Carnosic acid improves diabetic nephropathy by activating Nrf2/ARE and inhibition of NF-κB pathway.

Background: Diabetic nephropathy (DN), one of the most serious complications of diabetes, is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality of end-stage renal disease. Our previous research found that carnosic acid (CA) or rosemary extract can effectively improve glucose and lipid metabolism disorder by inhibiting SREBPs.

Purpose: In this study, we aimed to explore the therapeutic effects of CA on the DN.