ABSTRACT
Renal fibrosis is a common consequence of chronic kidney diseases (CKD). Standard therapy to prevent progression of CKD in western medicine includes dietary protein restriction, blood pressure control, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition and angiotensin receptor blockade. However, little is known about the renoprotective effects of Chinese herbal medicine. Cumulative evidence suggests that some Chinese herbal medicines, including Astragalus and a mixture of Astragalus plus Angelica, Ligusticum, Triptolide and Rhubarb, have a beneficial role in slowing the progression of CKD. This effect is multi-functional and multi-targeted, and is often associated with a reduction in proteinuria and the amelioration of dyslipidaemia, but not with changes in systemic blood pressure. These mechanisms include anti-inflammation and inhibition of TGF-b overproduction. On the other hand, some Chinese herbal medicines may be hazardous to patients with renal diseases. In this review, we discuss recent advances in the research of some Chinese herbs for pharmacological intervention of progressive renal diseases and kidney-related injuries.
Renal fibrosis is a common consequence of progressive renal diseases. In nearly all cases, the extent of fibrotic lesions strongly correlates with disease severity and eventual progression to end-stage renal disease (ESRD).1 Modern day therapy of renal disease includes dietary protein restriction, blood pressure control, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs), and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs).2 However, little is known about the renoprotective effects of Chinese herbal medicine. In fact, Chinese herbal medicines have a long history of use in the treatment of various renal diseases. To date, a substantial body of evidence suggests that some Chinese herbs possess a range of important pharmacological properties in retarding progressive chronic kidney disease (CKD). In this review, we discuss recent advances in the research on some of these Chinese herbs for pharmacological intervention in progressive renal diseases and kidney-related injuries as well as the potential for nephrotoxicity from other Chinese herbal medicines.
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