A comprehensive review on Ayurvedic medicinal plants in the management of chronic kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD), a progressive disorder marked by a sustained decline in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and elevated kidney damage biomarkers such as serum creatinine, urea, and uric acid, poses serious problems for global health. The disease's pathophysiology involves intricate mechanisms, including hemodynamic changes, renin-angiotensin system (RAS) activation, oxidative stress, and inflammation, all of which contribute to glomerular hypertrophy, sclerosis, and tubulointerstitial fibrosis. While modern treatments focus on managing hypertension, diabetes, and end-stage renal disease through costly interventions such as dialysis or transplantation, these methods have their limitations. In contrast, traditional Ayurvedic medicine provides a promising alternative through its extensive use of nephroprotective plants. Plants such as Benicasa hispida, Clitoria ternatea, Asparagus racemosus and many more have shown potential in modulating oxidative stress and inflammatory pathways, thereby improving kidney function biomarkers. Research on these plants, conducted in both in vitro and in vivo models, suggests that they can reduce elevated levels of uric acid, serum creatinine, and urea while mitigating oxidative stress markers like MDA and enhancing antioxidant defenses. This review underscores the therapeutic potential of Ayurvedic medicine in CKD management, highlighting its role as a complementary approach to conventional treatments and presenting it as a cost-effective, holistic alternative. However, further scientific validation is necessary to integrate these traditional practices into mainstream CKD care.