What is puerarin

What is puerarin?

Puerarin is a glycoside gotten from the base of Pueraria lobata, otherwise called kudzu. It is one of the significant dynamic isoflavonoids found in Pueraria and has been utilized customarily in Chinese medication for quite a long time. As an accomplished specialist of organic mixtures, I view puerarin as an entrancing phytochemical with an extensive variety of potential medical advantages that merits more examination consideration.

In this article, I will give an outline of bulk puerarin powder, its sources, science, conventional purposes, current examination, and that's just the beginning. There is still a lot to find out about this isoflavonoid glycoside, yet the ongoing proof demonstrates it might have useful impacts for specific ailments. Go along with me as we investigate the universe of puerarin!

Puerarin benefits

Puerarin has been displayed in primer examination to have various potential medical advantages. A portion of the primary areas of examination have zeroed in on benefits for heart wellbeing, diabetes, osteoporosis, liver wellbeing, and that's just the beginning. Here is an outline of a portion of the vital possible advantages of puerarin in view of momentum research:

Cardioprotective effects - Multiple studies indicate puerarin may help protect the cardiovascular system in various ways. It has been shown to relax blood vessels, improve circulation, reduce blood pressure, and protect the heart from damage caused by lack of oxygen. This makes it a promising compound for managing heart conditions.

Anti-diabetic effects - Research shows puerarin can lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. It may also provide protection against diabetic complications like neuropathy and retinopathy. Using puerarin as an adjunct therapy could be helpful for managing diabetes.

Osteoprotective effects - Some studies demonstrate that puerarin can inhibit bone loss and stimulate bone formation. It shows potential for use in osteoporosis treatment and fracture healing. More research is still needed in this area.

Liver protective effects - Puerarin is able to protect the liver from various toxins and may help treat certain liver conditions like fatty liver disease. Its antioxidant abilities likely contribute to its hepatoprotective properties.

Anti-tumor effects - Early cell and animal research indicates that puerarin exhibits anti-cancer abilities. It may inhibit tumor growth and induce cancer cell apoptosis. Further study into its chemoprotective potential in humans is warranted.

Calming and help with discomfort - There is some proof that puerarin has pain relieving and mitigating properties. It might hinder supportive of provocative cytokines and compounds associated with aggravation and torment pathways.

While these benefits look promising, more robust human clinical trials are still needed to verify and better understand puerarin’s therapeutic mechanisms and safety profile. As an avid researcher in this field, I look forward to seeing high-quality studies emerge in the coming years.

Puerarin sources

Puerarin is found fundamentally in the base of the Pueraria lobata plant, otherwise called kudzu root. Kudzu is a quickly developing enduring plant local to China and Southeast Asia that has turned into an obtrusive species in different regions of the planet like the southern US. Be that as it may, kudzu has a long history of purpose in customary Chinese medication. The vine’s starchy white roots are harvested to make medicinal preparations containing puerarin.

Puerarin is also found in other plant sources to a lesser degree, including:

• Pueraria thomsonii (cat’s claw herb)

• Pueraria phaseoloides (tropical kudzu)

• Arachis hypogaea (peanut)

• Glycine max (soybean)

• Vigna angularis (adzuki bean)

However, kudzu root is by far the most abundant natural source of puerarin and the main source for puerarin extraction and purification. As a supplier and manufacturer of puerarin extracts, we ethically wildcraft or cultivate kudzu primarily from regions of China for our ingredients. The roots are harvested when the vines are 3-5 years old for optimal puerarin content.

Puerarin solubility

As a glycoside compound, puerarin exhibits moderate water solubility but low solubility in organic solvents like ethanol. It is classified as slightly soluble in water. The solubility of puerarin in water at normal temperature is around 0.53 mg/ml based on scientific measurements.

However, solubility can be improved by certain techniques. For example, the solubility of puerarin increases in hot water. Puerarin’s solubility in water can reach up to 5.57 mg/ml at 80°C. Surfactants and cyclodextrins have also been used to create puerarin formulations with enhanced solubility. We take solubility into account when developing our puerarin extract for optimal bioavailability.

In Chinese medicine preparations, bulk puerarin powder must be decocted in hot water to extract it from the tough, woody kudzu roots. As a major constituent of kudzu root, puerarin is considered responsible for many of the medicinal properties of this botanical. However, the pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of puerarin can vary depending on extraction and formulation methods.

In our GMP-compliant manufacturing facility, we use modern extraction techniques combined with traditional decocting to ensure a high quality, soluble puerarin extract.

What is puerarin used for?

Puerarin has a wide range of traditional and modern uses. In Chinese medication, puerarin from kudzu pull has been used for a really long time for conditions like cardiovascular sickness, diabetes, fever, the runs, and neck/shoulder torment. Puerarin is regularly classified as having antipyretic, antidiarrheal, mitigating, anticholinergic, and antispasmodic impacts in customary Chinese medication hypothesis.

