Diabetic nephropathy(DN)is one of the major microvascular complications of diabetes and the most common cause of chronic kidney failure requiring dialysis. Prolonged hyperglycemia leads to chronic metabolic and hemodynamic changes that modulate the intracellular signaling pathways

transcription factors

cytokines

chemokines

and growth factors

promoting structural abnormalities in the kidney and the development and progression of DN. In recent years

the literatures on Chinese medicine compound in prevention and treatment of experimental diabetic nephropathy gradually increased

and Chinese medicine compound show certain advantage in combating DN. To summarize the major research progress on Chinese medicine compound in controlling DN in recent years

from six aspects of the pathogenesis of DN

we analyzed and classified the latest research achievements of Chinese medicine compound in experimental DN and probed into the mechanism of these compounds

including regulating abnormal glucose metabolism

oxidative stress and renal vascular hemodynamics and so on in rats. We hope to provide some references for clinical research and develope innovative drug for prevention and treatment of DN. Overview of the research literatures on Chinese medicine compound suggested that Chinese medicine compound could reduce glycaemic index

inhibit oxidative stress in vivo

adjust the renal vascular hemodynamics

and improve kidney function in DN indicators like reducing urinary albumin

urea nitrogen and creatinine and so on. Based on the research literatures

Chinese medicine compound has obvious effect in the aspect of prevention and treatment of experimental DN

and there is some regularity in composition of these prescriptions. The further mechanism needs more in-depth studies.