TGF-β Signaling: A Potential Therapeutic Target of Single Herbs and Extracts for Renal Fibrosis

The document reviewed the potential of traditional Chinese herbs and extracts in targeting TGF-β signaling to treat renal fibrosis, a key feature of chronic kidney disease. It highlighted various herbs, such as rhubarb, Astragalus membranaceus, and Salvia miltiorrhiza, for their ability to inhibit TGF-β activation and reduce extracellular matrix formation, offering anti-fibrotic effects. These herbs acted through pathways like TGF-β/Smad, JAK-STAT, and Wnt/β-catenin, showing promise in alleviating renal fibrosis by downregulating TGF-β1 expression. The review emphasized the complexity of these pathways and the need for further research to develop effective treatments with minimal side effects, suggesting that traditional remedies could provide new insights into preventing and delaying renal fibrosis.