Pueraria tuberosa: A Review on Traditional Uses, Pharmacology, and Phytochemistry

Puerarin-A Promising Flavonoid: Biosynthesis, Extraction Methods, Analytical Techniques, and Biological Effects

Flavonoids, a variety of plant secondary metabolites, are known for their diverse biological activities. Isoflavones are a subgroup of flavonoids that have gained attention for their potential health benefits. Puerarin is one of the bioactive isoflavones found in the Kudzu root and Pueraria genus, which is widely used in alternative Chinese medicine, and has been found to be effective in treating chronic conditions like cardiovascular diseases, liver diseases, gastric diseases, respiratory diseases, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, and cancer. Puerarin has been extensively researched and used in both scientific and clinical studies over the past few years. The purpose of this review is to provide an up-to-date exploration of puerarin biosynthesis, the most common extraction methods, analytical techniques, and biological effects, which have the potential to provide a new perspective for medical and pharmaceutical research and development.

Effect of Dietary Puerarin Supplementation on Growth Performance, Immune Response, Antioxidant Capacity, and Intestinal Morphology in Domestic Pigeons (Columba livia)

Puerarin is an isoflavone extracted from Gegen (Pueraria lobata) and has been widely utilized to treat various human diseases; however, information regarding its benefits in animal production is limited. In this study, we aimed to investigate the influence of dietary puerarin supplementation on growth performance, immune organ index, immunoglobulin profile, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal morphology in pigeons. In total, 375 healthy 28-day-old White King pigeons were randomly divided into five groups, each consisting of five replicates and 15 pigeons per replicate. Each group was administered one of five dietary treatments: the basal diet, or the basal diet supplemented with 40, 80, 120, or 160 mg/kg puerarin. Treatment duration was 30 days following a 7-day acclimation period. Puerarin treatment did not significantly alter the growth performance of pigeons but afforded a significant linear enhancement in the thymus index (P < 0.05). Additionally, puerarin supplementation significantly increased serum immunoglobulin A and immunoglobulin M levels in pigeons in a linear manner (P < 0.05). Similarly, puerarin significantly and linearly increased the activities of total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase, glutathione, and catalase in the serum and liver, and decreased the malondialdehyde content (P < 0.05). Moreover, the villus height (VH), crypt depth (CD), and VH/CD ratio of the small intestine (including the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum) increased linearly upon puerarin supplementation (P < 0.05). Collectively, these results indicate that puerarin supplementation could improve the immune response, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal morphology of pigeons.

A Novel Approach to Serving Plant-Based Confectionery-The Employment of Spray Drying in the Production of Carboxymethyl Cellulose-Based Delivery Systems Enriched with Teucrium montanum L. Extract

In this study, spray drying was used as a technological solution for the valorization of Teucrium montanum extract into carboxymethyl cellulose-based delivery systems (CMC), individually or in combination with collagen, guar gum, gum arabic, and kappa-carrageenan. The results showed that the process yield and morphological properties were positively influenced by the introduction of CMC binary blends. The employment of CMC resulted in a high encapsulation efficiency (77-96%) for all phenylethanoid glycosides (PGs) analyzed. Due to the low wettability of the microparticles, a relatively gradual in vitro release of the PGs was achieved. Infusion of the filling with hydrophilic T. montanum extract encapsulated in microparticles with high hydrophobic surface area proved to be a practical route for significant confectionery fortification (5-9 mg PGs per dw serving), ensuring prolonged interaction between the food matrix used and the extract under simulated gastrointestinal conditions. Based on sensory evaluation, the introduction of kudzu starch into the jelly matrix has shown a texture-modifying potential.

Ultrafine comminution-assisted ultrasonic-microwave synergistic extraction of Pueraria mirifica (Kudzu flower and root) flavonoids

Extracts of the Pueraria mirifica (Kudzu) plant have several significant human health-promoting benefits. This study utilized orthogonal tests to evaluate the effects of differential ultrasonic power, microwave, and time on the rate of flavonoid extraction from Kudzu samples. Ultrafine processing resulted in finer powder microstructures (SEM) with high solubility. The smallest D50 measurements of ultrafine Kudzu flower and root particles were 11.7 ± 0.004b and 14.3 ± 0.013c μm, respectively. Increasing ultrasonic power from 200 to 600 W yielded increased flavonoids. Increased microwave power from 200 to 800 W also yielded increased flavonoid extract. We found that the best combination factor was A3B2C3 (A-ultrasonic power, B- time, and C- microwave power), showing that flavonoid extraction rate was primarily influenced by microwave power, followed by ultrasonic time and ultrasonic power. Conclusively, ultrafine pulverization increased the flavonoid extraction rate from Kudzu powder particles. Also, scanning electron microscopy results showed that the finer particles had increased solubility.

