Natural Compounds and Nanoformulations for Cisplatin Kidney Injury

Cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury remains a major clinical challenge due to its multifactorial pathogenesis involving oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and fibrosis. Growing evidence supports the nephroprotective potential of natural compounds such as wheat germ oil, Moringa oleifera, Ficus carica, resveratrol, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, and curcumin. These agents exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and anti-fibrotic properties through mechanisms including activation of the Nrf2 pathway, inhibition of NF-κB and pro-inflammatory cytokines, and preservation of renal architecture. Enhanced efficacy has been achieved through nanotechnology-based delivery systems—such as nanoemulsions, gold nanoparticles, and HA-coated carriers—which improve bioavailability and renal targeting. Collectively, these natural compounds, particularly in nanoform, offer a promising, safe, and multi-targeted therapeutic approach to mitigate cisplatin-induced AKI without compromising its antitumor effects, warranting further clinical investigation.