Xanthoceras sorbifolium Bunge Leaf Extract Ameliorates Diabetic Nephropathy Through Coordinated Metabolic Reprogramming and Inflammatory Signaling

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a major complication of diabetes, yet effective dietary interventions remain limited. Xanthoceras sorbifolium Bunge leaf extract (XBL) has shown promising bioactivities, but its active components and mechanisms are not well understood. In this study, a comprehensive investigation including chemical profiling, network pharmacology, in vivo validation, and renal multi-omics was conducted. The results show a diverse composition dominated by flavonoids, which were identified as key bioactive contributors. In the streptozotocin-induced DN rat model, XBL administration significantly improved metabolic disorders and renal injury. Integrated metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses demonstrated that XBL alleviates DN by coordinately regulating metabolic reprogramming and inflammation-related signaling pathways. Additionally, representative flavonoids showed α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, supporting their potential role in glucose metabolic regulation. The results from this study suggest that XBL is a promising functional food ingredient for DN intervention.