Polyphenols in edible herbal medicine: targeting gut-brain interactions in depression-associated neuroinflammation

Supplementing with edible herbal medicine is an important strategy because of its role in nutrition. Many polyphenols, which are universal components in edible herbal medicines, have low bioavailability. Therefore, gut microbiota is a key determinant of polyphenol bioactivity. Polyphenols can alter the abundance of flora associated with neuroinflammation by reversing intestinal microbiota dysbiosis. Intestinal flora-mediated chemical modification of polyphenols can result in their conversion into active secondary metabolites. The current review summarizes the main edible medicines used in anti-depression and details the interactions between polyphenols and gut microbiota; in addition, it provides insights into the mechanisms underlying the possible suppression of neuroinflammation associated with depression, by polyphenols in edible herbal medicine. A better understanding of polyphenols with bioactivities that are crucial in edible herbal medicine may facilitate their use in the prevention and treatment of neuroinflammation associated with depression.

The effect of soil environmental factors on the yield and quality of Pueraria lobata

Pueraria lobata is a typical medicinal and edible plant with great market value and demand, thus exploring the relationship between soil environmental factors and the yield and quality of Pueraria lobata is of great significance for its high-value cultivation. In this study, using the Guige 1 variety (Pueraria montana var. Thomsonii) selected by our research group as the material to compare the effects of five soil types, endophytes in three parts of Pueraria lobata and two fertilizers on its yield and quality. The results showed that the comprehensive evaluation effect of five soil types on the yield and quality of Guige 1 was as follow: red-yellow mixed soil (RYMS) > black loam soil (BLS) > sandy loam soil (SLS) > sandy loam soil waterlogging (SLSW) > yellow soil compaction soil (YSCS); the descending order of endophyte types and quantities is in BLS > RYMS > SLS > YSC > SLSW; applying General Compound Fertilizers (GCF) in RYMS is more suitable for the rapid expansion of Guige 1 than Organic-Slow-Release-Fertilizers (OSRF). The high potassium content in RYMS and high effective phosphorus content in BLS are positively correlated with the content of starch and isoflavone in Pueraria lobata. The conclusion is that the high potassium and available phosphorus content in RYMS and BLS, as well as the rich types and quantities of endophytic bacteria, are positively correlated with the yield and quality of Pueraria lobata. The research results have important guiding significance for the high-value cultivation of Pueraria lobata.

Effect of Biotic Elicitors on the Growth, Antioxidant Activity and Metabolites Accumulation in In Vitro Propagated Shoots of Pueraria tuberosa

Pueraria tuberosa contains a wide range of bioactive compounds, including polyphenols, alkaloids, and phytosterols, which make it valuable to the pharmaceutical and food industries. Elicitor compounds trigger the defense mechanisms in plants and are widely used to increase the yield of bioactive molecules in in vitro cultures. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different concentrations of biotic elicitors such as yeast extract (YE), pectin (PEC), and alginate (ALG) on growth, antioxidant activity, and metabolite accumulation in in vitro propagated shoots of P. tuberosa. The elicitors applied to shoot cultures of P. tuberosa significantly increased biomass (shoot number, fresh weight, and dry weight), and metabolites such as protein, carbohydrates, chlorophyll, total phenol (TP), and total flavonoid (TF) contents, as well as antioxidant activity compared to untreated control. Biomass, TP, and TF contents, as well as antioxidant activity, were most significant in cultures treated with 100 mg/L PEC. In contrast, chlorophyll, protein, and carbohydrate increased most in cultures treated with 200 mg/L ALG. Application of 100 mg/L of PEC led to the accumulation of high amounts of isoflavonoids including puerarin (220.69 μg/g), daidzin (2935.55 μg/g), genistin (5612 μg/g), daidzein (479.81 μg/g), and biochanin-A (111.511 μg/g) as analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Total isoflavonoids content of 100 mg/L PEC treated shoots was obtained as 9359.56 μg/g, 1.68-fold higher than in vitro propagated shoots without elicitors (5573.13 μg/g) and 2.77-fold higher than shoots of the mother plant (3380.17 μg/g). The elicitor concentrations were optimized as 200 mg/L YE, 100 mg/L PEC, and 200 mg/L ALG. Overall, this study showed that the application of different biotic elicitors resulted in better growth, antioxidant activity, and accumulation of metabolites in P. tuberosa, which could lead to obtaining phytopharmaceutical advantages in the future.

