Herbal flavonoids and modulation of TGF-β pathway in kidney fibrosis: a current review of animal studies

Background: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is characterized by progressive kidney fibrosis, largely driven by the TGF-β signaling pathway. Herbal flavonoids, known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, have recently garnered attention for their potential to modulate this pathway and mitigate kidney fibrosis. However, the evidence remains fragmented, warranting further investigation. This review examines the impact of flavonoid-rich herbal preparations on TGF-β signaling in animal models of kidney fibrosis. Method: A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar identified studies exploring the role of flavonoid-rich herbs in modulating TGF-β signaling in vivo. Inclusion criteria encompassed animal studies using flavonoid-based interventions and assessing outcomes related to TGF-β activity and fibrotic responses. Due to the diversity of methodologies, qualitative synthesis was employed instead of quantitative meta-analysis. Result: Four studies, published between 2009 and 2024, met the inclusion criteria and predominantly used mouse models to evaluate flavonoids such as Pectolinarigenin, Puerarin, and Calycosin. These compounds demonstrated significant efficacy in reducing kidney fibrosis by targeting mechanisms within the TGF-β pathway, leading to improvements in markers of fibrosis, kidney function, and structural integrity. Conclusion: These findings suggest that flavonoid-rich herbal preparations hold promise in attenuating TGF-β signaling and preventing kidney fibrosis in CKD animal models.