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Here we present the palynological composition of a single sample of the elusive purple honey collected in southern North Carolina and discuss how it fits within a nearby statewide South Carolina melissopalynological study. 302 samples were collected by nineteen beekeepers participating in this year-long project, submitting honey samples while honeybees were actively collecting nectar. The absence of pollen of Pueraria (kudzu) in the purple honey dismisses the often-suggested link between the unique tint of the purple honey and kudzu's purple pollen. A second hypothesis hinting that the tint could be linked to ripened berries is not reinforced by our investigation as pollen of Ericaceae (eg blueberries) and Rosaceae (eg blackberries) were not found in the purple honey sample but were commonly found in classic golden honey analyzed. The presence of Vitis pollen supports the possibility that bees forage on wild muscadine grapes (Vitis rotundifolia) which was available in the foraging area. This study cannot discredit the possibility that bees were foraging on berry juices or other sugar sources containing purple pigments because these sources contain little or no pollen. A third hypothesis proposes a link between purple honey and the sourwood tree, Oxydendrum arboretum. This hypothesis is supported by this investigation as the dominant pollen type recovered in the purple honey was sourwood, with 19% in relative abundance, a significant percentage for this plant. We suggest chemical analysis of purple honey samples be conducted to determine if berry juice or sourwood is the more likely source of the pigmentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined the association between soy isoflavone intake and risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) outcomes in adults. We searched the online databases for relevant studies published up to September 2021. In total, 13 publications were included in the systematic review and 12 in the meta-analysis. We found that a high intake of soy isoflavones was significantly associated with a lower risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) among whole populations (Pooled RR: 0.92, 95% CI: 0.85–0.99, I2 = 41.0%, Pheterogeneity = 0.10) and a lower risk of overall CVD (Pooled RR: 0.91, 95% CI: 0.84–0.98, I2 = 30.7%, Pheterogeneity = 0.19) and CHD (Pooled RR: 0.89, 95% CI: 0.83–0.96, I2 = 14.4%, Pheterogeneity = 0.32) among Western population. In the linear dose-response analysis, a 3 mg/day increase in soy isoflavone intake was associated with 16% and 14% lower risks of overall CVD and CHD, respectively, among Western population. In conclusion, we found that soy isoflavone intake was associated with a lower risk of overall CVD and CHD in adults, particularly among Western population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low serotonin is one factor implicated in the development of depression. 17β-estradiol (E2) has been shown to modulate gene expression regulating the neurotransmission of serotonin. Sex hormone levels fluctuate dramatically during the menopausal transition, coinciding with a 14-fold increased risk of depression. This review aimed to examine the effect of soy isoflavones to support decreased and variable E2 levels before and after menopause, linked to an investigation of the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the protective influence of E2 on the serotonin pathway. The overall aim of this review is to assess the potential of soy isoflavones to reduce depression in middle-aged women. A systematic literature search was performed in three stages. 1,421 papers were screened for relevance to the research aims and objectives. 63 papers were selected based on pre-defined inclusion/exclusion criteria (13 reviews, 24 mechanistic and 26 intervention studies) and critically appraised. Available research supported the hypotheses that E2 increases serotonin synthesis and availability through stimulation of tryptophan hydroxylase-2 (TPH-2) and decreased degradation by monoamine oxidase-A (MAO-A). There was less scientific agreement on the effects of E2 on serotonin transporter (SERT) and serotonin receptors 1 A and 2 A. Studies varied widely on the effectiveness of soy isoflavones in reducing depressive symptoms in (peri)menopausal women. Animal and human studies acknowledge women's increased risk of depression linked to fluctuating E2 rather than absolute levels. However, mechanisms linking E2 variability with depression remain an underrepresented area of research. Study limitations and heterogeneity may contribute to varying results for soy isoflavones and some effects of E2 on the serotonin pathway. 