Study on structural characteristics and physicochemical properties of starches extracted from three varieties of kudzu root (Pueraria lobata starch)

Kudzu root (Pueraria lobata) is well known for its traditional use as a medicinal food homologous plant in China. Three varieties of kudzu roots, such as Gange-1, Gange-2, and Gange-6, are commonly used. Nowadays, kudzu starch (KS) is commercially available as satiating foods or product ingredients. Differentiation and selection of the variety are important components of quality control for KS-based products. Thus, the present work was aimed at comparing the physicochemical properties, such as thermodynamic properties, pasting properties, solubility, swelling, as well as the structural characteristics of the starches extracted from the three varieties of kudzu roots. The results show that KS-6 has a higher content of functional ingredients thus can be used as an ideal functional starch. However, KS-6 has a higher amylopectin:amylose ratio of 4.65, resulting in a better solubility, higher transition temperature, and higher gelatinization enthalpy. KS-2 showed lower transition temperature and gelatinization enthalpy, as well as higher peak viscosity, through viscosity, and final viscosity. KS-1 could result in a soft texture after pasting. The appropriate variety of KS should be differentiated and selected according to application scenarios. This study provided valuable insights into the potential use of different KS in the food and nonfood industries. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: 1. KS-1 was found to be suitable for use as a food supplement. 2. KS-6 has the highest nutritional value. 3. They can be used as a substitute for other similar starches.

Modulation of transcription factors by small molecules in β-cell development and differentiation

Transcription factors regulate gene expression and play crucial roles in development and differentiation of pancreatic β-cell. The expression and/or activities of these transcription factors are reduced when β-cells are chronically exposed to hyperglycemia, which results in loss of β-cell function. Optimal expression of such transcription factors is required to maintain normal pancreatic development and β-cell function. Over many other methods of regenerating β-cells, using small molecules to activate transcription factors has gained insights, resulting in β-cells regeneration and survival. In this review, we discuss the broad spectrum of transcription factors regulating pancreatic β-cell development, differentiation and regulation of these factors in normal and pathological states. Also, we have presented set of potential pharmacological effects of natural and synthetic compounds on activities of transcription factor involved in pancreatic β-cell regeneration and survival. Exploring these compounds and their action on transcription factors responsible for pancreatic β-cell function and survival could be useful in providing new insights for development of small molecule modulators.

Coassembly of Fiber Hydrogel with Antibacterial Activity for Wound Healing

Wound healing remains a critical challenge due to its vulnerability to bacterial infection and the complicated inflammatory microenvironment. Herein, we report a novel antibacterial hydrogel constructed only by gallic acid (GA) and phycocyanin (PC), which is expected for the treatment of bacteria-infected wounds. These GA/PC hydrogels (GP) was found to coassemble into fibrous networks with a diameter of around 2 μm mainly through noncovalent interactions of hydrogen bonds, van der Waals force, and π interaction. Notably, these GP hydrogels showed excellent rheological properties (i.e., storage modulus of more than 9.0 × 10⁴ Pa) and outstanding biocompatibility and antibacterial activities. Thanks to the incorporation of GA and PC, the GP hydrogels enabled adherence to the moist wound tissue and achieved a sustained release of GA and PC into the wound skin, therefore effectively attenuating inflammation and accelerating wound healing both in normal mice and bacteria-infected mice through regulating the expression of the tight junction protein and the alleviation of oxidative stress. Considering these results, these GP hydrogels are demonstrated to be a promising candidate for bacteria-infected wound healing.

Analysis of Isoflavones in Pueraria by UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS and Study on α-Glucosidase Inhibitory Activity

Pueraria is a rich source of bioactive compounds, but there is a lack of comprehensive information concerning its composition. Therefore, a UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS method was developed to identify and quantify bioactive compounds in pueraria. Twelve isoflavones were quantified, with puerarin being the most abundant, followed by puerarin 6″-O-xyloside, 3′-methoxy puerarin, and 3′-hydroxy puerarin. A further 88 bioactive components in eight categories were also tentatively identified. The 12 isoflavones, except for genistein, exhibited α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. The binding of these compounds to the active site of α-glucosidase was confirmed via molecular docking analysis. These findings provide a basis for identifying pueraria as a promising functional food ingredient.