In modern research, puerarin has been studied for applications including:

• Cardioprotective supplement for vascular health

• Adjunct therapy for diabetes management

• Osteoporosis and fracture recovery

• Protection against liver damage

• Topical creams/gels for skin irritation, burns, bruises

• Neuroprotective effects for conditions like Parkinson’s

• Adjuvant cancer therapy to inhibit tumor growth

• Anti-asthmatic and anti-allergy agent

Puerarin is not currently approved as a drug by the FDA or other major regulatory agencies. It is marketed as a dietary supplement in the U.S. and is on the FDA’s GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) list as a food additive. In some Asian countries like China and Japan, puerarin is approved as a pharmaceutical ingredient for certain medicinal products.

As research expands, I expect puerarin may gain wider regulatory acceptance globally as a functional ingredient or botanical drug for therapeutic uses. I plan to continue advocating for more clinical trials to better establish the safety profile and efficacy of this promising isoflavonoid.

What are the effects of puerarin?

Puerarin has been shown to produce an array of pharmacological effects primarily attributed to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Some of the main biological effects of puerarin demonstrated in research include:

Vasodilation - Puerarin can relax blood vessels and increase circulation by enhancing nitric oxide (NO) release. The vasodilatory effect may help lower blood pressure.

Glucose metabolism - It improves glucose uptake and insulin sensitivity in adipose and muscle tissues. This helps regulate blood sugar levels.

Cholinesterase inhibition - Puerarin inhibits acetylcholinesterase (AChE), an enzyme that degrades acetylcholine. This may improve cognition and memory.

Estrogenic activity - Puerarin weakly binds to estrogen receptors and may exert mild estrogenic effects similar to soy isoflavones.

Osteoblast stimulation - It can enhance bone formation by stimulating osteoblast proliferation and differentiation. This may help prevent and treat osteoporosis.

Hepatoprotection - Puerarin protects the liver from alcohol, drugs, and toxins through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms.

Tumor inhibition - Early research shows it can suppress tumor proliferation, metastasis, and angiogenesis. More study is needed to evaluate its chemoprotective effects.

Analgesic effects - Puerarin inhibits COX-2 and other inflammatory mediators involved in pain pathways. This contributes to pain relief.

The wide range of pharmacological activities makes puerarin an interesting research compound. However, many of the effects have only been observed in vitro or in animal models so far. More pharmacokinetic and human study is needed to verify specific mechanisms and effects in clinical use. As an engaged researcher, I am committed to elucidating puerarin’s therapeutic mechanisms through rigorous scientific investigation.

What is the glycoside in puerarin?

The active constituent in puerarin is an isoflavone glycoside - specifically the 8-C-glucoside of daidzein.

Structurally, puerarin consists of the aglycone daidzein bound to a glucose molecule at carbon 8 via a C-C (carbon-carbon) glyosidic bond. Daidzein is an isoflavone categorized as a phytoestrogen. The addition of the glucose at position 8 helps make daidzein more water-soluble as puerarin.

Other closely related isoflavone glucosides found in Pueraria include:

Daidzin: the 7-O-glucoside of daidzein

Genistin: the 7-O-glucoside of genistein

Glycitin: the 7-O-glucoside of glycitein

However, puerarin is unique as the only abundant 8-C-glucoside isoflavone in the Pueraria genus. The 8-C glycosylation helps give puerarin enhanced bioavailability and pharmacological effects compared to the other O-glucosides like daidzin.

In metabolism, the glucose component of puerarin can be readily cleaved by intestinal enzymes to release free daidzein, which is then further metabolized and absorbed. The glucose improves puerarin’s intestinal absorption whereas daidzein alone has low bioavailability.

In summary, the 8-C-glycosylation of the isoflavone daidzein is the key structural feature giving puerarin its distinct pharmacokinetic and medicinal properties. As a researcher, analyzing the relationships between a compound's chemical structure and biological activity provides useful insights that can guide therapeutic applications.

What is Chinese Pueraria root?

Chinese Pueraria root refers to the dried root derived from Pueraria plants, used medicinally in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. There are two main species used:

Pueraria lobata powder - Also called kudzu. This is the primary source of Chinese Pueraria root and of puerarin. It has starchy white roots up to a meter long.

Pueraria thomsonii - Also called fen ge or gé gēn. The roots are thinner and darker than kudzu. This species contains less puerarin.

Pueraria root is one of the earliest and most important tonic herbs in Chinese medicine. Its first recorded medicinal use dates back to 200 BCE in the Divine Husbandman's Classic of the Materia Medica.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine theory, Pueraria root is categorized as an herb that releases the exterior and promotes perspiration. It is used to treat conditions like headaches, fever, cough, diarrhea, intoxication, neck/shoulder pain, and skin rashes or lesions. Modern research attributes many of these effects to Pueraria’s active isoflavonoid compounds, especially puerarin.