17β-estradiol increases serotonin synthesis and availability through its effects on tryptophan hydroxylase-2, monoamine oxidase-A, serotonin transporter and serotonin receptors 1A and 2A. Soy isoflavones may ameliorate depressive symptoms around the menopausal transition by replicating the effect of 17β-estradiol on serotonin. Combining research on the mechanistic pathway of soy isoflavones with the effectiveness of outcomes can enhance clinical decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atherosclerosis (AS) is the main cause of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Pueraria lobata (Willd.) Ohwi (Fabaceae) has a positive effect on improving these diseases. The P. lobata effect on the proliferation and inflammation of vascular smooth muscle in AS and the potential mechanism were investigated. By feeding a high-fat diet to 8-week-old apolipoprotein E knockout mice, an atherosclerosis model was created. H&E and IHC staining were used to analyse the histopathology of mice. CCK-8, TUNEL, and scratch tests were used to detect cell proliferation, apoptosis, and migration after 24 h treatment, respectively. ELISA was performed to evaluate the level of IL-6 and IL-8. The target miRNA and its downstream target gene were screened by the bioinformatics method; RT-qPCR has conducted to analyse the expression of these genes. In the aortic tissue and serum of AS mice, puerarin can lower the expression of α-SMA and the inflammatory proteins IL-6 and IL-8. Puerarin (200 M) decreased hVSMC proliferation, migration, and IL-6 and IL-8 secretion by more than half. The inhibitory impact of puerarin on hVSMC was decreased by overexpression of miR-29b-3p. IGF1 was miR-29b-3p's downstream target gene. IGF1 expression increased almost 3-fold in AS mice and hVSMC, but miR-29b-3p mimic inhibited it. The effect of miR-29b-3p on hVSMC was reversed when IGF1 was overexpressed. Puerarin inhibits the proliferation and inflammation of vascular smooth muscle in AS through the miR-29b-3p/IGF1 pathway. Puerarin may have a beneficial effect in the treatment of atherosclerosis and offer a novel therapy option. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we examined the in vitro interactions between fungal endophytes and pathogens isolated from the invasive plant kudzu (Pueraria montana var. lobata) and test if endophytes might facilitate pathogen growth. This represents a required initial step towards the development of candidate fungal inocula that can aid in the suppression of kudzu. While most tested endophyte-pathogen assays suggest antagonism and/or competitive exclusion, we identified several pathogen/endophyte combinations that suggest pathogen facilitation. Additional work is needed to test if these may have in planta effects on phytopathogenicity. The present study accentuates on the potential of fungal endophytes as an effective ecological approach to manage invasive plants via pathogens facilitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Daidzein is a naturally occurring compound belonging to the class isoflavones and found in soya beans and other legumes. Acute oral toxicity was performed as per OECD guideline (TG 423) with slight modifications. A repeated dose toxicity study was carried out as per OECD guideline (TG 407). In-silico toxicity such as AMES toxicity, carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, immunotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, skin irritation, reproductive effect, rat and mouse toxicity, LD50, hERG I, II inhibitor and minnow toxicity were predicted using online servers and tools. In an acute oral toxicity study, daidzein did not show any mortality in experimental animals. The No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL) of daidzein was found to be above 5000 mg/kg. 28 days treatment of diadzein at all doses did not show changes in hematology parameters, clinical biochemistry and kidney function parameters. Gross necropsy or histopathology of important organs showed no signs of toxicity. In-silico predicted parameters also demonstrated risks ranging from low to a nontoxic level. Thus, daidzein was found to be safe in acute and repeated oral dose toxicity studies at all selected doses. In-silico study also indicated that daidzein is safe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deoxymiroestrol is the most potent phytoestrogen in the chromene group found in Pueraria candollei. The estrogenic activity of P. candollei, functions as hormone replacement therapy in postmenopausal women. This study established an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for quantifying deoxymiroestrol using fragment antigen-binding (Fab) antibody to improve analytical performance. Our ELISA specifically detected deoxymiroestrol in the range of 31.25–1,000 ng/mL. Intra- and inter-assay precision was 1.48%–7.11% and 0.58%–9.31%, respectively, the recovery of authentic deoxymiroestrol spiked into samples was 99.77%–101.61%, and the limit of detection was 30.80 ng/mL. The findings of P. candollei root bark determined using our developed ELISA with Fab antibody and an ELISA with anti-deoxymiroestrol polyclonal antibody were consistent (R2 = 0.9807). The developed ELISA can be applied to the quality control of deoxymiroestrol derived from P. candollei. