Innovations Item Code: IN-2024-2100498
Sector: Health/Telemedicine
Description:
My innovation focuses on producing herbal tea from medicinal plants, leveraging the healing properties inherent in nature's botanical treasures. Harnessing the potent properties of medicinal plants to restore kidney function is a promising avenue in the realm of holistic healthcare. By carefully selecting herbs known for their nephroprotective and diuretic properties, I intend to formulate specialized herbal remedies aimed at supporting kidney health and restoring impaired kidney function.
It involves the identification and extraction of bioactive compounds from medicinal plants renowned for their ability to enhance renal blood flow, promote detoxification, and reduce inflammation within the kidneys.
Stage of Innovation: Proof of Concept (You have created something to show the innovation can work)
Problem:
The kidney is a major organ in the body that is involved in waste excretion, re-absorption of nutrients, maintenance of pH and homeostasis, regulation of blood pressure and secretion of hormones. The prevalence of its disorder is on the increase and majority of people with kidney disease do not know until it is very late. If kidney disease is detected early, it can be managed and corrected but at the end-stage, the patient is said to have lost 85-90 per cent of his/her kidney function; not enough to keep the person alive, without medical intervention such as dialysis or a transplant. Impaired kidney function is based on an estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 ml/min/1.73 m2. In Nigeria, it was reported that 38.5% of the patients had eGFR ≤60 ml/min/1.73 m2. It is worthy of note that kidney damage cannot be reversed but its progression can be slowed down. The cost of management of end stage kidney problem is exorbitant and far beyond the reach of an average patient in developing countries. In Nigeria, the median cost for dialysis is ₦20,000 to ₦50,000 per session with each patient requiring 3-4 session per week excluding cost of medication and other hospital supplies. The cost of management of kidney impairment is beyond the reach of most Nigerians. Discovery of molecules that could serve as a lead for safer and effective kidney restorative agents will go a long way to help humanity.
Unique Selling Point: Current treatments for kidney impairment vary depending on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. This include; 1. Medications: Certain medications may be prescribed to manage symptoms, slow the progression of kidney disease, or treat underlying conditions contributing to kidney impairment. These may include blood pressure medications (such as ACE inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers), diuretics, erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (to treat anemia), phosphate binders (to manage mineral imbalances), and others. 2. Diet and lifestyle changes: Following a healthy diet low in sodium, potassium, and phosphorus, as well as managing fluid intake, can help reduce the workload on the kidneys and control related complications. Lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and staying physically active can also support kidney health. 3. Dialysis: In cases of advanced kidney failure where the kidneys are no longer able to adequately filter waste from the blood, dialysis may be necessary. Dialysis involves using a machine to remove waste, salt, and excess fluid from the blood, replicating the function of the kidneys. 4. Kidney transplant: For eligible candidates with end-stage kidney disease, kidney transplantation may offer the best long-term outcome. This involves surgically replacing a failed kidney with a healthy kidney from a compatible donor. 5. Management of underlying conditions: Treating underlying conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, autoimmune diseases, or infections is crucial in preventing further kidney damage. Overall, the treatment approach for kidney impairment is tailored to each individual's specific needs, considering factors such as the cause and stage of kidney disease, overall health, and personal preferences. Close monitoring by healthcare professionals is essential to optimize treatment outcomes and minimize complications.