Diabetic nephropathy, as the most common microvascular complication of mellitus diabetes, is the most important cause of end-stage renal failure worldwide and seriously affects the life quality of patients. The pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy is complex, and currently are mainly known as glucolipid metabolic disorder, oxidative stress, and inflammatory response. Through searching ancient books and literature review, in combination with the experience of medication of national famous veteran Chinese medicine practitioners, such as Lyu Renhe, Zhao Jinxi and Huang Wenzheng, it was found that Euonymus alatus (Ramulus Euonymi) was widely used in wasting-thirst (diabetes). Modern pharmacological studies have found that this herb play a role in protecting the kidneys and slowing the progression of diabetic nephropathy. In this article, we review the mechanism and recent researches of Euonymus alatus in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy in order to provide new ideas for clinical research.