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Updated: Jun 22, 2025

Assessment of Vascular Function in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease
Published on: June 16, 2014
Potentials of Natural Antioxidants in Reducing Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Chronic Kidney Disease
On Ying Angela Lee1, Alex Ngai Nick Wong1, Ching Yan Ho1
1Department of Health Technology and Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China.
Abstract:
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) presents a substantial global public health challenge, with high morbidity and mortality. CKD patients often experience dyslipidaemia and poor glycaemic control, further exacerbating inflammation and oxidative stress in the kidney. If left untreated, these metabolic symptoms can progress to end-stage renal disease, necessitating long-term dialysis or kidney transplantation. Alleviating inflammation responses has become the standard approach in CKD management. Medications such as statins, metformin, and GLP-1 agonists, initially developed for treating metabolic dysregulation, demonstrate promising renal therapeutic benefits. The rising popularity of herbal remedies and supplements, perceived as natural antioxidants, has spurred investigations into their potential efficacy. Notably, lactoferrin, Boerhaavia diffusa, Amauroderma rugosum, and Ganoderma lucidum are known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and may support kidney function preservation. However, the mechanisms underlying the effectiveness of Western medications and herbal remedies in alleviating inflammation and oxidative stress occurring in renal dysfunction are not completely known. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of CKD treatment strategies and renal function preservation and critically discusses the existing literature's limitations whilst offering insight into the potential antioxidant effects of these interventions. This could provide a useful guide for future clinical trials and facilitate the development of effective treatment strategies for kidney functions.
Insights
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) management focuses on inflammation. This review explores how Western drugs and natural antioxidants like lactoferrin may preserve kidney function by reducing oxidative stress.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Pharmacology
- Integrative Medicine
Background:
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major global health issue with high morbidity and mortality.
- CKD is characterized by dyslipidemia, poor glycemic control, inflammation, and oxidative stress, accelerating kidney damage.
- Progression to end-stage renal disease requires dialysis or transplantation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current CKD treatment strategies focusing on inflammation and oxidative stress.
- To explore the renal therapeutic potential of Western medications and herbal remedies.
- To identify knowledge gaps and guide future research in kidney function preservation.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of studies on CKD, inflammation, oxidative stress, and therapeutic interventions.
- Analysis of mechanisms of action for Western medications (statins, metformin, GLP-1 agonists) and herbal remedies (lactoferrin, Boerhaavia diffusa, Amauroderma rugosum, Ganoderma lucidum).
- Critical discussion of existing research limitations and potential antioxidant effects.
Main Results:
- Western medications and certain herbal remedies show promise in managing inflammation and oxidative stress in CKD.
- Lactoferrin, Boerhaavia diffusa, Amauroderma rugosum, and Ganoderma lucidum possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
- Mechanisms linking these interventions to renal protection are not fully elucidated.
Conclusions:
- Inflammation alleviation is key in CKD management.
- Further research is needed to understand the precise mechanisms of action for both pharmaceutical and natural interventions.
- This review provides a foundation for developing novel, effective strategies for preserving kidney function.
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