ABSTRACT
Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a serious complication of diabetes and is the primary cause of end-stage renal disease. Current treatment strategies primarily focus on the inhibition of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and the attainment of blood glucose control. Although current medical therapies for DKD have been shown to delay disease progression and improve long-term outcomes, their efficacy is limited and they may be restricted in certain cases, particularly when hyperkalemia is present. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatment has emerged as a significant complementary approach for DKD. TCM monomers, derived from various Chinese herbs, have been found to modulate multiple therapeutic targets and exhibit a broad range of therapeutic effects in patients with DKD. This review aims to summarize the mechanisms of action of TCM monomers in the treatment of DKD, based on findings from clinical trials, as well as cell and animal studies. The results of these investigations demonstrate the potential effective use of TCM monomers in treating or preventing DKD, offering a promising new direction for future research in the field. By providing a comprehensive overview of the mechanisms and efficacy of TCM monomers in DKD, this review highlights the potential of these natural compounds as alternative therapeutic options for improving outcomes in patients with DKD.