Developed based on a thorough review of the scientific evidence, NutraOrigin's Renatol formula includes only ingredients with documented efficacy and saf ety, and contains no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. The ingredients described below will give you a better understanding of how Renatol works to support kidney function.*
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Cordyceps Extract
Cordyceps sinensis (mycelia) is a botanical ingredient that has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for hundreds of years as a tonic for enhancing longevity, vitality and endurance.*
Preliminary evidence in animals and humans indicates cordyceps supports the kidneys' toxin-processing function while strengthening overall kidney health.* (1,2,3) Laboratory research suggests that cordyceps has antioxidant activity. In one study it was shown to have a strong inhibitory effect against lipid oxidation. (4) In another, a polysaccharide isolated from cordyceps was especially effective at scavenging hydroxyl radicals.* (5) Cordyceps' kidney-protective effect is thought to be directly related to its antioxidant activity.* (5)
Cranberry Extract
The use of cranberries for supporting bladder and kidney health goes as far back as early Native Americans, who passed their knowledge of the berry's usefulness on to the Pilgrims.
Modern research has confirmed cranberry's traditional use. A review study, which analyzed the results of 10 placebo-controlled human studies, found that women who took either cranberry juice or cranberry tablets were more likely to enjoy bladder health than women who took placebo.* (6) Researchers believe cranberry works by protecting the bladder wall.* (7)
Hydrangea Extract
Like cranberry, hydrangea was a favored herb among Native Americans, and later the settlers, for supporting the well-being of the urinary tract and kidneys.* (8)
As a natural diuretic, hydrangea encourages the passing of urine, which may support kidney health.* (9) It is also said to be tonifying to the membranes that line the urinary tract.*
Juniper Berry Extract
Juniper berries are most well-known today for their use in the production of gin. However, in traditional medicine, they were commonly used to support bladder health.*
Juniper acts as a diuretic. Its water-eliminating actions can be attributed to the volatile oil, which is thought to boost kidney filtration rate, increasing urine flow.* (10,11) Unlike other diuretics, it does not deplete the body's stores of electrolytes.* (10)
Parsley Leaf
Native to the Mediterranean, parsley leaf has long been used in folk medicine and by modern herbalists as a diuretic to increase urine flow.* (12,13) It has been approved by the German Commission E for flushing out the urinary tract.* (14)
Animal research supports the use of parsley for water elimination.* An in vivo study found that rats that drank an aqueous parsley extract had a significant increase in urine flow rate compared to rats drinking water.* Two active constituents have been identified: apiol and myristicin. (15) Researchers believe these compounds exert their diuretic action by increasing the retention of potassium.* (16)
Chanca Piedra Extract
Chanca piedra (Phyllanthus niruri) has been used traditionally in Brazilian folk medicine to maintain kidney function.*
A randomized, placebo-controlled human clinical trial on 69 subjects found that Chanca piedra maintained normal urinary calcium levels compared to controls.* (17) Laboratory research provides further evidence of this effect.* (18,19)
Schisandra
Schisandra, also known as magnolia vine, is a treasured liver-protective herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It is categorized as an adaptogen, meaning it can help the body adapt to all kinds of environmental stressors.*
Current animal research focuses on the potential of schisandra to support liver health.* (20,21) Studies indicate it may be effective in shielding the liver from harmful toxins, stimulating liver repair, encouraging liver cell regrowth and enhancing overall liver function. (21,22,23)
Gokshura Extract
Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris) is a flowering plant also known as puncture vine that has been traditionally used in China, India and Greece. It was frequently used as a diuretic.* (24)
