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Puerarin

Clinical trial
C-glycoside isoflavone

Mechanism of Action

Vasodilator acting through multiple mechanisms: stimulates endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) via PI3K/Akt pathway activation; blocks beta-adrenergic receptors, reducing myocardial oxygen demand; inhibits platelet aggregation via thromboxane A2 suppression; and acts as a calcium channel blocker in vascular smooth muscle. Neuroprotective effects mediated by reduction of oxidative stress (upregulation of Nrf2/HO-1 pathway), anti-inflammatory action (NF-kB inhibition), and anti-apoptotic signaling in neurons. In alcohol research, puerarin and related isoflavones inhibit mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 (ALDH2) and affect dopaminergic reward pathways.
Phytoestrogenic via estrogen receptor beta; vasodilatory via endothelial NO production; antioxidant

Research Notes

Kudzu Root (Ge Gen)TCM

Puerarin injection has been used in Chinese hospitals since the 1990s; a 2014 Cochrane-style meta-analysis of 20 RCTs (n=1,814) evaluated puerarin injection for unstable angina and found significant improvements in angina symptom scores and ECG findings versus conventional therapy alone, though study quality was generally low. For alcohol use disorder, a double-blind placebo-controlled crossover study at McLean Hospital (Lukas et al., 2005, Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research) demonstrated kudzu extract (standardized to puerarin/daidzin/daidzein) significantly reduced beer consumption in heavy drinkers in a naturalistic drinking setting.

Vidari KandaAyurvedic

Puerarin is the primary isoflavone in Vidari Kanda. Clinical trials in related Pueraria species show improvements in menopausal symptoms.

Found In 2 Herbs

Kudzu Root (Ge Gen)

Kudzu Root (Ge Gen)

TCM
Vidari Kanda

Vidari Kanda

Ayurvedic

3D Molecular Structure

C-glycoside isoflavone
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Puerarin

C-glycoside isoflavoneSugar-bound molecules that control drug release in the body

Representative pattern: C₁₅H₁₀O₃

Atoms
Carbon
Oxygen

Live Research

Open on PubMed

This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal product.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.