Puerarin activates adaptive autophagy and protects the myocardium against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity via the 14–3-3γ/PKCε pathway

Doxorubicin (Dox)-induced cardiotoxicity (DIC) seriously threatens the health of related patients. Studies have confirmed that 14-3-3γ and protein kinase C epsilon (PKCε) are the endogenous protective proteins. Puerarin (Pue) is a bioactive ingredient isolated from the root of Pueraria lobata. It possesses many pharmacological properties, which have been widely used in treating and adjuvant therapy of cardiovascular diseases. In the study, we intended to explore the effects and mechanism of Pue pretreatment to protect the myocardium against DIC injury. Adult mice and H9c2 cells were pretreated with Pue, and the injury model was made with Dox. Results showed that Pue pretreatment alleviated DIC injury, as revealed by increased cell viability, decreased LDH activity and apoptosis, inhibited excess oxidative stress, maintained mitochondrial function and energy metabolism, and improved myocardial function. Furthermore, Pue pretreatment upregulated 14-3-3γ expression, interacted with PKCε, phosphorylated and impelled migration to mitochondria, activated adaptive autophagy, and protected the myocardium. However, pAD/14-3-3γ-shRNA or εV1-2 (a PKCε activity inhibitor) or 3-methyladenine (an autophagy inhibitor) could weaken the above effects of Pue pretreatment. Together, Pue pretreatment could activate adaptive autophagy by the 14-3-3γ/PKCε pathway and protect the myocardium against DIC injury.

Progress in Traditional Chinese Medicine on Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy (DR), a common and blinding diabetic microvascular complication, is a harmful metabolic effect caused by persistent hyperglycemia. Owing to the complex pathogenesis of DR, various clinical treatment methods cannot completely prevent its development and are accompanied by various complications. Therefore, there is an urgent need to identify new therapeutic drugs or complementary and alternative therapies. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has the unique advantages of multi-level, multi-target, and minimal side effects. Accumulating evidence has proven that TCM may help delay or prevent the progression of DR. This paper reviews the effect and mechanism of representative TCMs (including extracts, identified compounds, and compound formulas) on DR in recent years and provides evidence for new drug development and clinical efficacy.

Puerarin Attenuates Oxidative Stress and Ferroptosis via AMPK/PGC1α/Nrf2 Pathway after Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in Rats

Puerarin was shown to exert anti-oxidative and anti-ferroptosis effects in multiple diseases. The goal of this study was to explore the neuroprotective effect of puerarin on early brain injury (EBI) after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in rats. A total of 177 adult male Sprague Dawley rats were used. SAH was included via endovascular perforation. Intranasal puerarin or intracerebroventricular dorsomorphin (AMPK inhibitor) and SR18292 (PGC1α inhibitor) were administered. The protein levels of pAMPK, PGC1α, Nrf2, 4HNE, HO1, MDA, ACSL4, GSSG, and iron concentration in the ipsilateral hemisphere were significantly increased, whereas SOD, GPX4, and GSH were decreased at 24 h after SAH. Moreover, puerarin treatment significantly increased the protein levels of pAMPK, PGC1α, Nrf2, HO1, SOD, GPX4, and GSH, but decreased the levels of 4HNE, MDA, ACSL4, GSSG, and iron concentration in the ipsilateral hemisphere at 24 h after SAH. Dorsomorphin or SR18292 partially abolished the beneficial effects of puerarin exerted on neurological dysfunction, oxidative stress injury, and ferroptosis. In conclusion, puerarin improved neurobehavioral impairments and attenuated oxidative-stress-induced brain ferroptosis after SAH in rats. The neuroprotection acted through the activation of the AMPK/PGC1α/Nrf2-signaling pathway. Thus, puerarin may serve as new therapeutics against EBI in SAH patients.

Self-Assembly of Naturally Small Molecules into Supramolecular Fibrillar Networks for Wound Healing

Self-assemblies of bioactively natural compounds into supramolecular hydrogels without structural modifications are of interest to improve their sustained releases and bioavailabilities in vivo. However, it is still a formidable challenge to dig out such a naturally small molecule with a meticulous structure which can be self-assembled to form a hydrogel for biomedical applications. Here, a new hydrogel consisting only of gallic acid (GA) via π-π stacking and hydrogen bond interactions, whereas none of GA analogues can form the similar supramolecular hydrogels, is reported. This interesting phenomenon is intriguing to further investigate the potential applications of GA hydrogels in wound healing. Notably, this GA hydrogel has rod-like structures with lengths varying from 10 to 100 µm. The biocompatibility and antibacterial tests prove that this well-assembled GA hydrogel has no cytotoxicity and excellent antibacterial activities against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Moreover, the GA hydrogel can significantly accelerate the process of wound healing with or without bacterial infections by mediation of inflammation signaling pathways. It is believed that the current study may shed a new light on the design of a supramolecular hydrogel based on self-assemblies of naturally small molecules to improve their bioavailabilities and diversify their uses in biomedical applications.

Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Activities of Kudzu Roots and Soy Molasses against Pediatric Tumors and Phytochemical Analysis of Isoflavones Using HPLC-DAD-ESI-HRMS

Pediatric solid tumors (PSTs) are life-threatening and can lead to high morbidity and mortality rates in children. Developing novel remedies to treat these tumors, such as glioblastoma multiforme and sarcomas, such as osteosarcoma, and rhabdomyosarcoma, is challenging, despite immense attempts with chemotherapeutic or radiotherapeutic interventions. Soy (Glycine max) and kudzu roots (KR) (Pueraria spp.) are well-known phytoestrogenic botanical sources that contain high amounts of naturally occurring isoflavones. In the present study, we investigated the antioxidant and cytotoxic effects of the extracts of KR and soy molasses (SM) against PSTs. The green extraction of isoflavones from KR and SM was performed using natural deep eutectic solvents. The extracts were subsequently analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-diode array detector (DAD) coupled with high-resolution (HR) mass spectrometry (MS), which identified 10 isoflavones in KR extracts and 3 isoflavones in the SM extracts. Antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of KR and SM extracts were assessed against glioblastoma multiforme (A-172), osteosarcoma (HOS), and rhabdomyosarcoma (Rd) cancer cell lines. The KR and SM extracts showed satisfactory cytotoxic effects (IC₅₀) against the cancer cell lines tested, particularly against Rd cancer cell lines, in a dose-dependent manner. Antioxidant activity was found to be significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher in KR than in SM, which was consistent with the results of the cytotoxic activity observed with KR and SM extracts against glioblastoma and osteosarcoma cells. The total flavonoid content and antioxidant activities of the extracts were remarkably attributed to the isoflavone content in the KR and SM extracts. This study provides experimental evidence that HPLC-ESI-HRMS is a suitable analytical approach to identify isoflavones that exhibit potent antioxidant and anticancer potential against tumor cells, and that KR and SM, containing many isoflavones, can be a potential alternative for health care in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Theoretical Study of Macrocyclic Host Molecules: From Supramolecular Recognition to Self-Assembly

Supramolecular chemistry focuses on molecular recognition and self-assembly of various building blocks through weak non-covalent interactions, including anion-π, hydrogen bond (HB), hydrophobic interactions, van der Waals (vdW) interactions, etc, which...

Herbal Phytomedicine 'Irisolidone' in Chronic Diseases: Biological Efficacy and Pharmacological Activity

BACKGROUND

Plant-derived products have been used in medicine as a source of bioactive molecules, mainly due to their medicinal importance and therapeutic potential. Nowadays, plant derived products have been used in the medicine for the development of novel drug leads. Polyphenols are an important class of secondary metabolites found to be present in plants and their derived products. Polyphenols play an important role in the nutrition of human beings and also have a significant role in plant resistance against pests and diseases. Scientific studies have proven the biological importance of flavonoids in medicine and other allied health sectors. Anti-oxidant, analgesic, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-tumor and anti-allergic activities are the important pharmacological features of flavonoids. Irisolidone is an important isoflavone found to be present in Pueraria lobata flowers.

METHODS

To know the medicinal importance and therapeutic potential of irisolidone in the medicine, numerous scientific research data have been collected from Google, Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, and Scopus. Pharmacological activity data of irisolidone has been collected and analyzed in the present works to know their health beneficial aspects in the medicine. Detailed pharmacological activities of irisolidone have been investigated through scientific data analysis of scientific research works.

RESULTS

Scientific research data analysis of irisolidone revealed the anti-inflammatory, antiangiogenic, anti-cancer, anti-platelet, anti-oxidant, anti-hyperlipidemic, immunomodulating, hepatoprotective and estrogenic potential. However, the biological effect of irisolidone on the gastric system, aldose reductase enzymes, malignant gliomas, and JC virus has also been investigated. Scientific data analysis revealed the significance of analytical tools for the separation and identification of irisolidone.

