Puerarin CAS 3681-99-0

Treatment of Diabetes

Puerarin effectively lowers blood sugar levels in diabetes patients. It upregulates insulin receptor substrate (IRS-1) and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) proteins, promoting the expression of insulin receptors (InsR) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARα). This action helps reduce blood sugar levels and manage diabetes. Additionally, puerarin inhibits α-glucosidase activity, further lowering blood sugar concentrations. Studies show that puerarin improves insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetes patients, reduces insulin resistance, and decreases plasma TNF-α production, enhancing overall insulin sensitivity. In diabetic retinopathy, puerarin lowers blood flow resistance in the ophthalmic artery, accelerating blood flow and reducing local thrombosis, thus preventing complications. It also shows therapeutic effects for gestational diabetes.

Anti-Tumor Effect

Puerarin significantly inhibits tumor cell proliferation and promotes apoptosis in these cells, demonstrating its potential as an anti-tumor agent.

Protective Effect on the Liver

Puerarin protects the liver from damage caused by alcoholism and other factors. In studies, liver damage was assessed by measuring alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and total cholesterol (CHOL) levels. Results indicated that the model group exhibited elevated ALT, AST, and CHOL levels compared to the control group. However, puerarin treatment significantly reduced these levels, alleviating liver damage. Additionally, in models of chronic alcohol-induced liver damage, puerarin treatment lowered pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, indicating its ability to modulate the inflammatory response.

Anti-Arrhythmic and Anti-Angina Effects

Studies reveal that puerarin reduces the incidence of chloroform-induced atrial fibrillation and improves the threshold for cardiac arrest and ventricular arrhythmias in animal models. Puerarin injections are effective for treating angina pectoris associated with coronary heart disease. It lowers heart rate and blood pressure, enhances vital signs, reduces myocardial oxygen consumption, and dilates coronary arteries. Furthermore, puerarin improves blood rheology and vascular health, showing significant results in elderly patients with angina.

Effects on the Cardiovascular System

Puerarin effectively lowers blood pressure in hypertensive animals and offers therapeutic benefits for cardiovascular conditions like angina, coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, and hypertension. Its use can activate blood vessels, improve cardiovascular conditions, and decrease the incidence of related diseases. Puerarin also shows promise in treating retinal arteriovenous occlusion, optic atrophy, and sudden deafness.

Challenges and Advances

Despite its recognized advantages, including wide pharmacological activity and low toxicity, puerarin faces challenges such as poor solubility and low bioavailability. Recent developments in high-biocompatible polymer materials have led to various puerarin nanoformulations, including liposomes and polymer micelles. These innovations enhance puerarin’s solubility, stability, and bioavailability compared to traditional formulations. Ongoing research continues to deepen our understanding of puerarin, indicating a promising future for its applications.