywords:
herbal medicine toxicity, hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, pharmacovigilance, regulatory oversight, West AfricaAbstract
Background:
Herbal remedies are widely used across West Africa for health promotion and disease management due to cultural acceptability, affordability, and limited access to conventional healthcare. However, their potential to induce organ toxicity remains poorly recognised and under-reported.
Objective:
This review aimed to critically synthesise available evidence on hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity associated with herbal remedy use in West Africa, with emphasis on toxicological mechanisms, clinical manifestations, regulatory challenges, and public health implications.
Methods:
A critical narrative review of peer-reviewed literature and grey sources published between 2000 and 2024 was conducted using major biomedical databases and regional repositories. Relevant studies addressing herbal medicine-associated hepatic and renal toxicity were identified, appraised, and synthesised narratively.
Results:
Reviewed evidence showed that herbal remedies are associated with diverse hepatic and renal injuries ranging from asymptomatic biochemical abnormalities to acute liver failure, acute kidney injury, and chronic kidney disease. Toxicity was linked to phytochemical cytotoxicity, oxidative stress, immune-mediated injury, herb–drug interactions, and heavy metal contamination. Under-reporting was driven by poor patient disclosure, limited clinician awareness, weak pharmacovigilance systems, and inadequate regulatory oversight.
Conclusions:
Herbal remedy-associated hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity represent under-recognised but preventable public health problems in West Africa. Strengthening regulatory frameworks, integrating herbal medicines into pharmacovigilance systems, improving clinical vigilance, and promoting targeted public health education are essential to reducing toxicity-related morbidity and improving the safe use of herbal medicines in the region.
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