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pueraria lobata (Willd.) Ohwi (Fabaceae) root extract can lower blood glucose levels; however, whether Pueraria lobata root polysaccharide (PLP) possesses these effects is still unknown. This study evaluates the therapeutic effect of PLP on diabetic metabolic syndrome. The db/m mice were assigned to normal control group (NC), db/db mice were divided into four groups randomly (n = 8). The db/db mice received rosiglitazone (10 mg/kg BW) or PLP (100 or 200 mg/kg BW) via oral gavage for 6 weeks. Afterward, blood glucose, insulin, and glycogen content were assayed, and insulin tolerance test (ITT), oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) were performed. Glucose and lipid metabolism-related parameters and gene expression levels were assayed by ELISA and RT-PCR, respectively. After treatment with HPLP, the values of body weight, epididymal fat, subcutaneous fat, fasting blood glucose, insulin, and HOMA-IR decreased to 45.89 ± 1.66 g, 1.65 ± 0.14 g, 1.97 ± 0.16 g, 14.84 ± 1.52 mM, 9.35 ± 0.98 mU/L, and 5.56 ± 1.26, respectively; the levels of TG, TC, LDL-C, and FFA decreased to 1.67 ± 0.11 mmol/L, 6.23 ± 0.76 mmol/L, 1.29 ± 0.07 mmol/L, and 1.71 ± 0.16 mmol/L, respectively. HPLP down-regulated PEPCK, G6PC, FOXO1, SREBP-1, and ACC mRNA expression (p < 0.01), and up-regulated GS, Akt2, PI3K, GLUT2, PPARα, and LDLR mRNA expression in the liver (p < 0.01). PLP exerts antidiabetic effects via activating the PI3K/AKT signalling pathway, thus improving insulin resistance, glucose, and lipid metabolism in db/db mice. Thus, PLP may be considered as a potential antidiabetic agent in clinical therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pueraria flavone (PF), the main component of Pueraria lobata, is a traditional Chinese medicine used for the treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases; however, it exhibits low oral bioavailability because of its poor membrane permeability. In this study, PF-loaded sodium deoxycholate-decorated liposomes (SDC-Lips) were prepared using the reverse-phase evaporation method and optimised using the Box–Behnken design method. The morphology, particle size, zeta potential, and entrapment efficiency of these PF-loaded SDC-Lips were evaluated. The release behaviours of PF-loaded SDC-Lips in simulated gastric and intestinal fluids were consistent with the Weibull kinetic model. In situ intestinal perfusion studies showed that the absorption characteristics of free PF in rats were mainly passive diffusion and partly active transport, and the duodenum was the main absorption site. After encapsulated with SDC-Lips, the absorption of PF increased significantly. The in vivo pharmacokinetic parameters of area under the plasma concentration–time curve (AUC)(0 → 12 h) and AUC(0 → ∞) of PF-loaded SDC-Lips after intragastric administration were 1.34-fold and 1.543-fold, respectively. Overall, the PF-loaded SDC-Lips improved the oral absorption of PF by increasing its solubility and might be considered a promising formulation strategy for prolonging the biological activity time of PF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(+)-7-O-Methylisomiroestrol (MeI), a novel chromene, was discovered as a phytoestrogen in the Pueraria candollei var. mirifica (Airy Shaw & Suvat.) Niyomdham (PM) root having been used as an active agent against oestrogen depletion disorders. The identification of PM phytochemicals is crucial for the development of standardised botanical drugs of PM. MeI was purified from the root cortex of PM, and its structure was elucidated using NMR and mass spectrometry. The content of MeI in the root bark of the PM root was 2.1–6.5 × 10−3% (w/w). The oestrogenic potency of MeI was stronger than that of isomiroestrol but less than that of deoxymiroestrol and miroestrol. Therefore, MeI is a new oestrogenic biomarker for the effective chemical standardisation of the PM extract for health product development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, permeation behaviors and chemical stability of miroestrol and deoxymiroestrol from Pueraria candollei