Plant natural products: A lead for nephroprotection

An extremely dangerous side effect of type I and type II diabetes is diabetic nephropathy (DN). From the early microproteinuria to end-stage renal failure, it progresses. About one in three diabetics in the US suffer from diabetic nephropathy. Chronic hyperglycemia is the primary cause of diabetic ketoacidosis. Hyperglycemia (HG) has the potential to cause humoral mediators and cytokines to be produced by both resident and non-resident renal cells. These substances may interfere with cell growth, alter renal cell and tissue phenotype and function, interact with proteins, produce advanced glycation end products (AGEs), damage tubules and glomeruli, and ultimately cause kidney disease. Poor blood glucose management is thus a significant risk factor for the onset of DN. An alternate course of treatment for DN may use extracts from herbal remedies. Medicinal plants' bioactive components stop DN from progressing. Attention has to be paid to the role that traditional herbs and medications play in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy, particularly in India where several fruits and herbs are believed to provide health benefits. Natural compounds influence the KEAP1/Nrf2/ARE and NFB pathways in addition to having antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The efficacy of entire herbs, plants, or seeds, together with their active components, in treating diabetic nephropathy was investigated in preclinical research. Natural compounds are biologically active substances that come from natural sources and are beneficial for treating specific illnesses. Numerous natural substances, such as glycosides, polysaccharides, terpenoids, alkaloids, flavonoids, and polyphenols, have been shown to enhance DN. The exorbitant expenses associated with contemporary medications suggest that other approaches are necessary for improved DN treatment. Future research on herbal remedies may provide a natural key to open a pharmacy for diabetologists. Keywords: Diabetic nephropathy; nephroprotective plant; herbal compounds, bioactive compound