The Condition
Chronic kidney disease is a progressive loss of renal function characterized by glomerulosclerosis, tubulointerstitial fibrosis, proteinuria, and declining glomerular filtration rate, driven by transforming growth factor-beta–mediated fibroblast activation and extracellular matrix accumulation.
How the Plant Resolves It
Condensed tannins and polyphenolic extracts scavenge reactive nitrogen species, block transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) signaling in renal fibroblasts, and halt extracellular matrix deposition within the interstitial tissue.
- 1.Condensed tannins scavenge reactive nitrogen species in renal tissue.
- 2.TGF-β signaling in fibroblasts is blocked.
- 3.Extracellular matrix deposition halts, preventing interstitial fibrosis.
How Each Specimen Contributes
Southern Live Oak
Ellagitannins and urolithin metabolites block TGF-β/Smad signaling in renal interstitial fibroblasts, halting the transcription of collagen type I and fibronectin that drives fibrosis.
American Persimmon
Proanthocyanidins scavenge reactive nitrogen species in the renal microvasculature, protecting podocytes from oxidative injury and reducing proteinuria.
Black Tupelo
Quercetin inhibits renal NADPH oxidase, reducing the local oxidative stress that perpetuates the fibrotic cascade in the tubulointerstitium.
Bald Cypress
Taxodione suppresses NF-κB-driven MCP-1 expression in renal tubular cells, reducing the macrophage infiltration that amplifies interstitial inflammation.
Wild Violet
Violanin and rutin stabilize the glomerular basement membrane, reducing capillary permeability and protein leakage into the filtrate.
Tree compounds stop the chemical signals that cause kidney tissue to permanently stiffen and scar over time.
Plants & Trees that treat it
Click any specimen to open its pharmacognostic monograph.
Academic Citations
- 1.Pandey KB, Rizvi SI. Plant polyphenols as dietary antioxidants in human health and disease. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2009;2(5):270-278.
- 2.Fraga CG, Galleano M, Verstraeten SV, Oteiza PI. Basic biochemical mechanisms behind the health benefits of polyphenols. Mol Aspects Med. 2010;31(6):435-445.
- 3.Rahman I, Biswas SK, Kirkham PA. Regulation of inflammation and redox signaling by dietary polyphenols. Biochem Pharmacol. 2006;72(11):1439-1452.
- 4.Tovar-Palacio C, Noriega LG, Mercado A. Potential of polyphenols to restore SIRT1 and NAD+ metabolism in renal disease. Nutrients. 2022;14(3):653.