An evidence-based systematic review of kudzu (Pueraria lobata) by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration

A mixture of Pueraria lobata and Platycodon grandiflorum extracts ameliorates RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation and ovariectomy-induced bone loss by regulating Src- PI3K-AKT and JNK/p38 signaling pathways

Osteoporosis is caused by increased bone resorption due to the excessive activity of osteoclasts. Pueraria lobata has demonstrated the ability to improve bone density in ovariectomized mice, and Platycodon grandiflorum can suppress osteolysis biomarkers such as collagen content in cartilage and alkaline phosphatase activity. In this study, we examined whether HX112, a mixture of Pueraria lobata and Platycodon grandiflorum extracts, could inhibit the receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclast differentiation to alleviate osteoporosis. To induce the differentiation of osteoclasts, RAW 264.7 cell were cultured with RANKL and HX112. Osteoclasts differentiation was evaluated by TRAP activity and TRAP staining. Bone resorption as osteoclasts major function was assessed by pit formation assay. As a result, HX112 suppressed osteoclast differentiation and bone resorptive function. Additionally, HX112 reduced the expression of osteoclastogenic genes including NFATc1 and c-Fos, and these effects of HX112 were mediated by inhibiting Src-phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)- Protein kinase B (Akt) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)/p38 signaling pathways. Furthermore, ICR mice were ovariectomized to induce osteoporosis and bone mineral density of femur was measured using micro-CT. Consequently, oral administration of HX112 to ovariectomized mice significantly improved bone microstructure and bone mineral density. Collectively, these findings indicate that the mixed extract of Pueraria lobata and Platycodon grandiflorum may be useful as therapeutics for osteoporosis.

Bioassay-Guided Characterization, Antioxidant, Anti-Melanogenic and Anti-Photoaging Activities of Pueraria thunbergiana L. Leaf Extracts in Human Epidermal Keratinocytes (HaCaT) Cells

Although the roots and flowers of P. thunbergiana are known to have various physiologically active effects, studies on the anti-melanin production and anti-photoaging effects of its leaf extracts and cellular mechanisms are still lacking. In this study, we evaluated the possibility of using Pueraria thunbergiana leaves as a natural material for skin whitening and anti-aging-related functional cosmetics. The 30% ethyl alcohol (EtOH) extract from P. thunbergiana leaves was fractionated using n-hexane, ethyl acetate (EtOAc), butanol, and aqueous solution to measure their whitening, and anti-aging effects. The EtOAc fraction contained a high content of phenolic and flavonoids and showed higher 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) radical scavenging activities than the other fractions. It was also confirmed that the EtOAc fraction markedly inhibited α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH)-induced melanogenesis in B16F10 melanoma cells. In addition, the EtOAc fraction showed a protective effect against ultraviolet B (UVB) in HaCaT cells and increased the collagen synthesis that was decreased due to UVB exposure. Matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) activity and MMP-1 protein expression were reduced in human epidermal keratinocytes (HaCaT) cells. These results indicate that the EtOAc fraction has superior antioxidant activity, anti-melanogenesis, and anti-photoaging effects compared to the other fractions. Therefore, in this study, we confirmed the potential of P. thunbergiana leaf extract as a functional cosmetic ingredient, and it can be used as basic data for the physiological activity of P. thunbergiana leaf extracts.

Review on Plants with Traditional Uses and Bio-Activity Against Hair Graying

Abstract:

Hair graying occurs worldwide, and it has a high impact on the self-esteem of an individual. Hair graying is a melanogenesis disorder that can be attributed to many factors, including age, oxidative stress, psychological stress, and malnutrition. Though there are effective p-phenylenediamine based hair dyes, they often cause allergy and systematic toxicity. Plants are popular a traditional remedy for the management of hair disorders. Due to their high chemical diversity, phytoproducts offer great promises to develop an effective and safe product to manage hair graying and melanogenesis disorders. The aim of the present article is to review plants with traditional uses and bio-activity against hair graying. An extensive literature search was conducted on PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar databases using many combinations of the following keywords: plants used to treat gray hair, natural products, hair graying, melanogenesis, pigmentation, and tyrosinase activity. This review documented about sixty-one plants, including a summary of 47 plants frequently used in traditional medicine, and a brief review of fourteen plants showing promising activity against hair graying. The active constituents and the mechanisms by which active constituents exert anti-hair graying effects were also reviewed.

