Effect of the Herbal Combination Canephron N on Diabetic Nephropathy in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus: Results of a Comparative Cohort Study

Objectives: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a serious and common complication of diabetes mellitus leading to end-stage renal disease in up to 30% of diabetic patients. The first manifestation of DN in humans is microalbuminuria, which arises from the increased passage of albumin through the glomerular filtration barrier. Reactive oxygen species, inflammatory cytokines, and growth factors are key players in the context of damage to the glomerular filtration barrier. Interventions: In this study the herbal combination Canephron (R) N, containing lovage root, rosemary leaves, and centaury herb, was administered to patients with DN to study the effects on microalbuminuria and overall oxidant/antioxidant status. An open study involving 59 patients with DN was performed to compare the effects of Canephron N administered concomitantly with standard antidiabetic therapy and an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, with the standard therapy and ACE inhibitor treatment alone. Results: After 6 months of therapy the level of microalbuminuria decreased significantly in the study group compared with the control group. Canephron N had a positive effect on the antioxidant defense status and lipid peroxidation levels. In addition, liver aminotransferase levels did not change. Conclusions: With respect to the excellent tolerability, the study results encourage use of the herbal combination as an add-on therapy in patients with DN.