Impact of Organic Foods and Herbal Interventions on Key Biochemical Parameters in Patients with Stage IV Chronic Kidney Disease Over a 9-Month Period

Waqar Ahmad Niaz; Muhammad Azam; Quratul Ain; Shahid Rashid; Muhammad Sajjad Sarwar; Noor Nabi

doi:10.66920/pjn.2026.66.73

Authors

Waqar Ahmad Niaz Rehman Diagnostic and Research Centre, Plot 133, G-Block, Model Town, Lahore 54700, Punjab, Pakistan
Muhammad Azam Rehman Diagnostic and Research Centre, Plot 133, G-Block, Model Town, Lahore 54700, Punjab, Pakistan
Quratul Ain University Institute of Diet and Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, The University of Lahore, 1-Km Defence Road, Lahore 54792, Punjab, Pakistan
Shahid Rashid Rehman Diagnostic and Research Centre, Plot 133, G-Block, Model Town, Lahore 54700, Punjab, Pakistan
Muhammad Sajjad Sarwar Department of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Okara, 2-KM Multan Road, Okara 56300, Punjab, Pakistan
Noor Nabi Department of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Okara, 2-KM Multan Road, Okara 56300, Punjab, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.66920/pjn.2026.66.73

Keywords:

CKD, creatinine, organic diets, potassium, urea

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an organic dietary and herbal intervention in improving renal biochemical parameters and maintaining electrolyte homeostasis in patients with Stage IV Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).

Materials and Methods: A prospective, observational, longitudinal cohort study was conducted over nine months, from January to September 2024, at the Rehman Diagnostic and Research Centre, Lahore, Pakistan. A total of 100 patients with Stage IV CKD [estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), 15-29 mL/min/1.73 m²] received standard CKD care in combination with an organic renal meal pack formulated to provide low levels of protein, sodium, phosphorus and potassium, while providing high levels of dietary fibre and antioxidants. Biochemical parameters, including serum creatinine, urea, calcium and potassium, were assessed monthly throughout the study period. Data were analysed using repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA), with p<0.05 considered statistically significant.

Results: Mean serum creatinine and urea concentrations decreased significantly over the study period, from 4.0 to 3.0 mg/dL and from 120 to 60-80 mg/dL, respectively (p<0.001). Serum potassium levels gradually decreased from 6.0 to 4.7 mEq/L, although this change was not statistically significant (p>0.05). In contrast, serum calcium levels increased from 6.2 to 8.8 mg/dL, indicating improvement in mineral balance. No adverse effects related to the intervention were reported, suggesting that the dietary and herbal meal pack was well tolerated.

Conclusion: The organic dietary and herbal intervention was associated with significant improvements in serum creatinine and urea levels and appeared to support electrolyte and mineral homeostasis in patients with Stage IV CKD. These findings suggest a potential complementary role for structured organic dietary and herbal interventions alongside standard CKD care. Further controlled studies are warranted to determine the independent effects of the intervention and investigate the potential mechanistic roles of herbal bioactive compounds in oxidative stress, mitochondrial function and renal protection.

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