CONCLUSION

Present work signified the biological importance and therapeutic potential of irisolidone in medicine.

A review on phytochemical and pharmacological facets of tropical ethnomedicinal plants as reformed DPP-IV inhibitors to regulate incretin activity

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder resulting from impaired insulin secretion and resistance. Dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP)-IV is an enzyme known to trigger the catalysis of insulinotropic hormones, further abating the endogenous insulin levels and elevating the glucose levels in blood plasma. In the field of drug development, DPP-IV inhibitors have opened up numerous opportunities for leveraging this target to generate compounds as hypoglycemic agents by regulating incretin activity and subsequently decreasing blood glucose levels. However, the practice of synthetic drugs is an apparent choice but poses a great pharmacovigilance issue due to their incessant undesirable effects. The ideology was set to inventively look upon different ethnomedicinal plants for their anti-diabetic properties to address these issues. To date, myriads of phytochemicals are characterized, eliciting an anti-diabetic response by targeting various enzymes and augmenting glucose homeostasis. Antioxidants have played a crucial role in alleviating the symptoms of diabetes by scavenging free radicals or treating the underlying causes of metabolic disorders and reducing free radical formation. Plant-based DPP-IV inhibitors, including alkaloids, phenolic acid, flavonoids, quercetin, and coumarin, also possess antioxidant capabilities, providing anti-diabetic and antioxidative protection. This review article provides a new gateway for exploring the ability of plant-based DPP-IV inhibitors to withstand oxidative stress under pathological conditions related to diabetes and for reforming the strategic role of ethnomedicinal plants as potent DPP-IV inhibitors through the development of polyherbal formulations and nanophytomedicines to regulate incretin activity.

Structural characterization, anti-inflammatory and glycosidase inhibitory activities of two new polysaccharides from the root of Pueraria lobata

Diabetes seriously endangers public health and brings a heavy economic burden to the country. Inflammation is one of the main inducing factors of type-2 diabetes (T2D) and may cause some complications of diabetes, such as diabetic encephalopathy and peripheral neuropathy. In-depth research and development of drugs to cure diabetes and complications are of great significance. Pueraria lobate is a medicinal herb used in several countries to treat many diseases. Here, two new polysaccharides (PLB-1-1 and PLB-1-2) were isolated and purified from the root of Pueraria lobata with molecular weights of 9.1 × 10³ Da and 3.8 × 10³ Da, respectively. The structure was evaluated by monosaccharide composition, GC-MS and NMR spectroscopy. It was determined that PLB-1-1 comprised →4)-α-d-Glcp-(1→, α-d-Glcp-(1→, →6)-β-d-Galp-(1→, →3)-α-l-Araf-(1→, →3,6)-β-d-Manp-(1→ and →4,6)-β-d-Manp-(1→, and PLB-1-2 consisted of →4)-α-d-Glcp-(1→, β-d-Glcp-(1→, →4,6)-β-d-Glcp-(1→, →3,6)-β-d-Manp-(1→ and α-l-Fucp-(1→. Furthermore, both PLB-1-1 and PLB-1-2 showed anti-inflammatory and inhibitory activities of α-glucosidase and α-amylase in vitro. Therefore, the new polysaccharides, i.e., PLB-1-1 and PLB-1-2, may be considered candidates for the treatment of diabetes and its related complications.

Through the extraction, isolation and purification of Pueraria lobata, we identified two new polysaccharides with molecular weights of 9.1 × 10³ Da and 3.8 × 10³ Da, and found that they have excellent anti-inflammatory and glycosidase inhibitory effects.

Potential Mechanisms of Plant-Derived Natural Products in the Treatment of Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is the second most common gynecological malignancy globally; it seriously endangers women’s health because of its high morbidity and mortality. Conventional treatments are prone to drug resistance, recurrence and metastasis. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop new drugs with high efficacy and low side effects to prevent and treat cervical cancer. In recent years, plant-derived natural products have been evaluated as potential anticancer drugs that preferentially kill tumor cells without severe adverse effects. A growing number of studies have shown that natural products can achieve practical anti-cervical-cancer effects through multiple mechanisms, including inhibition of tumor-cell proliferation, induction of apoptosis, suppression of angiogenesis and telomerase activity, enhancement of immunity and reversal of multidrug resistance. This paper reviews the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of plant-derived natural products on cervical cancer and provides references for developing anti-cervical-cancer drugs with high efficacy and low side effects.