AUTHOR=Yong Qi , Xu Yunxi , Zhang Peiying , Bai Hua , Xu Chao , Ye Hejiang TITLE=Efficacy and safety of jinlida granule in the treatment of diabetic kidney disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials JOURNAL=Frontiers in Pharmacology VOLUME=Volume 17 - 2026 YEAR=2026 URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2026.1761454 DOI=10.3389/fphar.2026.1761454 ISSN=1663-9812 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].