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Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, JES’s SND College of Pharmacy, Babhulgaon, Yeola (Nashik)
Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a common hereditary nephropathy characterized by the progressive development of numerous fluid-filled cysts in the kidneys, often leading to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). It primarily exists in two forms: autosomal dominant PKD (ADPKD), the most prevalent, and the rarer autosomal recessive PKD (ARPKD). Despite advancements in understanding the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying PKD, current pharmacological treatments remain limited in efficacy and are often accompanied by adverse effects. In recent years, growing attention has been directed toward herbal and plant-derived compounds for their potential nephroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fibrotic properties. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the pathophysiology, genetic basis, and clinical manifestations of PKD, followed by an in-depth evaluation of herbal ingredients and phytochemicals that have shown promise in experimental or clinical settings for PKD management. Key herbs such as Astragalus membranaceus, Salvia miltiorrhiza, Cordyceps sinensis, and curcumin are examined for their mechanisms of action in modulating cyst growth, oxidative stress, and renal fibrosis. Additionally, this review highlights the need for standardized formulations, dose optimization, and clinical trials to validate the efficacy and safety of these natural therapies in PKD patients.
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]
Poonam Yadav*, Sushil Patil, Granthali Shape, Comprehensive Review of Polycystic Kidney Disease and Herbal Ingredients for its Management, Int. J. Sci. R. Tech., 2025, 2 (10), 364-375. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17374127
10.5281/zenodo.17374127