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Can patients with proteinuria drink Cornus officinalis and Astragalus membranaceus?

Mar 22, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, whether patients with proteinuria can consume Cornus officinalis (Shanzhuyu) and Astragalus membranaceus (Huangqi) mainly depends on the severity of the proteinuria. If the condition is mild, consumption is generally acceptable; however, if the condition is severe, it is not recommended. Patients should pay attention to issues such as drug combinations and contraindications, and should use any medication under a doctor's guidance to ensure both safety and effectiveness.

Generally, whether patients with proteinuria can consume Cornus officinalis and Astragalus membranaceus mainly depends on the severity of the proteinuria. If the condition is mild, consumption is usually acceptable, but if the condition is severe, it is not recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:

　　

Both Cornus officinalis and Astragalus membranaceus are considered in traditional Chinese medicine to have functions of nourishing the kidneys, consolidating essence, enhancing qi, and strengthening the body's defensive barrier. If proteinuria is caused by mild kidney deficiency or low immune function without severe kidney disease, consumption of Cornus officinalis and Astragalus membranaceus under a physician's guidance may help nourish kidney energy, improve immunity, and thereby assist in treating proteinuria.

However, if serious kidney disease exists, such as during the active phase of nephritis or renal insufficiency, the kidney's metabolic and excretory functions are already impaired. Some components of Cornus officinalis and Astragalus membranaceus may increase the burden on the kidneys and even worsen the condition. In such cases, no herbal medicines, including Cornus officinalis and Astragalus membranaceus, should be used arbitrarily.

During the treatment of proteinuria, patients should pay attention to issues such as drug combinations and contraindications and should use any medication under the guidance of a physician to ensure safe and effective drug use.

References

[1] Wang Jiajun, Wang Zeping, Wang Xuelian, et al. Research advances in chemical constituents and pharmacological effects of Cornus officinalis [J]. Chinese Herbal Medicines, 2025, 56(03): 1088-1103.

[2] Yu Hongwei. The Dual Use of Medicine and Food—Cornus Officinalis [J]. Henan Agriculture, 2024, (15): 2.

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