AUTHOR=Wang Jing , Wang Xiaomin , Ma Tianpeng , Xie Yiqiang 

TITLE=Research progress on Alpinia oxyphylla in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Pharmacology

VOLUME=15

YEAR=2024

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2024.1390672

DOI=10.3389/fphar.2024.1390672

ISSN=1663-9812

ABSTRACT=<p>Diabetic nephropathy (DN) constitutes a major microvascular complication of diabetes and is a primary cause of mortality in diabetic individuals. With the global rise in diabetes, DN has become an urgent health issue. Currently, there is no definitive cure for DN. <italic>Alpinia oxyphylla</italic>, a Chinese herbal medicine traditionally used, exhibits a wide range of pharmacological effects and is frequently used in the prevention and management of DN. This paper offers an extensive review of the biological mechanisms by which <italic>A. oxyphylla</italic> delivers therapeutic advantages in DN management. These mechanisms include activating podocyte autophagy, regulating non-coding RNA, modulating gut microbiota, alleviating lipotoxicity, counteracting oxidative stress, and diminishing inflammatory responses, underscoring the therapeutic potential of <italic>A. oxyphylla</italic> in DN treatment.</p>