In conclusion, this study has shown that nodakenin can significantly inhibit UUO‐induced renal fibrosis in mice and TGF‐β1‐treated renal epithelial cells by regulating NF‐κB and Smad3 induced Snail1 expression, subsequently improving the inflammation and fibrogenesis in the obstructive kidney. This evidence concerns the gene SNAI1 and renal fibrosis.