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NCT Number: NCT07657338

Effect of Chinese Herbal Medicine on Kidney Function in Non-Diabetic CKD

This study is a randomized controlled pilot trial designed to evaluate the effects and safety of a traditional Chinese medicine formula (CKD-1) as an add-on therapy to standard treatment in patients with stage 3-4 non-diabetic chronic kidney disease. Eligible participants will be randomly assigned to receive either standard care alone or standard care combined with CKD-1 for 12 weeks. Kidney function, urine protein levels, and quality of life will be assessed before and after the intervention. The study aims to provide preliminary evidence on whether CKD-1 can improve renal function and quality of life in this patient population.

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Key information

Conditions

Non-diabetic Chronic Kidney Disease

Age range

18 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

About this study

This study is a prospective, single-blind (data analyst-blinded), randomized controlled pilot trial evaluating a traditional Chinese medicine formula (CKD-1) as adjunctive therapy in patients with stage 3-4 non-diabetic chronic kidney disease. Chronic kidney disease is a progressive condition with limited treatment options to slow renal deterioration. Traditional Chinese medicine is widely used as a complementary approach, but clinical evidence remains limited. This trial is designed to provide preliminary clinical evidence on the potential role of CKD-1 in improving renal outcomes and supporting future large-scale randomized controlled trials.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Adults aged ≥18 years.
  • Patients diagnosed with stage 3-4 chronic kidney disease (CKD), confirmed by a nephrologist and classified as ICD-10-CM codes N18.3-N18.4.
  • Ability to understand the study procedures and provide written informed consent.
  • Willingness to comply with study procedures and follow-up visits.

Exclusion criteria

  • Acute kidney injury or major kidney-related surgery within 3 months prior to enrollment.
  • Participation in another clinical trial within 3 months that may affect renal function.
  • Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels greater than 3 times the upper limit of normal.
  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
  • History of diabetes mellitus.
  • Malignancy currently receiving chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or other systemic anticancer treatment.
  • End-stage disease defined under palliative care regulations.
  • Known allergy to any components of the CKD-1 herbal formula, including Astragalus membranaceus, Salvia miltiorrhiza, Poria cocos, Moutan cortex, Scutellaria baicalensis, Lonicera japonica, or Alisma orientale.

Treatment and study plan

Chinese herbal formula CKD-1

Other

CKD-1 is a traditional Chinese herbal formula administered orally at a total daily dose of 13.5 g for 12 weeks. The formula consists of Astragalus membranaceus (3.0 g), Salvia miltiorrhiza (2.5 g), Poria cocos (2.0 g), Moutan cortex (1.5 g), Scutellaria baicalensis (1.5 g), Lonicera japonica (1.5 g), and Alisma orientale (1.5 g). It is used as an adjunct to standard care in patients with stage 3-4 non-diabetic chronic kidney disease.

Primary outcomes

  1. Change in Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR)

    Time frame: From baseline to 12 weeks of treatment

    Change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) from baseline to week 12. eGFR is calculated using standard clinical laboratory methods. The primary endpoint is defined as the difference between eGFR at week 12 and baseline (ΔeGFR = eGFR_week12 - eGFR_baseline).

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

CHE-JU CHANG, MD

CONTACT

[email protected]

+886-5-7837901 ext. 1229

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

China Medical University Hospital

Other

Collaborators

  • China Medical University Beigang Hospital

Registry information

Official study title

Effects of Chinese Herbal Medicine as an Adjunctive Therapy on Renal Function in Patients With Non-Diabetic Chronic Kidney Disease: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Important dates

Study start
2026
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Jun 18, 2026
Registry last updated
Jun 18, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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