Poonam Yadav*
Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a genetically inherited disorder characterized by the progressive formation of multiple cysts in the renal parenchyma, leading to enlarged kidneys, impaired renal function, and, eventually, end-stage renal disease (ESRD). PKD is a significant contributor to chronic kidney disease (CKD) worldwide, affecting approximately 1 in 500 to 1,000 individuals, with autosomal dominant PKD (ADPKD) accounting for the vast majority of cases, and autosomal recessive PKD (ARPKD) occurring less frequently but with more severe early-onset symptoms. [1] The pathogenesis of PKD is complex and multifactorial, involving genetic mutations (notably in PKD1 and PKD2 genes), disrupted calcium signaling, increased cell proliferation, abnormal fluid secretion, and chronic inflammation. As cysts grow, they compress surrounding nephrons, gradually reducing kidney function and contributing to complications such as hypertension, hematuria, urinary tract infections, and kidney stones. Although pharmacological interventions such as vasopressin V2 receptor antagonists (e.g., tolvaptan)—have shown some success in slowing cyst progression, their efficacy is limited and they are often associated with adverse effects and high costs. As a result, there is growing interest in alternative and complementary therapies, particularly herbal and plant-based compounds, which have demonstrated promising anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-fibrotic properties in preclinical models. [3] Herbal medicine, an integral component of traditional medical systems such as Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and Unani, offers a wide array of bioactive compounds that may modulate the molecular pathways involved in PKD progression. Notably, phytochemicals such as curcumin, resveratrol, cordycepin, and salvianolic acid B have been investigated for their potential to reduce cyst growth, oxidative damage, and renal fibrosis. This review aims to provide a comprehensive examination of the current understanding of PKD, including its molecular mechanisms, clinical manifestations, and conventional treatments, while exploring the therapeutic potential of herbal ingredients for its management. By synthesizing evidence from experimental and clinical studies, we aim to highlight promising natural compounds and identify gaps in research that warrant further investigation. [2]
Figure 1: Polycystic kidney
Overview of Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)
Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) is a genetic disorder characterized by the development and progressive enlargement of multiple fluid-filled cysts within the kidneys. These cysts arise from various segments of the renal tubules and eventually disrupt normal renal architecture and function, often leading to chronic kidney disease (CKD) and ultimately end-stage renal disease (ESRD). PKD is one of the most common inherited kidney disorders, and it exists in two primary forms:
1. Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD) [5]
- Prevalence: Affects ~1 in 400 to 1,000 live births.
- Inheritance: Autosomal dominant (only one mutated allele is required for disease manifestation).
- Genetics:
- Caused primarily by mutations in the PKD1 gene (chromosome 16) encoding polycystin-1, and less commonly in
- Caused primarily by mutations in the PKD1 gene (chromosome 16) encoding polycystin-1, and less commonly in
10.5281/zenodo.17374127