Abstract
BACKGROUND: Icariin (ICA), a bioactive flavonoid derived from Epimedium species, has demonstrated anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic properties in preclinical studies, suggesting potential therapeutic effects on diabetic nephropathy (DN). However, systematic evaluation of its efficacy remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of Icariin on DN by preclinical evidence and meta-analysis. Meanwhile, the main possible action mechanisms of Icariin against DN were also summarized. METHODS: As of October 1, 2024, we conducted a systematic search across seven prominent Chinese and English databases (CNKI, Wanfang, CBM, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science) to identify studies investigating the therapeutic effects of icariin on DN. PROSPERO has released a summary protocol (registration number: CRD42024564001). RESULTS: This meta-analysis encompassed nine studies, involving a total of 308 animals, and revealed that icariin significantly reduced blood glucose, SCR, BUN, 24 h UP, 24 h UV, KI, MDA, and IL-1β levels, while augmenting antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD and GPX). Furthermore, ICA lowered TG and TC, indicative of its potential in mitigating risk factors. However, direct comparisons between ICA and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB) yielded no statistically significant differences in DN treatment outcomes (p > 0.05). The greatest effects were recorded in high-dose (> 30 mg/kg/day) groups rather than in low-dose (< 30 mg/kg/day) groups. For time-response effects, subgroup analysis indicated that intervention duration of ICA can influence the treatment effect, and more beneficial effects were observed when studies had a drug administration time of < 8 weeks. CONCLUSION: Based on an analysis of existing experimental evidence, icariin displays promise in slowing the progression of diabetic nephropathy. To validate its anti-diabetic nephropathy efficacy with greater precision and ensure its readiness for clinical translation, further confirmatory animal studies are warranted.