The effect of borage tea on urine and blood biochemistry on non-dialysis chronic renal failure patients

Background: There is no curative treatment for chronic renal failure (CRF). Important strategies for the control and prevention of the advancement of CRF are increased renal function and decreased blood pressure (BP) and weight. Borage has many benefits, such as increased frequency of urination, decreased BP, and increased renal function. This clinical trial study was designed to determine the effect of borage tea on the urine and blood chemistry of non-dialysis CRF patients in Khorram Abad, Iran, in 2002-2003. Materials and methods: For 25 adult patients, borage flower was prescribed to be used as a tea substitute twice a day (70 grams each time, at 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.) for seven days. The first assessment stage was done before the use of borage tea. The second and third assessment stages were done five days after the beginning of borage tea use and one day after the end of BT use, respectively. These assessments were clinical examinations, interviews, and urine and blood lab tests. All the results of the three assessment stages were recorded. The first set of data was collected prior to the patients’ use of borage tea, and the mean of the second and third data sets reflect post borage tea use. To determine the effect of borage tea use, a paired samples test was used. Also, the mean of each parameter’s results was described as a significant or insignificant difference. Results: Twenty-four hours after patients used borage tea, the volume of their urine, uric acid, potassium (K) and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) increased (P<5%). Their weight and BP decreased (P<5%). On the other hand, such parameters as urine creatine, sodium (Na), potassium (K), and urine acid in blood serum decreased. Conclusions: The results of this study show that the use of borage tea had an effect on patients’ urine and blood chemistry and renal function. Additionally, patients’ weight and blood pressure decreased.