var. mirifica (PM), Thai traditional medicine, crude extract containing transdermal gels were firstly evaluated. Three different PM extract containing gels were formulated, including hydroalcoholic and microemulsion gels using carbomer, and silicone gel using silicone elastomer. In vitro permeation through porcine ear skin demonstrated that the flux and 24 h cumulative permeation of miroestrol and deoxymiroestrol were in the order of hydroalcoholic > silicone > microemulsion gels. Hydroalcoholic gel provided the highest partition coefficient from gel onto skin, and thus the skin permeability coefficient. After 24 h permeation, no miroestrol and deoxymiroestrol remained deposited in the skin. Accelerated study using heating-cooling revealed insignificant difference between the remaining percentages of miroestrol and deoxymiroestrol in aqueous and non-aqueous based gels. Long-term stability study showed that miroestrol contents remained constant for 90 d and 30 d under 5 ± 3 °C and 30 ± 2 °C, 75 ± 5%RH, respectively; whereas the percentage of deoxymiroestrol decreased significantly after 30 d storage, irrespective of storage conditions. Acute dermal irritation test on New Zealand White rabbits showed that PM hydroalcoholic gels were non-irritant, with no signs of erythema or oedema. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new isoflavone glycoside, named 3'-hydroxytectorigenin-7-O-β-D-xylosyl-(1→6)-β-D-glucopyranoside (1) was isolated from the flowers of Pueraria montana var. lobata (Willd.) Sanjappa & Pradeep. The structure of compound 1 was characterised by HR-ESI-MS and NMR spectroscopic methods. In radical scavenging activity test using 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), compound 1 showed moderate activity with IC50 value of 42 ± 4.2 μg/mL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A wide variety of plant raw materials thought to promote health are used as herbal medicines as well as foods. However, there is no legal maximum or minimum concentration limit on any herbal compound when these plant raw materials are used in processed foods. Legally, these processed foods are regulated only for harmful substances, and there is no other guarantee of their contents. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the concentrations of 12 herbal compounds (nodakenin, decursin, decursinol angelate, morroniside, loganin, glycyrrhizic acid, liquiritigenin, puerarin, daidzin, schisandrin, gomisin A, gomisin N) in commonly used plant raw materials, such as "Angelica Gigas root", "Cornus Fruit", "Liquorice Root", "Pueraria Root", and "Schisandra Fruit"; and also in 45 processed foods, using high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Method validation was performed successfully using the parameters of specificity, linearity, limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantification (LOQ), accuracy, precision, matrix effect, extraction recovery, and stability. The 12 herbal compounds were determined to be present in all the foods advertised as containing each ingredient, although in very low concentrations in some cases. Three solid samples labelled as 100% pure material from one herbal species also contained herbal compounds found in others, so that intentional or unintentional adulteration was suspected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Osteoporosis is a common bone disease characterized by reduced bone mass resulting from continuous bone resorption.Methods: PubMed, Scopus, and Embase were searched to find published trials on the effect of soy isoflavones on bone mineral density (BMD) and bone turnover markers (bone-specific alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, osteoprotegerin, pyridinoline, deoxypyridinoline, C-telopeptide, and N-telopeptide). Random-effects inverse-variance model was used to calculate the pooled effects.Results: A total of 5313 articles were found, screened, and assessed for eligibility, and finally 52 trials were included in the meta-analysis. Consumption of soy isoflavones caused significant improvement in BMD of lumbar spine (mean difference (MD) = 0.76%; 95% CI: 0.09, 1.42%; p = 0.03), hip (MD = 0.22%; 95% CI: 0.02, 0.42%; p = 0.04), and femoral neck (MD = 2.27%; 95% CI: 1.22, 3.31%; p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis showed that in all 3 sites, the improvement was significant in normal weight subjects and interventions longer than a year, although trial location and dosage were also factors influencing isoflavones' impact on BMD. Among markers of bone turnover, osteoprotegerin (MD = 5.79; 95% CI: 3.08, 8.51 pg/ml; p < 0.001), pyridinoline (MD = -5.13; 95% CI: -7.76, -2.50 nmol/mmol; p < 0.001), and C-telopeptides (MD = -0.08; 95% CI: -0.16, -0.00 ng/ml; p = 0.04) were favorably affected by isoflavones while osteocalcin and bone alkaline phosphatase did not change. Subgroup analysis of bone markers showed that in overweight/obese individuals and dosages <90 mg/day, isoflavones are more effective.Conclusions: Soy isoflavones prevent osteoporosis-related bone loss in any weight status or treatment duration. They increase BMD in normal weight subjects and diminish bone resorption in overweight/obese individuals. Although bone resorption may be decelerated over short-term isoflavone consumption, periods longer than a year are probably needed to affect BMD. Isoflavones also appear benefits on bone in any dose or subjects' ethnicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytoestrogens (PE) are compounds found in plants such as soy (isoflavones), flax seeds and cereals (lignans) and pomegranates (ellagitannins). PE have shown estrogenic/antiestrogenic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antineoplastic and apoptotic activities. The human studies are showing promising although inconsistent results about the beneficial effects of PE on ameliorating the menopausal symptoms or reducing the risk of certain cancers, cardiovascular disease or diabetes. The effects of PE on the organism are mediated by the intestinal microbiota, which transforms them into bioactive PE such as genistein, equol, enterolignans and certain urolithins. In this work, we review the most recent findings about the bacteria able to metabolize PE, together with the latest studies on the effects of PE on health. In addition, we describe the possible factors hindering the demonstration of the beneficial effect of PE on health, evincing the importance of measuring the actual circulating PE in order to encompass the variability of PE metabolism due to the intestinal microbiota. With this in mind, we also explore an approach to ensure the access to bioactive PE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was a prospective, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial and aimed to compare the effect of placebo, soy isoflavone, calcium and soy isoflavone combined with calcium on bone mineral density (BMD). One hundred and sixty perimenopausal women with osteoporosis or osteopenia were enrolled and randomised into four groups: control, soy isoflavone, calcium and soy isoflavone combined with calcium groups. After intervention, compared with control, isoflavone and calcium groups, mean changes from their corresponding baseline values of BMD, calcium/phosphorus, vitamin D and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-pX) activity were significantly increased, however, those of phosphorus, osteocalcin, luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) were significantly decreased in isoflavone combined with calcium group. The results showed that soy isoflavone, calcium and isoflavone combined with calcium therapy were effective and safe on attenuating BMD loss in perimenopausal women and isoflavone combined with calcium therapy was better than soy isoflavone and calcium alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new isoflavone glucosides, 3′-methoxyneopuerarin A (1) and 3′-methoxyneopuerarin B (2), together with nine known isoflavones including puerarin (3), neopuerarin A (4), neopuerarin B (5), daidzin (6), daidzein (7), 3′-methoxypuerarin (PG-3) (8), puerarin xyloside (9), mirificin (10), 3′-hydroxypuerarin (11) were isolated from the water extraction of the dried roots of Pueraria lobata (Willd.) Ohwi. Their structures were elucidated by the means of spectroscopic and chromatographic analysis methods. All compounds were evaluated for their hepatoprotective activity on HepG2 cells. All of them showed statistically significant hepatoprotective effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early and late season kudzu leaves were collected to analyse dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), acid detergent fibre (ADF), and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) in situ rumen disappearance to assess kudzu quality. Four studies were conducted during different growing periods [2 repeated early season (ES); 2 repeated late season (LS)] to determine age variability effects. Kudzu was incubated in the rumen between 0.25 and 72 h to determine total rumen degradation (%) and the rate of disappearance (% h−1). Data were analysed as a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with repeated measures. Regression analysis was used to determine the degradation rate. Overall season effects (across incubation times) for dry matter disappearance (DMD) were significantly different (P <.0001). There were