Is A. lanata ("Polpala") safe for pets

පොල්පලා (Aerva lanata) for pets - a cure or curse

Aerva lanata (A. lanata), known as "Polpala" in Sinhala and Mountain knot grass in English, is a medicinal plant with its leaves used since ancient times in Ayurveda to "cure kidney diseases". For this reason, until now, pet parents have placed their trust in the herb to a level that it has become a "remedy to any" ( කෝකටත් තෛලය) or as a "free treatment"

It has become a habit to give the extract of "Polpala" leaves to mostly cats and sometimes to dogs of Sri Lanka when
- they stop eating
- throw up
- have elevated serum creatinine counts

Yet, I see worsened cases at times. What's the science behind? Let's dive into this

1. Dehydration
A. lanata is a natural diuretic. This increases the urine output. In any dehydrated pet, this can lead to exacerbated dehydration, electrolyte imbalance and an increased strain on the kidneys

2. Low blood pressure
A. lanata can bring down blood pressure through several mechanisms such as through its diuretic effect, vasodilation and electrolyte modulation. In a pet that is already in a dehydrated state, feeding "Polpala" may bring the blood pressure down

3. Interact with other medication
Such as with ACE inhibitors or even anti  emetics and anti bloat agents that may lead to a paralysis of the stomach, worsened serum creatinine counts and altered blood pressure levels

4. Worsened conditions of kidney stones
A. lanata naturally is high in oxalates. Ingestion of the extract may potentially worsen conditions of undiagnosed oxalate crystals or stones
Citrates inhibit the formation of calcium oxalate stones. The herb affects the citrate levels. If the citrate levels are disturbed, chances of the formation of calcium oxalate stones or the chances of worsened conditions of oxalate crystalluria/urolithiasis would be greater

Then, when is A. lanata safe to be given? only when a pet has been diagnosed with,

✅ Early stage calcium oxalate stones (as an anti-lithic) when on a tailored diet for the condition
✅ Mild urinary tract infection
✅ Mild urine retention without a kidney failure
✅ For detox in healthy pets
✅ Non diabetic, non hypertensive patients with no CKD

Let's take full responsibility over our pets. They can't talk. It us who should
💜Think for them
💜Process for them
❤️ Take action just for them

Got a pet with a chronic disease? Talk to us for a tailored diet for your pet 

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Dr. Romela Salgado

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