Herbal Nephroprotective Agents in the Management of Kidney Disorders: An Integrative Scientific and Ayurvedic Review

Kidney diseases, including chronic kidney disease (CKD), nephritis, cystitis, dysuria, and urolithiasis, constitute a major and expanding global health burden. Conventional therapies primarily aim to slow disease progression and manage complications but are frequently limited by adverse effects, nephrotoxicity, and high economic costs. Consequently, there is increasing scientific and clinical interest in herbal medicines as complementary strategies for renal protection and repair. This integrative review critically evaluates six medicinal plants—Vetiveria zizanioides (Ushira), Anethum sowa (Sowa), Apium graveolens (Ajmoda), Amaranthus spinosus (Tanduliya), Cynodon dactylon (Durva), and Cyperus rotundus (Musta)—that are widely used in Ayurvedic and ethno medicinal systems for renal and urinary tract disorders. These plants are rich in bioactive constituents, including sesquiterpenoids, flavonoids, phthalides, phenolic compounds, and beta-sitosterol, which exerts nephroprotective, effects through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, anti-fibrotic, and anti-crystallization mechanisms. Experimental studies demonstrate significant improvements in renal biochemical markers and histopathological architecture. Notably, nootkatone from Vetiveria zizanioides shows strong renoprotective and renal repair activity through modulation of NRF2 and NF-κB signaling pathways. Collectively, the evidence supports the potential role of these herbal drugs as multitarget, safe, and cost-effective adjuncts in the prevention and management of kidney disorders.