Prospects for the use of standardized Lespedeza capitata extract in children with chronic kidney disease

Abstract

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) in children is a major clinical challenge due to its risk of progression to end-stage renal disease and resulting long-term morbidity.

Aim - to evaluate the efficacy, safety, tolerability, and nephroprotective potential of standardized Lespedeza capitata extract as an adjunct to standard therapy in children with stage 2 CKD.

Materials and methods. An open-label, single-center, prospective study enrolled 118 children aged 7-17 years (mean age 11.3±0.24) with stage 2 CKD, defined by an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 60-89 mL/min/1.73 m² and a morning urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) >30 mg/g. All patients received renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) antagonists and standardized Lespedeza capitata extract (300 mg per capsule, three times daily with meals) for three months.

Results. After treatment, a significant reduction in ACR was observed (from 74.2±6.8 mg/g to 49.3±2.3 mg/g). Positive trends were also noted for eGFR (from 73.4±3.6 to 75.6±2.8 mL/min/1.73 m²) and serum urea (from 13.4±1.5 to 11.6±1.7 mmol/L). In patients receiving iron and erythropoiesis-stimulating agents, hemoglobin and hematocrit improved after one month (117.2±2.4 g/L and 35.3±1.7%) and further increased after three months (124.1±3.6 g/L and 37.2±1.8%). Ejection fraction rose by 16% compared with baseline.

Conclusions. Standardized Lespedeza capitata extract demonstrated good efficacy, safety, and tolerability in children with stage 2 CKD. The reduction in ACR and stable eGFR support its potential nephroprotective effect in pediatric practice.

The study complied with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki and was approved by the institutional ethics committee. Informed consent was obtained from the patients prior to participation.

The authors declare no conflict of interest.