Animal research suggests gokshura maintains normal levels of urinary oxalate excretion, which may support kidney health.* (25,26) In fact, one study showed that gokshura promoted liver and kidney function under stressful circumstances.* (25)
Vitamin B6 and Vitamin B12
As a group, the B vitamins are essential for maintaining the health of the nervous system, as well as the skin, hair, eyes and liver.*
A research review of animal and human studies concluded that a deficiency of vitamin B6 raises oxalate levels in the urine, increasing the likelihood of developing kidney stones.* (27) According to research by Tufts University, vitamin B6 deficiency affects about 11 percent of supplement users and 25 percent of non-users. (28)
A 14-year observational study of more than 85,000 women confirmed that women with high intakes of B6 were more likely to experience urinary and kidney health than those with low intakes.* (29) One study also found that supplementation with vitamin B6 helped maintain normal levels of oxalate excretion in people prone to form excess amounts of the compound.* (30)
Vitamin B12 affects nearly every function and every cell in the body.* It is important that people with kidney and liver concerns get adequate amounts of vitamin B12.* (31)
Magnesium
Magnesium is an essential mineral required by all the organs of the body, particularly the heart, muscles and kidneys.* It has been used to support renal health as far back as the 17th century.*
Modern research has validated magnesium's role in promoting kidney and urinary health.* In a comparison study, people who were supplemented with magnesium for two years were twice as likely to maintain free and easy urination compared with those who received no treatment.* (32) Another study, which lasted four years, yielded a similar success rate.* (33) The combination of magnesium plus vitamin B6 has also been shown to be effective, possibly by maintaining normal levels of oxalate excretion.* (34)
Calcium
Like magnesium, calcium is an essential mineral. Surprisingly, population studies have shown that high calcium intake is associated with the maintenance of normal urinary excretion of oxalate in most people.* (35,36,37)
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- Bao ZD, et al. "Amelioration of Aminoglycoside Nephrotoxicity by Cordyceps sinensis in Old Patients." Chung Kuo Chung Hsi I Chieh Ho Tsa Chih (1994) May;14(5)271-3.
- Zhao X, et al. "Cordyceps sinensis in Protection of the Kidney from Cyclosporine A Nephrotoxicity." Chung Hua I Hsueh Tsa Chih (1993) Jul;73(7)410-2.
- Zhen F, et al. "Mechanisms and Therapeutic Effect of Cordyceps sinensis (CS) on Aminoglycoside Induced Acute Renal Failure (ARF) in Rats." Chung Kuo Chung Hsi I Chieh Ho Tsa Chih (1992) May;12(5) 288-91.
- Yamaguchi Y, et al. "Antioxidant activity of the extracts from fruiting bodies of cultured Cordyceps sinensis." Phytother Res. (2000) Dec;14(8):647-9.
- Wang Y, et al. "Structural determination and antioxidant activity of a polysaccharide from the fruiting bodies of cultured Cordyceps sinensis." Am J Chin Med. (2009) 37(5):977-89.
- Jepson R, Craig J. "Cranberries for preventing urinary tract infections. Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2008) CD001321.
- Zafriri D, et al. "Inhibitory activity of cranberry juice on adherence of type 1 and type P fimbriated Escherichia coli to eucaryotic cells." Antimicrob Agents Chemother (1989) 33(1)92-8.
- Grieve, M. "Hydrangea." A Modern Herbal. Botanical.com. http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/h/hydran45.html
- Newall CA, Anderson LA, Philpson JD. Herbal Medicine: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. The Pharmaceutical Press, London (1996).
- American Botanical Council. "Juniper Berry." Expanded Commission E Monographs. http://cms.herbalgram.org/herbalmedicine/Juniperberry.htmlClose window
- Newall C, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-Care Professionals. Pharmaceutical Press, London (1996) 176.
- Tyler V. Herbs of Choice. Pharmaceutical Product Press, Binghamton, NY (1994) 75-6.
- Newall C. Herbal Medicine. A Guide for Health-Care Professionals. Pharmaceutical Press, London (1996) 203-4.
- Blumenthal M. The Complete German Commission E Monographs. Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Integrative Medicine Communications, Boston (1998) 179.
- Marczal G, Balogh M, Verzr-Petri G. "Phenol-ether components of diuretic effect in parsley." Acta Agron Acad Sci Hung (1977) 26:7-13.