Differential Influence of Pueraria lobata Root Extract and Its Main Isoflavones on Ghrelin Levels in Alcohol-Treated Rats

The study was carried out on alcohol-preferring male Wistar rats. The following drugs were repeatedly (28×) administered: acamprosate (500 mg/kg, p.o.), naltrexone (0.1 mg/kg, i.p), and Pueraria lobata (kudzu) root extract (KU) (500 mg/kg, p.o.) and its isoflavones: daidzin (40 mg/kg, p.o.) and puerarin (150 mg/kg, p.o.). Their effects on a voluntary alcohol intake were assessed. KU and alcohol were also given for 9 days in an experiment on alcohol tolerance development. Finally, total and active ghrelin levels in peripheral blood serum were measured by ELISA method. Acamprosate, naltrexone, daidzin, and puerarin, reducing the alcohol intake, caused an increase in both forms of ghrelin levels. On the contrary, though KU inhibited the alcohol intake and alcohol tolerance development, it reduced ghrelin levels in alcohol-preferring rats. The changes of ghrelin concentration could play a role as an indicator of the currently used drugs. The other effect on the KU-induced shift in ghrelin levels in the presence of alcohol requires further detailed study.

The Efficacy and Safety of Multiple Dose Regimens of Kudzu (Pueraria lobata) Root Extract on Bone and Cartilage Turnover and Menopausal Symptoms

Background: Menopause is associated with detrimental changes in turnover of bone and cartilage and a variety of symptoms with negative impact on the quality of life. Naturally occurring isoflavones from Radix Pueraria lobata, Kudzu root, may possess chondroprotective and symptom-relieving properties, but efficacy and safety of dosing and dose frequencies required for pharmacological action is unclear.

Purpose: This clinical trial evaluates the efficacy on bone and cartilage turnover, menopausal symptoms, and safety of five dose regimens of Kudzu root extract administered either once, twice or three times daily in women with at least mild menopausal symptoms.

Materials and Methods: Fifty postmenopausal women were randomized equally into five different dose regimen groups of Kudzu root extract in a four-week, parallel group, open-label, single-center, exploratory study design. Biomarkers CTX-I and CTX-II reflecting bone and cartilage degradation, respectively, were assessed in blood samples and 24-h urine samples. Change from baseline in the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) and subscales was evaluated. Safety endpoints were frequency of adverse events, changes in hematology and safety chemistry data, vital signs and electrocardiogram.

Results: Fifty women (Age 54.2 years, SD: 2.9) were randomized. After 4 weeks of treatment, biomarkers of bone resorption and cartilage degradation were statistically significantly reduced from baseline levels in the group receiving two capsules three times a day, serum/urine CTX-I (−18.4%, 95% CI: −8.1 to −27.5, p = 0.001/−34.2%, 95% CI: −21.6 to −44.7, p < 0.0001), urine CTX-II (−17.4% 95% CI: −2.5 to −30.0, p = 0.02). The observed effects were consistent across study groups but appeared to favour three times daily dosing. Four weeks of treatment led to statistically significant reductions in the MRS Total Score (p < 0.0001–0.03) in four out of five treatment groups. Kudzu root extract was well tolerated in all dose regimens, and no serious adverse events were reported.

Conclusion: The results indicate that Kudzu extract may possess beneficial effects on bone and cartilage health and may be a promising natural alternative to existing treatments for menopausal symptoms. Kudzu root extract was well tolerated for short-term treatment of mild to severe menopausal symptoms in women in all tested doses and dose frequencies.

Kakonein restores diabetes-induced endothelial junction dysfunction via promoting autophagy-mediated NLRP3 inflammasome degradation

In diabetes‐induced complications, inflammatory‐mediated endothelial dysfunction is the core of disease progression. Evidence shows that kakonein, an isoflavone common in Pueraria, can effectively treat diabetes and its complications. Therefore, we explored whether kakonein protects cardiovascular endothelial function by inhibiting inflammatory responses. In this study, C57BL/6J mice were injected with streptozocin to establish a diabetes model and treated with kakonein or metformin for 7 days. The protective effect of kakonein on cardiovascular endothelial junctions and NLRP3 inflammasome activation was verified through immunofluorescence and ELISA assay. In addition, the regulation of autophagy on the NLRP3 inflammasome was investigated through Western blot, immunofluorescence and RT‐qPCR. Results showed that kakonein restored the function of endothelial junctions and inhibited the assembly and activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Interestingly, kakonein decreased the expression of NLRP3 inflammasome protein by not reducing the transcriptional levels of NLRP3 and caspase‐1. Kakonein activated autophagy in an AMPK‐dependent manner, which reduced the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. In addition, kakonein inhibited both hyperglycaemia‐induced cardiovascular endothelial junction dysfunction and NLRP3 inflammasome activation, similar to autophagy agonist. Our findings indicated that kakonein exerts a protective effect on hyperglycaemia‐induced chronic vascular disease by regulating the NLRP3 inflammasome through autophagy.

