shenkang

Shenkang is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) used for the treatment of chronic kidney disease (CKD), available in various formulations including injection (SKI), granules (SKG), and suppositories (SKS). The formula consists of several herbs, primarily rhubarb (Rheum palmatum L.), safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.), astragalus (Astragalus mongholicus Bunge), and red sage (Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge). [1, 3] Its therapeutic effects in CKD are attributed to its ability to reduce renal fibrosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress. [5, 6] Mechanistically, Shenkang has been shown to inhibit the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) by blocking the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. [11] It also modulates other pathways, including PI3K/Akt and MAPK. [1, 5] Active components responsible for its effects include anthraquinones like rhein and emodin, as well as hydroxysafflor yellow A, tanshinol, and astragaloside IV. [5]

Brand names

Shenkang

Other names

Shenkang InjectionShenkang GranulesShenkang suppository肾康栓