Renal tubulointerstitial inflammation plays an important role in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Inflammation reduction is a good strategy to combat CKD. Oridonin, an ent‐kaurane diterpenoid isolated from Rabdosia rubescens (Donglingcao), is considered as an effective natural candidate for the treatment of anti‐inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial activities, including liver fibrosis and many tumors; however, no study has demonstrated its effect on lipopolysaccharide‐ (LPS‐) induced renal inflammation. To investigate the anti‐inflammatory effects of oridonin on human renal proximal tubular epithelial cells (HK‐2 cells), the expression levels of c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were evaluated by Western blot analysis and 2′,7′‐dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCF‐DA) staining, respectively. The level of intracellular ROS increased in a dose‐dependent manner following LPS treatment, whereas oridonin inhibited this effect, suggestive of its ability to prevent ROS accumulation. As the mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) family of enzymes plays an important role in physiological responses, we examined the activation of JNK by Western blotting and found that oridonin attenuated LPS‐induced JNK phosphorylation. Oridonin also attenuated RAW 264.7 cell chemotaxis towards LPS‐treated HK‐2 cells. Taken together, oridonin protected against LPS‐induced inflammation including ROS accumulation, JNK activation, NF‐κB nuclear translocation in HK‐2 cells, and functionally blocked macrophage chemotaxis towards LPS‐treated HK‐2 cells. Oridonin may exhibit therapeutic potential by the anti‐inflammation effect in LPS‐treated HK‐2 cells.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most prevalent bacterial infections in women, with high recurrence rates and growing concerns over antimicrobial resistance. The need for alternative or adjunctive therapies has spurred interest in plant-based treatments, which offer antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-modulatory benefits. This review summarizes the mechanisms of action, clinical efficacy, and therapeutic potential of various medicinal plants and natural compounds for preventing and treating UTIs in women. Notable candidates include cranberry, bearberry, pomegranate, green tea, and other phytochemicals with proven anti-adhesive and biofilm-disrupting properties. Evidence from clinical trials and meta-analyses supports the role of cranberry natural products and traditional herbal medicines (THMs) in reducing UTI recurrence, especially when combined with antibiotics. Notably, A-type proanthocyanidins in cranberry and arbutin in bearberry are key bioactive compounds that exhibit potent anti-adhesive and biofilm-disrupting properties, offering promising adjunctive strategies for preventing recurrent urinary tract infections. Additionally, emerging therapies, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP), show promise in restoring bladder function and reducing infection in women with lower urinary tract dysfunction. Overall, plant-based strategies represent a valuable and well-tolerated complement to conventional therapies and warrant further investigation through high-quality clinical trials to validate their efficacy, safety, and role in personalized UTI management.