Introduction/Objective: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive and lifethreatening condition with rising global prevalence, posing major financial and clinical burdens on healthcare systems. Conventional therapies slow disease progression but do not offer a cure. This review aims to explore the therapeutic potential of phytochemicals derived from medicinal plants in the prevention and management of CKD. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar up to June 2025, using keywords and MeSH terms related to “chronic kidney disease,” “phytochemicals,” “medicinal plants,” “herbal medicine,” and “nephroprotection.” Preclinical (in vitro and in vivo) and clinical studies reporting nephroprotective effects of phytochemicals through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, or anti-fibrotic mechanisms were included, while unrelated studies, case reports, conference abstracts, and articles lacking renal outcomes were excluded. Data were synthesized narratively to highlight plant species, bioactive constituents, mechanisms of action, and translational potential. Results: Numerous plant-derived compounds, including curcumin, quercetin, rutin, allicin, and resveratrol, have shown the ability to attenuate oxidative stress, modulate inflammatory responses, and prevent kidney fibrosis in various experimental models of CKD. Several herbs, such as Curcuma longa, Lespedeza bicolor, Astragalus membranaceus, and Abelmoschus manihot, have shown promising results in both in vitro and in vivo studies, and some have advanced to human clinical trials with favorable safety profiles. Discussion: The compiled findings support the potential of phytochemicals as complementary therapies for CKD. However, challenges such as standardization, bioavailability, dosage optimization, and long-term safety need to be addressed. Integrating phytomedicine with conventional treatment may offer synergistic benefits, but requires further clinical validation. Conclusion: Plant-based phytochemicals offer promising nephroprotective effects and may serve as effective adjunctive therapies in CKD management. Further research, including welldesigned clinical trials, is essential to establish their therapeutic efficacy and safety.
Garg et al. (Tue,) studied this question.