No evidence Indian Goosegrass plant can reverse kidney failure in three months

What's the claim?

A viral post on X (formerly Twitter) with 11.4 million views as of August 9, 2024 claims Indian goosegrass (Eleusine Indica) can reverse kidney failure within three months. The caption of the post reads, "One of the best plants that can reverse Kidney failure within three months. Nature heals." An archive link to the post can be found here. 

Screenshot of viral X post that claims Eleusine Indica (Indian Goosegrass) has the ability to reverse kidney failure in 3 months. (Source: X/Screenshot/Modified by Logically Facts)

However, there is no evidence that Indian goosegrass can reverse kidney failure in three months. 

What are the facts?

There are some small studies conducted on rats that show positive effects of Indian goosegrass aqueous extract on the kidneys. However, there are no large-scale population studies that may help understand the exact effect of goosegrass on humans.

Preliminary research on animals shows some promising effects, but no study supports the reversal of kidney failure.

Kidney failure, also known as End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), is when the body loses the ability to filter waste from the blood through the kidneys partially or completely. Several conditions can lead to kidney failure. Kidney failure can be classified as either acute or chronic kidney failure. Chronic kidney failure is irreversible without a transplant and can only be slowed down by medicine and lifestyle changes. Acute kidney failure can be reversed on the basis of several factors, including when the kidneys are put on dialysis, the specific disease that causes it, and individual factors.

What does research say?

Research on Eleusine Indica has shown some potential antioxidant and antibacterial properties. However, the paper stresses that further research is required. The paper also did not mention the plant's effect on reversing or combatting kidney failure or ESRD.

A review of literature published in 2021 in the Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry did not show any existing research on the plant reversing kidney failure, either chronic or acute. However, it has not been tested or proved in humans and the paper acknowledges the need for further research for concrete findings.

What experts have to say

Dr. Rajesh Goel, a nephrologist and senior consultant at Pushpawati Singhania Hospital and Research Institute, Delhi, with over 18 years of experience in the field, said, "It is completely false. To my knowledge, I have never read or seen this plant used to reverse kidney failure in traditional medicine or research. It is just impossible."

Dr. DK Agarwal, senior consultant and nephrologist at the Indraprastha Apollo Hospital in New Delhi concurred, saying, "Chronic kidney failure is irreversible. Also, in case of acute kidney failure, I will not advise just taking herbal medicines to reverse it. Indian goosegrass cannot reverse chronic kidney failure, and especially not in 3 months." 

He added, "If anyone notices symptoms related to kidney failure, please immediately consult a nephrologist. Do not try to use herbal remedies unless your doctor suggests it as a supplement to your medical treatment. Any delay in cases of ESRD can be fatal and drastically hurt your prognosis."

The verdict

Experts and existing research say that Indian goosegrass cannot reverse kidney failure in three months. Experts also suggest avoiding herbal medicines and instead consulting a nephrologist in cases of acute kidney failure.