Chaga mushroom-induced oxalate nephropathy

Clin Nephrol. 2014 Jun;81(6):440-4. doi: 10.5414/CN107655.

Abstract

Chaga mushrooms have been used in folk and botanical medicine as a remedy for cancer, gastritis, ulcers, and tuberculosis of the bones. A 72-year-old Japanese female had been diagnosed with liver cancer 1 year prior to presenting at our department. She underwent hepatectomy of the left lobe 3 months later. Chaga mushroom powder (4 - 5 teaspoons per day) had been ingested for the past 6 months for liver cancer. Renal function decreased and hemodialysis was initiated. Renal biopsy specimens showed diffuse tubular atrophy and interstitial fibrosis. Oxalate crystals were detected in the tubular lumina and urinary sediment and oxalate nephropathy was diagnosed. Chaga mushrooms contain extremely high oxalate concentrations. This is the first report of a case of oxalate nephropathy associated with ingestion of Chaga mushrooms.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Agaricales*
  • Aged
  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Biopsy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Kidney / drug effects*
  • Kidney / pathology
  • Liver Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Medicine, East Asian Traditional
  • Mushroom Poisoning / diagnosis
  • Mushroom Poisoning / etiology*
  • Mushroom Poisoning / therapy
  • Nephritis, Interstitial / chemically induced*
  • Nephritis, Interstitial / diagnosis
  • Nephritis, Interstitial / therapy
  • Oxalates / adverse effects*
  • Renal Dialysis
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Oxalates