Safety evaluation of root extract of Pueraria lobata and Scutellaria baicalensis in rats

Background

The roots of Pueraria lobata and Scutellaria baicalensis, herbal medicines with a long history of widespread use, have been traditionally prescribed in combination to treat stroke, diabetes, and acute infectious diarrhea in East Asia. Nevertheless, toxicological data on these herbs and their combination are limited. This study investigated the acute and 13-week subchronic toxicity of root extract of P. lobata and S. baicalensis (HT047) for stroke treatment in male and female Sprague-Dawley rats.

Methods

In the acute toxicity study, HT047 was administered orally at a single dose of 5000 mg/kg. In the subchronic toxicity study, HT047 was administered orally at repeated daily doses of 800, 2000, and 5000 mg/kg/day for 13 weeks, followed by a 4-week recovery period.

Results

In the acute toxicity study, there were no deaths or toxicologically significant changes in clinical signs, body weight, and necropsy findings. In the subchronic toxicity study, HT047 at all doses caused no death and no treatment-related adverse effects on food consumption; organ weight; ophthalmologic, urinalysis, and hematological parameters; and necropsy findings of both rat sexes. There were some treatment-related alterations in clinical signs, body weight, and serum biochemistry and histopathological parameters; however, these changes were not considered toxicologically significant because they were resolved during the recovery period or resulted from the pharmacological effects of P. lobata and S. baicalensis.

Conclusions

The oral approximate lethal dose (the lowest dose that causes mortality) of HT047 was greater than 5000 mg/kg in male and female rats. The oral no-observed-adverse-effect level of HT047 was greater than 5000 mg/kg/day in rats of both sexes, and no target organs were identified. The present findings support the safety of an herbal extract of P. lobata and S. baicalensis as a therapeutic agent for stroke and further confirm the safety of the combined use of P. lobata and S. baicalensis in clinical practice.

Neobavaisoflavone Inhibits Melanogenesis through the Regulation of Akt/GSK-3β and MEK/ERK Pathways in B16F10 Cells and a Reconstructed Human 3D Skin Model

Previous studies have confirmed the anti-melanogenic effect of the aerial part of Pueraria lobata, however, due to its inherent color, P. lobata has limited commercial use. In this study, an extract (GALM-DC) of the aerial part of P. lobata having improved color by the use of activated carbon was obtained. Furthermore, the active compound neobavaisoflavone (NBI) was identified from GALM-DC. The effect of NBI on melanogenesis, tyrosinase activity, α-glucosidase activity, and mechanism of action in melanocytes was investigated. Tyrosinase activity, melanin contents and the expression of melanin-related genes and proteins were determined in B16F10 cells. NBI reduced melanin synthesis and tyrosinase activity. Furthermore, NBI treatment reduced the mRNA and protein expression levels of MITF, TRP-1, and tyrosinase. NBI also works by phosphorylating and activating proteins that inhibit melanogenesis, such as GSK3β and ERK. Specific inhibitors of Akt/GSK-3β (LY294002) and MEK/ERK (PD98059) signaling prevented the inhibition of melanogenesis by NBI. NBI inhibited melanin production through the regulation of MEK/ERK and Akt/GSK-3β signaling pathways in α-MSH-stimulated B16F10 cells. NBI suppresses tyrosinase activity and melanogenesis through inhibition of α-glucosidase activity. Besides, NBI significantly reduced melanogenesis in a reconstructed human 3D skin model. In conclusion, these results suggest that NBI has potential as a skin-whitening agent for hyperpigmentation.

