Research Progress of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Treating Diabetic Nephropathy Based on TLR4/NF-κB Signaling Pathway

Diabetic Nephropathy (DN) is one of the most severe microvascular complications of diabetes, and its pathogenesis is closely associated with inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis mediated by the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has demonstrated significant renal protective effects by multi-target regulation of this pathway through active monomer components and compound formulations. This article comprehensively reviews recent domestic and international research on the mechanisms and advances in TCM treatment of DN by inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB pathway, providing a theoretical basis for the clinical prevention and treatment of DN. It also highlights the need for further clinical studies and mechanistic exploration in the future.