A review on the efficacy and mechanism of action of Shenkang injection against chronic kidney disease.

• The pathogenesis of CKD is complex and treatment is limited. • SKI is a Chinese patent medicine injection made from four natural herbal medicines. • SKI and its main active components show therapeutic potential in the prevention and treatment of CKD. • SKI can prevent CKD by anti-oxidative stress, anti-inflammatory, anti-renal interstitial fibrosis and anti-apoptosis. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of the most common conditions which significantly increases the risk for serious health outcomes. Epidemiological investigations have shown that CKD has become a serious global health problem. At present, there are no treatments for CKD, thus the need for an effective and safe treatment for this condition. Shenkang Injection (SKI), which is an herbal medication in Chinese Medicine, has been used in the management and treatment of CKD and has achieved favorable therapeutic effects. The purpose of this paper is to review the clinical efficacy, mechanism of action, and safety profile of SKI when used in CKD, and to provide comprehensive potential evidence for its clinical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]