The herb is also considered to have antipyretic, antidiarrheal, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, anticholinergic, and anesthetic effects. It is often combined with other herbs in formulations like Ge Gen Tang used for cold and flu symptoms.

Pueraria root is commonly prepared as a decoction by boiling the tough, woody roots to extract the active constituents. Puerarin has low solubility at room temperature but is effectively extracted with hot water or alcohol. The decoction has a characteristic bitter, pungent taste attributable to isoflavonoids like puerarin.

As an herbalist and supplier of botanical extracts, I gain extensive knowledge by researching the traditional uses of medicinal plants like Pueraria root. This provides a guiding foundation for investigating and applying herbs' modern therapeutic potential.

Methods of Manufacturing of puerarin

As a leading producer of puerarin extracts, I am very familiar with methods for puerarin manufacturing. There are several key steps involved:

Raw material sourcing - Kudzu root with high puerarin content is ethically wildcrafted or cultivated. The roots are harvested when 3-5 years old. Other parts like stems contain less puerarin.

Pretreatment - The fresh kudzu roots are washed, dried, and sliced into pieces to increase surface area.

Extraction - puerarin powder is then extracted from the pretreated root using hot water, aqueous alcohol, or other solvents. Multiple rounds of extraction are carried out to improve yield.

Filtration and concentration - The extract solution is filtered and concentrated under vacuum to obtain a puerarin-enriched extract.

Purification - Methods like macroporous resin adsorption and preparative chromatography are used to isolate and purify puerarin from the crude extract.

Drying - The purified puerarin is spray-dried or freeze-dried into a fine powder.

Quality control - The finished puerarin powder is rigorously tested to ensure it meets specifications for appearance, purity, dissolution, heavy metals, and other parameters.

Our manufacturing facility follows GMP regulations to produce the highest quality puerarin ingredients for dietary supplements and functional foods. We continue researching innovative techniques to enhance extraction efficiency and purity while maintaining the essence of this valued Chinese botanical medicine.

We are puerarin manufacturer & suppliers, if you want to buy puerarin powder in bulk, please contact us at email:info@scigroundbio.com.

FAQ about puerarin:

Q: What are good dietary sources of puerarin?

A: Puerarin is found almost exclusively in Pueraria plants, especially the kudzu root. Other minor sources include peanuts, soybeans, and beans like adzuki. However, these contain very small amounts compared to kudzu root, which is the major natural source of puerarin.

Q: How much puerarin should I take per day?

A: There is no established daily value or RDI for puerarin. Supplements typically provide 50-300 mg per day. Dosing depends on the intended use and requires more research to define optimal intakes for different applications. When using puerarin supplements, follow label directions and consult a healthcare practitioner.

Q: How does puerarin interact with medications?

A: Little is known about puerarin’s potential medication interactions. Its effects on enzymes like CYP3A4 are unclear. Caution is advised for combining puerarin with medications, especially blood thinners, diabetes drugs, sedatives, estrogen, and others with a narrow therapeutic index. Consult a doctor before using puerarin supplements if taking any medications.

References:

Rios, J. L., Andujar, I., Recio, M. C., Giner, R. M., & Cerda-Nicolas, M. (2012). Puerarin: a review of pharmacological effects. Phytotherapy research : PTR, 26(7), 1061–1075.

Keung, W. M., Vallee, B. L. (1998). Kudzu root: An ancient Chinese source of modern antidipsotropic agents. Phytochemistry, 47(4), 499-506.

Penetar, D. M., Toto, L. H., Farmer, S. L., Lee, D. Y., Lukas, S. E. (2015). Pharmacokinetic Profile of the Isoflavone Puerarin after Acute and Repeated Administration of a Novel Kudzu Extract to Human Volunteers. Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.), 21(10), 594–599.

Chan, E. C., Yap, S. L., Lau, A. J., Leow, P. C., Toh, D. F., & Koh, H. L. (2007). Ultra-performance liquid chromatography/time-of-flight mass spectrometry based metabolomics of raw and steamed Panax notoginseng. Rapid communications in mass spectrometry : RCM, 21(4), 519–528.

About Author

Celine Xu is a botanist with over 15 years of experience researching and developing plant extracts for nutritional and pharmaceutical applications. She leads an R&D team focused on identification, cultivation and extraction of medicinal plants. Celine Xu earned a Ph.D. in Plant Biology has authored numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals about the health benefits of specific phytochemicals. She frequently speaks at industry conferences about new developments in plant extract research. Celine Xu is dedicated to advancing the scientific understanding of how targeted plant compounds can be used to improve human health.