Effects of Sutherlandia frutescens in renal tubule epithelial cells

The effects of Sutherlandia frutescens on cutltured kidney epithelial cells was written as a dissertation following publication in the South African Journal of Science. The novelty of the work described lies in the potential injurious effects of this commonly used therapeutic extract in the form of traditional medicine. To date, only one clinical trial has shown therapeutic benefits of Sutherlandia frutescens yet it is already commercially available. Historically, toxicology dates as far back as 300 B.C where early man used animal venoms and plant extracts for hunting and as bio-weapons during war. Plant extracts formed the basis of therapeutics and experimental medicine during the early centuries. This plant extract, together with many others, are used in combination which could potentially be harmful. It is therefore vital for preliminary research to elucidate the molecular mechanisms related to the effects noted following consumption of such products.