Elucidating the Differential Mechanisms of Jingui Shenqi Pill and Mingmu Dihuang Pill in the Treatment of Diabetic Nephropathy Based on Yin-Yang Theory

The Yin-Yang attributes of MMDH and JGSQ in treating diabetic nephropathy (DN) remain unexplored. UPLC-MS identified formula components, network pharmacology analyzed common DN targets, and in vitro renal fibrosis models assessed efficacy. Transcriptomics revealed key pathways, and molecular docking simulated component-target interactions. UPLC-MS confirmed the compositional complexity of MMDH and JGSQ. Network pharmacology indicated their involvement in multiple DN-related pathways. In vitro, JGSQ alleviated fibrosis and enhanced adhesion via FN and E-cad, while MMDH reduced interstitial fibrosis via FN and VIM. Transcriptomics showed JGSQ regulates the TGF-β pathway, and MMDH modulates the TNF pathway. Molecular docking confirmed key components binding to TGFB1 and TNFA. MMDH and JGSQ exhibit distinct chemical compositions, targets, and pathways, underscoring their Yin-Yang regulatory roles in kidney function.