Comprehensive study of the interaction between Puerariae Radix flavonoids and DNA: From theoretical simulation to structural analysis to functional analysis

Puerariae Radix (PR) is a natural herb whose active ingredient is mainly flavonoids. To explore the interaction between PR flavonoids and DNA not only has important biological implications for understanding the mechanism of action, but also helps develop PR products for the design of appropriate dietary interventions to aid cancer treatment. In this work, we comprehensively studied the interaction between six kinds of PR flavonoids and DNA from four different and progressive levels, including molecular docking, multi-spectral analysis, and functional analysis in vitro and in cell. Results show that the DNA binding affinity of six flavonoids is in an order of quercetin > formononetin > daidzein > puerarin > 4'-methoxy puerarin > puerarin 6″-O-xyloside (POS), in which quercetin can significantly inhibit DNA amplification owing to its strongest binding affinity. The binding between quercetin and DNA is further revealed to be intercalated binding, which can cause conformational changes in DNA, thereby exhibiting an activity of cell cycle arrest and anti-proliferative. This property of quercetin can be utilized for the further development of flavonoids with anticancer activity. In addition to the potential application, this work also provides a platform for the comprehensive study of the interaction between micromolecules and DNA.

Pueraria lobatafor Diabetes Mellitus: Past, Present and Future

Gegen (Radix Puerariae Lobatae), the root of Pueraria lobata, is an edible and medicinal herb which has been used in treating diabetic symptoms in the orient for thousands of years. We present an evidence map of the efficacy and safety of Gegen and Gegen formulas (GGFs) that use Gegen as an essential herb for diabetes, and also its mechanism of actions. We comprehensively searched the ancient medical records to identify empirical evidence; conducted a systematic review (SR) based on moderate- to high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to synthesize the clinical evidence; and reviewed the possible mechanisms of its antidiabetic effects. Empirical application of Gegen in treating diabetic symptoms dated back to more than 2000 years ago. Common herbs used in RCTs that accompany with Gegen included Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae, Radix et Rhizoma Ginseng, Rhizoma Dioscoreae, Poria, and Radix Ophiopogonis. The combinations used today are consistent with their usage in ancient times. Results of the SR showed that GGFs could benefit patients with type 2 diabetes for blood glucose control. When in combination with hypoglycemic agents or insulin, GGFs enhanced the glucose-lowering effect as well as the lipid-lowering effects. Also, the incidence and the risk of adverse events (AE), especially the hypoglycemic episodes, were lower in the combination group. No serious or life-threatening AE was reported. The experimental evidence presented that Gegen and GGFs might exert and enhance the anti-diabetic effects through activation of multiple mechanisms, such as reducing insulin resistance, increasing insulin release, inhibiting glucose absorption and reabsorption, and improving insulin sensitivity, glucose uptake, and metabolism.

Puerariae lobatae root extracts and the regulation of brown fat activity

BACKGROUND

Obesity is one of the major health problems worldwide. The induction of brown adipocyte formation and activity represents a promising therapeutic option by increasing energy expenditure. Asian herbs have the potential to treat obesity, however, pharmacological effects should be well documented at the molecular level first.

HYPOTHESIS

A novel hypothesis-driven screening approach identified the root of Pueraria montana var. lobata (Willd.) Sanjappa & Pradeep (PLR) to have potential effects on obesity by stimulating brown adipocytes.

STUDY DESIGN

This study explored the metabolic effects of PLR water extract (PLRE) in a high-fat diet-induced obesity mouse model and characterized its secondary metabolite composition.

METHODS

Animals were orally treated daily for two weeks and the bioactivity of PLRE evaluated by measuring various parameters including body weight, circulating metabolites, energy expenditure and insulin sensitivity. The chemical composition of the mains components was obtained by HPLC-MS-ELSD-PDA. Based on the dereplication results and semi-quantitative estimation, pure molecules were selected for tests on adipocytes in vitro.

RESULTS

PLRE induces brown adipocyte activity and triggers the formation of brown-like cells in inguinal fat tissue, weight loss, and improved glucose metabolism. These effects are primarily caused by cell-autonomous activation of brown adipocytes and not by autonomic nervous system regulation. Even though the analysis of PLRE revealed puerarin as the most abundant secondary metabolite, it showed no effect on brown adipocyte formation and function. Brown adipocyte activity was induced dose-dependently by two other isoflavones, daidzein, and genistein. Daidzein is present in a very small amount in PLRE, but various glycosidic isoflavones, including puerarin, may release daidzein after metabolism.

CONCLUSION

This approach demonstrated the positive effects of PLRE on a diet-induced obesity mouse model and provided clues on the mode of action of PLRE at the molecular level.