also significant season by incubation time interactions for DMD. Rumen degradation rate was determined to be 2.41% h−1 across both seasons, with no significant seasonal difference (P =.3396). Results from this study are indicative that ES kudzu is more degradable than LS. Although there are significant seasonal effects on kudzu DMD during certain incubation times, DMD overall for ES and LS is still indicative of high rumen degradability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soybean extract rich in isoflavones has attracted widespread attention for dietary supplement and pharmaceutical purposes. However, it has poor solubility and low stability. Encapsulation using spray drying is a good alternative for overcoming these problems in soybean extract. Isoflavones profiles in soybean extract are altered during encapsulation and storage. The objective of this work was to investigate the effect of spray drying conditions on the isoflavones profiles and the various properties of microencapsulated soybean extract. The studied parameters comprised the type of wall material (maltodextrin [MD], gum arabic [GA], and β-cyclodextrin [βCD]), inlet air temperature (130–170 °C) and storage time (0–6 months), while the investigated properties included moisture content, particle size, hygroscopicity, morphology, isoflavones content, encapsulation properties, and Fourier transform infrared analysis. Type of wall material had a more significant impact on the properties of microencapsulated soybean extract than inlet air temperature. The degradation of total isoflavones during storage mainly depended on the inter-conversion level of isoflavones during encapsulation, hygroscopicity and heating history of microencapsulated soybean extract. The use of βCD as wall material could preserve total isoflavones after encapsulation and storage at 0.1–1.3 and 2.4–3.1 times that in the case of MD and 1.1–1.3 and 1.5–1.8 times that in the case of GA, respectively. AI aglycone isoflavones (daidzein and genistein) AGI acetyl β-glucoside isoflavones (6″-O-acetyldaidzin and 6″-O-acetylgenistin) βCD β-cyclodextrin GA gum arabic GI β-glucoside isoflavones (daidzin and genistin) MD maltodextrin MGI malonyl β-glucoside isoflavones (6″-O-malonyldaidzin and 6″-O-malonylgenistin) SE soybean extract SE-βCD microencapsulated soybean extract using β-cyclodextrin as wall material SE-GA microencapsulated soybean extract using gum arabic as wall material SE-MD microencapsulated soybean extract using maltodextrin as wall material TI total isoflavones (sum of MGI, AGI, GI and AI) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pueraria thomsonii is a leguminous plant with high root yield and starch content. It is also a medicinal material in the Chinese pharmacopeia. However, the raw materials of P. thomsonii are often confused with some non-medicinal Pueraria plants. To enrich the genetic resources of P. thomsonii and guide its molecular identification, the complete chloroplast genome was sequenced and reported. The total genome of P. thomsonii is 153,434 bp in length. consisting of two inverted repeat regions (IRS, 25,640 bp each) separated by a large single-copy (LSC, 84,155 bp) and a small single-copy region (SSC, 17,999 bp). The overall GC content is 35.41%. It contains 130 genes, including 85 protein coding genes, 8 rRNA genes and 37 tRNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis showed that P. thomsonii could be distinguished from other plants and closely related to the legume Pachyrhizus erosus. This study enriches the genetic information of P. thomsonii and contributes to the screening of excellent germplasm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, we have synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Pueraria tuberosa aqueous extract (PTAE) in a straightforward manner without involvement of toxic chemicals. Various reaction parameters (reaction time, AgNO3 concentration, pH, reaction temperature and PTAE concentration) were optimizeded for the synthesis of AgNPs through visual observation of colour change and absorption peak by UV-Vis spectroscopy. The green synthesized AgNPs were analyzed by DLS, FTIR, SEM, TEM, EDS and XRD for their bio-physical characteristics. The AgNPs were screened for their antioxidant activity by determining total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and anticancer potential by MTT assay. The average particle size of AgNPs was 162.72 ± 5.02 nm with zeta potential of -30.14 ± 2.08 mV. The spherical shape of the AgNPs was confirmed by SEM and TEM. FTIR spectra showed the involvement of different phytoconstituents as capping and stabilizing agents in the synthesis of AgNPs. The TAC of the optimized synthesized