Researchers tested two traditional Chinese herbs—Astragali radix (Huangqi) and Salviae miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Danshen)—to see if they could help protect kidneys damaged by diabetes. Using rats with diabetes, they found that a combination of these herbs reduced blood sugar, improved kidney function, and protected kidney cells from damage. The herbs appear to work by blocking a harmful process in the body called the AGEs/RAGE/MAPK pathway. While these results are promising, this research was done in rats, so more human studies are needed before we know if these herbs will work the same way in people.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether two traditional Chinese herbs used together could help repair kidney damage caused by diabetes and how they work inside the body
  • Who participated: Laboratory rats that were given diabetes through injection and fed a high-sugar, high-fat diet to mimic human diabetes and kidney disease
  • Key finding: Rats treated with the herb combination showed lower blood sugar levels, better kidney function, less kidney damage, and reduced harmful inflammation compared to untreated diabetic rats
  • What it means for you: These results suggest the herbs may help protect kidneys in diabetes, but this was tested only in rats. People with diabetes should not change their treatment without talking to their doctor, as human studies are still needed to confirm safety and effectiveness

The Research Details

Scientists created a laboratory model of kidney disease in rats by injecting them with a chemical that causes diabetes and feeding them unhealthy food high in sugar and fat. They then gave some rats a combination of two traditional Chinese herbs while others received no treatment. Over the study period, researchers measured the rats’ blood sugar, kidney function, fat levels in blood, and signs of cell damage. They also examined kidney and liver tissue under a microscope to see if the herbs prevented damage.

The researchers used advanced technology called mass spectrometry to identify exactly what chemicals were in the herb mixture. They also used computer programs to predict which parts of the body’s cells the herbs might affect. Finally, they used laboratory tests to confirm their predictions by measuring specific proteins and genes in the rats’ kidney tissue.

This research approach is important because it combines traditional knowledge with modern science. By testing the herbs in rats first, scientists can understand how they work before testing in humans. The combination of computer predictions and laboratory confirmation helps ensure the results are reliable and not just lucky findings.

This study has several strengths: it used multiple methods to measure results, it confirmed computer predictions with actual laboratory tests, and it examined both how well the herbs worked and how they worked. However, the main limitation is that it was done in rats, not humans, so results may not be exactly the same in people. The study also did not specify exactly how many rats were used in each group, which would help readers understand the study’s power.

What the Results Show

Rats that received the herb combination showed significant improvements compared to untreated diabetic rats. Their blood sugar levels dropped noticeably, and their kidneys worked better as measured by standard kidney function tests. The herbs also reduced fat levels in the blood, which is important because high blood fat often accompanies diabetes and kidney disease.

When researchers examined the kidney tissue under a microscope, they found that the herb-treated rats had much less scarring and damage compared to untreated rats. The kidneys of treated rats looked healthier and more normal. Additionally, the herbs reduced signs of oxidative stress—a harmful process where cells get damaged by unstable molecules—in both the kidneys and liver.

The researchers identified 71 different chemical compounds in the herb mixture. The most important ones appeared to be Quercetin, Tanshinone IIA, Tanshinone IIB, and Formononetin. These compounds likely work together to create the protective effect on the kidneys.

The herb combination also helped rats maintain healthier body weight despite their diabetes, which is important because weight loss is common in uncontrolled diabetes. The treatment reduced a protein called fibronectin in the kidneys, which accumulates when kidneys are damaged. The herbs also appeared to protect liver tissue from damage, suggesting benefits beyond just the kidneys. These secondary findings suggest the herbs have broad protective effects throughout the body.

This research builds on earlier studies showing that these two herbs have been used together in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years to treat kidney and blood problems. Previous research suggested the combination might help with diabetes, but this study is the first to carefully explain the specific biological pathway through which the herbs work. The findings align with what traditional medicine practitioners have observed clinically, giving scientific support to traditional practices.

The most important limitation is that this research was conducted in rats, not humans. Rats’ bodies process herbs differently than human bodies, and results in rats don’t always translate to humans. The study did not specify the exact number of rats used in each group, making it harder to judge how reliable the results are. The research also did not test whether the herbs might have side effects or interact with other medications. Additionally, the study used a specific type of diabetes induced by injection, which may not perfectly match how diabetes develops naturally in humans.

The Bottom Line

Based on this rat study, the herb combination shows promise for protecting kidneys in diabetes (moderate confidence level for animal research). However, these results cannot yet be recommended for human use without further testing. If you have diabetes and kidney disease, continue taking medications prescribed by your doctor. Do not start taking these herbs as a replacement for medical treatment without consulting your healthcare provider, as human safety and effectiveness studies are still needed.

People with diabetes and kidney disease should be aware of this research as it may lead to future treatments. Healthcare providers researching natural approaches to diabetes complications should find this interesting. However, this research is not yet ready for patients to use on their own. People with diabetes should not change their current treatment based on this animal study alone.

In the rat study, improvements appeared within the study period, but we don’t know how long it would take to see benefits in humans or how long treatment would need to continue. If human studies eventually confirm these findings, it would likely take months to see meaningful improvements in kidney function, similar to other diabetes treatments.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Once human studies confirm safety, users could track kidney function markers (creatinine and eGFR levels from blood tests) monthly, along with blood sugar readings and blood pressure, to monitor overall kidney health progression
  • If approved for human use in the future, users could set reminders to take the herb supplement at consistent times daily and log their intake in the app alongside their diabetes management routine
  • Establish a baseline of kidney function tests before starting any new supplement, then schedule regular follow-up blood work every 3 months to monitor kidney function, blood sugar control, and any potential side effects while maintaining communication with healthcare providers

This research was conducted in laboratory rats and has not been tested in humans. These findings do not constitute medical advice or approval for human use. People with diabetes or kidney disease should not change their medical treatment or start taking these herbs based on this animal study alone. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement or herbal treatment, especially if you are taking other medications or have existing health conditions. This study is preliminary and additional human research is needed before these herbs can be recommended as a treatment for diabetic kidney disease.