NEFRITE INTERSTICIAL AGUDA ASSOCIADA À INGESTÃO DE CHÁ “UXI AMARELO” E “UNHA DE GATO”: UM RELATO DE CASO

Plants with medicinal properties have been used for thousands of years by various populations and are employed to treat certain diseases, bringing health benefits when used appropriately. However, it has been observed that certain types of medicinal plants have the potential for nephrotoxicity, including the development of acute interstitial nephritis. The objective is to report a case of acute interstitial nephritis associated with the ingestion of “uxi amarelo” tea (Endopleura uchi) and “unha de gato” (Uncaria tomentosa). The information described in this case report was collected through a review of the patient’s medical records, where, among other relevant information regarding the progression of the disease, details about the physical examination, results of complementary tests, and the treatment the patient underwent during her care were obtained. The case of a 36-year-old female patient is reported sought a hospital unit with a condition of daily nausea and vomiting, associated with loss of appetite and a 10 kg weight loss, being hospitalized due to altered renal function – creatinine of 6.9 mg/dL and estimated glomerular filtration rate of 7 mL/min/1.73m² calculated using the CKD-EPI formula. She reports that before the hospitalization, she noticed foamy urine. Denied changes in urine color or urine volume, arthralgias, or skin rash. The patient reported that she used ‘uxi amarelo’ tea, which contains the extract Endopleura uchi, and ‘unha de gato’ tea, which contains the extract Uncaria tomentosa, daily for 4 months in an attempt to treat her difficulty in getting pregnant. In acute interstitial nephritis induced by plants, the renal tubular epithelial cells are the main targets, which can evolve into a chronic condition. Conclusion: Acute interstitial nephritis can be a complication associated with the use of medicinal plants, including cat’s claw (Uncaria tomentosa) and Uxi Amarelo (Endopleura uchi). Although these plant extracts are frequently used for their anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, healthcare professionals should monitor for possible adverse effects, including acute interstitial nephritis.