- Kreydiyyeh SI, Usta J. "Diuretic effect and mechanism of action of parsley." J Ethnopharmacol (2002) 79:353-7.
- Nishiura JL, et al. "Phyllanthus niruri normalizes elevated urinary calcium levels in calcium stone forming (CSF) patients." Urol Res (2004) Oct;32(5)362-6.
- Barros ME, Schor N, Boim MA. "Effects of an aqueous extract from Phyllantus niruri on calcium oxalate crystallization in vitro." Urol Res (2003) Feb;30(6)374-9.
- Campos AH, Schor N. "Phyllanthus niruri inhibits calcium oxalate endocytosis by renal tubular cells: its role in urolithiasis." Nephron (1999) 81(4)393-7.
- Maeda S, et al. "Effects of Gomisin A on liver functions in hepatotoxic chemicals-treated rats." Jpn J Pharmacol (1985) Aug; 38(4)347-53.Close window
- Kubo S, et al. "Effect of Gomisin A (TJN-101) on liver regeneration." Planta Med (1992) Dec; 58(6) 489-92.
- Shiota G, et al. "Rapid induction of hepatocyte growth factor mRNA after administration of Gomisin A, a lignan component of shizandra fruits." Res Commun Mol Pathol Pharmacol (1996) Nov;94(2)141-6.
- Ohtaki Y, et al. "Deoxycholic acid as an endogenous risk factor for hepatocarcinogenesis and effects of Gomisin A, a lignan component of schizandra fruits." Anticancer Res (1996) Mar;16(2)751-5.
- Arcasoy HB, et al. "Effect of Tribulus terrestris L. saponin mixture on some smooth muscle preparations: a preliminary study." Boll Chim Farm (1998) 137:473-5.
- Sangeeta D, et al. "Effect of Tribulus terrestris on oxalate metabolism in rats." J Ethnopharmacol (1994) 44:61-6.
- Anand R, et al. "Activity of certain fractions of Tribulus terrestris fruits against experimentally induced urolithiasis in rats." Indian J Exp Biol (1994) 32:548-52.
- Parivar F, Low RK, Stoller ML. "The influence of diet on urinary stone disease." J Urol (1996) 155:432-40.
- Teitelbaum, Jacob. "Vitamin B6 deficiency common in U.S." Psychology Today (2009) April 22. http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/complementary-medicine/200904/vitamin-b6-deficiency-common-in-us
- Curhan GC, et al. "Intake of vitamins B6 and C and the risk of kidney stones in women." J Am Soc Nephrol (1999) 10:840-5.
- Murthy MS, Farooqui S, Talwar HS, et al. "Effect of pyridoxine supplementation on recurrent stone formers." Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther Toxicol (1982) 20:434-7.Close window
- Natural Standard Patient Monograph. "Vitamin B12." Mayo Clinic. Last reviewed Feb, 2010. http://mayoclinic.com/health/vitamin-B12/NS_patient-vitaminb12/DSECTION=evidence
- Johansson G, et al. "Effects of magnesium hydroxide in renal stone disease." J Am Coll Nutr (1982) 1:179-85.
- Johansson G, et al. "Biochemical and clinical effects of the prophylactic treatment of renal calcium stones with magnesium hydroxide." J Urol (1980) 124:770.
- Rattan V, et al. "Effect of combined supplementation of magnesium oxide and pyridoxine in calcium oxalate stone formers." Urol Res (1994) 22:161-5.
- Curhan GC, et al. "A prospective study of dietary calcium and other nutrients and the risk of symptomatic kidney stones." New Engl J Med (1993) 328:833-8.
- Hassapidou MN, et al. "Dietary habits of patients with renal stone disease in Greece." J Human Nutr Dietet (1999) 12:47-51.
- Sowers MFR, et al. "Prevalence of renal stones in a population-based study with dietary calcium, oxalate, and medication exposures." Am J Epidemiol (1998) 147:914-20.
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