Botanicals and Their Bioactive Phytochemicals for Women's Health

Botanical dietary supplements are increasingly popular for women's health, particularly for older women. The specific botanicals women take vary as a function of age. Younger women will use botanicals for urinary tract infections, especially Vaccinium macrocarpon (cranberry), where there is evidence for efficacy. Botanical dietary supplements for premenstrual syndrome (PMS) are less commonly used, and rigorous clinical trials have not been done. Some examples include Vitex agnus-castus (chasteberry), Angelica sinensis (dong quai), Viburnum opulus/prunifolium (cramp bark and black haw), and Zingiber officinale (ginger). Pregnant women have also used ginger for relief from nausea. Natural galactagogues for lactating women include Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek) and Silybum marianum (milk thistle); however, rigorous safety and efficacy studies are lacking. Older women suffering menopausal symptoms are increasingly likely to use botanicals, especially since the Women's Health Initiative showed an increased risk for breast cancer associated with traditional hormone therapy. Serotonergic mechanisms similar to antidepressants have been proposed for Actaea/Cimicifuga racemosa (black cohosh) and Valeriana officinalis (valerian). Plant extracts with estrogenic activities for menopausal symptom relief include Glycine max (soy), Trifolium pratense (red clover), Pueraria lobata (kudzu), Humulus lupulus (hops), Glycyrrhiza species (licorice), Rheum rhaponticum (rhubarb), Vitex agnus-castus (chasteberry), Linum usitatissimum (flaxseed), Epimedium species (herba Epimedii, horny goat weed), and Medicago sativa (alfalfa). Some of the estrogenic botanicals have also been shown to have protective effects against osteoporosis. Several of these botanicals could have additional breast cancer preventive effects linked to hormonal, chemical, inflammatory, and/or epigenetic pathways. Finally, although botanicals are perceived as natural safe remedies, it is important for women and their healthcare providers to realize that they have not been rigorously tested for potential toxic effects and/or drug/botanical interactions. Understanding the mechanism of action of these supplements used for women's health will ultimately lead to standardized botanical products with higher efficacy, safety, and chemopreventive properties.

A UPLC-MS/MS approach for simultaneous determination of eight flavonoids in rat plasma, and its application to pharmacokinetic studies of Fu-Zhu-Jiang-Tang tablet in rats

The purpose of this study is to establish and validate a UPLC-MS/MS approach to determine eight flavonoids in biological samples and apply the method to pharmacokinetic study of Fu-Zhu-Jiang-Tang tablet. A Waters BEH C₁₈ UPLC column was employed with methanol/0.1% formic acid-water as mobile phases. The mass analysis was carried out in a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer using multiple reaction monitoring with negative scan mode. A one-step protein precipitation by methanol was used to extract the analytes from blood. Eight major flavonoids were selected as markers. Our results showed that calibration curves for 3'-hydroxypuerarin, mirificin, puerarin, 3'-methoxypuerarin, daidzin, rutin, astragalin and daidzein displayed good linear regression (r²  > 0.9986). The intra-day and inter-day precisions (RSD) of the eight flavonoids at high, medium and low levels were <8.03% and the bias of the accuracies ranged from -5.20 to 6.75%.The extraction recoveries of the eight flavonoids were from 91.4 to 100.5% and the matrix effects ranged from 89.8 to 103.8%. The validated approach was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study in Sprague-Dawley rats after oral administration of FZJT tablet. Double peaks were emerged in curves of mean plasma concentration for 3'-methoxypuerarin, which was reported for the first time.

Beneficial effects of legumes on parameters of the metabolic syndrome: a systematic review of trials in animal models

Legume consumption plays a pivotal role in the prevention and treatment of the metabolic syndrome (MetS). This systematic review aimed to highlight the beneficial effects of legume interventions for the prevention and/or improvement of parameters related to the MetS and the implicated metabolic pathways so far reported. The methodology involved a search in four electronic databases (Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library) from January 2007 to December 2014, considering as descriptors ‘Metabolic Syndrome’ and ‘Fabaceae’ and adequately adjusting the equation in each one of them. In total, forty-one studies were finally included. The majority of the studies described a regulating effect on glucose and lipid metabolism due to legume administration, whereas effects on blood pressure and renal parameters are not fully described. Regarding the metabolic pathways involved, they include the up-regulation of genes related to β-oxidation and acetyl-CoA degradation and the down-regulation of glycolytic and lipogenesis genes, as well as those associated with the acetyl-CoA synthesis. The ameliorating effects of legume consumption on the alterations associated with the MetS are clearly reported and coincide with changes in the expression of protein and genes involved in lipid and glucose metabolism. More research needs to be conducted including more legume species that are highly consumed as part of a healthy dietary pattern.