Jinlida Granule reduces serum creatinine and HbA1c in diabetic kidney disease patients across a meta-analysis

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Frontiers in Medicine Published June 3, 2026 Medically reviewed June 3, 2026 DOI ↗ By Dr. Julia Lee, PhD · Oncology, Genomics & Drug Development

Key Takeaway

Note Jinlida Granule reduces renal markers in DKD, but interpret cautiously due to bias and heterogeneity.

This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the efficacy and safety of Jinlida Granule in patients with diabetic kidney disease. The analysis included data from 1,341 patients. The primary outcomes were not reported, but secondary outcomes included serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, urinary albumin excretion rate, HbA1c, lipid profiles, inflammatory markers, and adverse events.

The meta-analysis found significant reductions in serum creatinine with a mean difference of -30.54 µmol/L (95% CI -37.61 to -23.47). Significant reductions were also observed for blood urea nitrogen (MD -0.95 mmol/L, 95% CI -1.29 to -0.60) and urinary albumin excretion rate (MD -27.09 mg/24 h, 95% CI -29.16 to -25.02). HbA1c levels decreased by a mean difference of -0.86% (95% CI -1.23% to -0.49%). Adverse events did not differ significantly between groups (RR 0.86, 95% CI 0.50–1.48).

The authors acknowledge limitations including moderate to high risk of bias and considerable heterogeneity. The certainty note advises that findings should be interpreted cautiously. The practice relevance suggests adjunctive JLD may provide multifaceted clinical benefits for DKD patients, but the evidence is not free from methodological concerns.

Study Details

Study typeMeta analysis

EvidenceLevel 1

PublishedJun 2026

View Original Abstract ↓

BackgroundDiabetic kidney disease (DKD), a major microvascular complication of diabetes, represents the leading cause of end-stage renal disease globally. Jinlida Granule (JLD), a multi-botanical Traditional Chinese Medicine preparation, has shown potential in type 2 diabetes management; however, a comprehensive systematic evaluation of its efficacy and safety specifically for DKD is lacking.ObjectiveTo systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of JLD for DKD through a meta-analysis.MethodsWe conducted a systematic search of Chinese and English databases and clinical trial registries for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on JLD for DKD from inception to 9 October 2025. Two researchers independently performed literature screening, data extraction, and quality assessment using the Cochrane Risk of Bias (RoB) 2 tool. Meta-analysis was conducted with a random-effects model using STATA 15.0 and Review Manager 5.4. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed.ResultsTwelve RCTs involving 1,341 patients were included. JLD was associated with significant reductions in serum creatinine (MD −30.54 μmol/L, 95% CI −37.61 to −23.47; I2 = 94%), blood urea nitrogen (MD −0.95 mmol/L, 95% CI −1.29 to −0.60; I2 = 79%), urinary albumin excretion rate (MD −27.09 mg/24 h, 95% CI −29.16 to −25.02; I2 = 94%), and HbA1c (MD −0.86%, 95% CI −1.23% to −0.49%; I2 = 83%). Improvements were also observed in lipid profiles and inflammatory markers. Subgroup analyses suggested greater benefit in early-stage DKD and with specific combination regimens. Adverse events did not differ significantly between groups (RR 0.86, 95% CI 0.50–1.48). Substantial heterogeneity was noted.ConclusionCurrent evidence suggests that adjunctive JLD may provide multifaceted clinical benefits for DKD patients, with a comparable safety profile. However, these findings should be interpreted cautiously given the moderate to high risk of bias and considerable heterogeneity. Well-designed, large-scale RCTs are required.Systematic Review Registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD420251178318, identifier [CRD420251178318].