Objective: To explore the mechanisms of Cili powder in delaying the progression of chronic renal failure and against the renal interstitial fibrosis by investigating oxidative stress index

renal fibrosis index

and traditional Chinese medical (TCM) syndrome in chronic kidney diseases (CKD) 3-4 patients. Method: Ninty patients were

divided into treatment group and control group using random number table of 45 patients each group. Patients in both 2 groups received conventional western medicine treatment (for hypertension

hyperkalemia and calcium-phosphorus metabolism disorder control

etc.). The patients in treatment group added Cili powder orally

20 g twice daily after supper. and the patients in the control group added Niaoduqing particles orally for 3 4-week periods of treatment. Serum creatinine (SCr)

superoxide dismutase (SOD)

malondialdehyde (MDA)

transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)

tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were observed before and after the treatment. The security index of electrolyte

liver function

fecal occult blood

electrocardiogram

etc. were monitored before and after every period of treatment. Result: The Cili powder could reduce the serum creatinine

TGF-β

TNF-α and MDA content

and increase the activity of SOD in CKD 3-4 patients. It also can improve the clinical TCM symptoms with no significant difference as compared with Niaoduqing particle. Furthermore

Cili powder could decrease the reaction of oxidative stress in CKD patients and delay the progress of renal interstitial fibrosis. Conclusion: The Cili powder has definite effect in improving renal interstitial fibrosis

delaying the progress of chronic renal failure

and has high safety. Its mechanisms of action may be related to eliminating oxygen radicals in body.