The potential of traditional Chinese medicine monomers and compound formulas in diabetic nephropathy

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus (DM), characterized by excessive urinary albumin excretion, diabetic glomerulopathy and reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in diabetic patients, which greatly increase the mortality risks. Although various medications like finerenone are available for DN treatment, most of them are still far from ideal. Traditional Chinese medicines (TCM) have a wide variety and a long history, which are expected to be the most promising candidates for the treatment of DN. Based on the current research status of TCM in the treatment of DN, this review summarized the research progress of some TCM monomers and compound formulas and their potentials in the treatment of DN, so as to give a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of DN and the guidance for future clinical treatment and prevention.