AgNPs was more than PTAE. The IC50 of synthesized AgNPs against MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, SKOV-3, U-87 and NCI/ADR cell lines was 3.859, 1.128, 29.36, 6.053 and 25.49 µg/ml, respectively. The green synthesized AgNPs has potential for use in the treatment of different types of cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pueraria montana var. lobata is a traditional Chinese herb with various medicinal purposes. In this study, the complete chloroplast genome of the P. montana var. lobata was obtained by using Illumina HiSeq X Ten. The chloroplast genome was 153,411 bp long, which consisted of a large single-copy (LSC) region of 84, 131 bp and a short single-copy (SSC) region of 17,990 bp separated by a pair of inverted repeat (IR) regions of 25,645 bp. The whole chloroplast genome contained 111 gene species including 77 protein-coding genes (PCG), 30 tRNA, and 4 rRNA species, with 19 of them occurring in double copies. Introns were detected in 12 PCG and 6 tRNA species. The overall GC content is 35.4%. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that P. montana var. lobata was relatively close to Pachyrhizus erosus in phylogeny. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among the most important and visible weeds in the Southeastern USA is the exotic invasive vine, kudzu (Pueraria montanavar.lobata).Efforts to eradicate it typically involve many years of application of restricted-use pesticides. Recent availability of effective, non-restricted-use pesticides and developments with the application of the bioherbicideMyrothecium verrucariahas made possible new control programmes for kudzu management. Field trials at three sites over two years with aminocyclopyrachlor, aminopyralid, fluroxypyr, metsulfuron methyl and combinations of these herbicides achieved 99–100% reduction in aboveground kudzu biomass. Additionally, programmes were developed that eradicated kudzu while simultaneously establishing native vegetation. One of these successful programmes integrated bioherbicide application, mechanical removal of kudzu biomass and planting switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) in an entirely chemical herbicide-free system. These field tests demonstrate a variety of methods that can be used independently or in an integrated approach for rapid kudzu eradication. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Puerariais an herbaceous, perennial legume crop originating in Asia.Pueraria phaseoloides(Roxb.) Benth. (tropical kudzu) is frequently introduced into production systems and is used as green manure, a cover crop and a forage plant, making it important economically. We usedP. phaseoloidesas a trap crop to study and characterize soil rhizobia in Eastern Cameroon. Bacteria were isolated from fresh nodules collected from field-grownP. phaseoloidesroots. The 16S-23S rRNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences from 30 bacterial isolates were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and the reaction products were sequenced. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that all isolates were ascribed to the genusBradyrhizobiumand were grouped into three clusters ofBradyrhizobiumsp. strains, one cluster ofB. yuanmingensestrains, and one cluster ofB. elkaniistrains. Acetylene reduction assay (ARA) results indicated that theB. yuanmingensestrains had significantly higher nitrogen fixation potential and that they could be used as inoculants to enhance nitrogen fixation inPuerariagrown in Eastern Cameroon. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Haymondia wallichii DC. was a scandent shrub. In this study, we sequenced the complete chloroplast (cp) genome of H. wallichii to investigate its phylogenetic relationship in Fabaceae. The total length of the cp genome was 153,668 bp, consisted of a large single copy (LSC) region of 84,310 bp, a small single copy (SSC) region of 17,918 bp, and a pair of inverted repeat regions (IRs) of 25,720 bp. The genome contained 132 genes, namely 37 tRNA genes, 87 protein-coding genes, and 8 rRNA genes. The overall GC content was 35.4%. The phylogenetic analysis indicated H. wallichii was closely related to Pueraria montana var. thomsonii and Pueraria montana var. lobata. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changes in residual crude oil concentrations and soil ecotoxicity during the phytoremediation assessment of tropical plants growing on crude oil-polluted soils were evaluated in a greenhouse study. The plants (Panicum maximum, Zea mays, Centrosema spp. and Pueraria spp.) were grown in weathered polluted soil samples in microcosms for 10weeks. Residual crude oil in soil was quantified colorimetrically, while the ecotoxicity of the vegetated and control soft samples were evaluated using earthworms' percentage survival and crop seeds' germination bioassays. It was observed that planting of 1% (w/w) polluted soil samples reduced crude oil in the rhizosphere soils of P. maximum and Centrosema spp. by 71.6±1.4 and 55.3±4.3%, respectively. These are in contrast with 37.5±2.5% reduction in non-vegetated control soil samples. The ecotoxicity assays indicated that planting also effected reduction of crude oils' toxicity positively. There were 100, 40±28.3 and 50±21.1% survival of test earthworms, respectively, after 24h in 1% w/w polluted soil samples phytoremediated with P maximum, Centrosema spp. and Pueraria spp. as against 0% survival in non-vegetated control samples. The observed sensitivity of the test organisms to chemical stress bodes well for providing rapid information on effectiveness of remediation programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Responses to hydrocarbon stress of four tropical plants Panicum maximum, Zea mays, Centrosema sp. and Pueraria sp. grown in crude oil contaminated soils (1%, 5% and 10% w/w) were evaluated in a green house. Plants’ percentage survival, shoot heights, biomass development, and phytotoxicity susceptibility were used as indicators of growth, stress response and hydrocarbon tolerance. Relative to control, shoot heights and biomass of plants reduced with increasing hydrocarbon concentration, but 1% w/w oil-in-soil, stimulated shoot heights (5.9% and 6.4%) and weights (21.9% and 2.3%) in P. maximum and Centrosema sp. respectively. P. maximum tolerated the contaminant stress with biomass yields of 113% and 57% of control respectively in 1% and 10% w/w oil-in-soil. All the plants had 100% survival in 1% w/w, but considerably reduced survival in 10% w/w oil-in-soil. These results show that P. maximum has great potential for phytoremediation of petroleum contaminated soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A profiling analysis of the total isoflavone extract of the root of Pueraria lobata (Wild.) Ohwi was performed using HPLC coupled with ESI-ion trap mass spectrometry. A total of seven isoflavones were identified according to their retention times, UV, MS data, and comparing with the literature data. Among them, two proposed new compounds were isolated and their structures were determined to be 8-C-α-glucofuranosyl-7,4'-dihydroxyisoflavone and 8-C-β-glucofuranosyl-7,4'-dihydroxyisoflavone, named as neopuerarin A (7) and neopuerarin B (6), on the basis of chemical and spectral analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study examined the effects of KIOM-79 on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced mitochondrial oxidative stress in rat pancreatic β-cells (RINm5F). KIOM-79 is a mixture of plant extracts from parched Puerariae radix, gingered Magnoliae cortex, Glycyrrhizae radix, and Euphorbiae radix. A marked increase in mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) was observed in STZ induced diabetic cells, which returned to control conditions after KIOM-79 treatment. Mitochondrial manganese superoxide dismutase (Mn SOD) activity and its protein expression were downregulated by STZ treatment but upregulated by KIOM-79 treatment. In addition, KIOM-79 treatment restored the loss of the mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψ) produced by STZ treatment. KIOM-79 induced an increase in Bcl-2 and a decrease in phospho Bcl-2 and Bax, which are related to permeability of the mitochondrial membrane. Further, KIOM-79 inhibited the translocation of cytochrome c from the mitochondria to the cytosol and elevated the ATP level, which was reduced by STZ treatment. These results suggest that KIOM-79 exhibits a protective effect through activation of antioxidant defense mechanisms and by attenuation of mitochondrial dysfunction in STZ-induced diabetic cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new isoflavone diglycosides, formononetin 8-C-[β-d-apiofuranosyl-(1 → 6)]-β-d-glucopyranoside (1) and formononetin 8-C-[β-d-xylopyranosyl-(1 → 6)]-β-d-glucopyranoside (2), were isolated from the roots of Pueraria lobata, together with four known compounds, 4'-methoxypuerarin (3), daidzin (4), genistin (5), and daidzein (6). The structures of these compounds were elucidated by the spectroscopic methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A high performance liquid chromatographic method was developed and applied to the simultaneous determination of puerarin and danshensu in a traditional Chinese medicinal preparation containing Pueraria lobata and Salvia miltiorrhiza as its major herbal constituents. Elution was performed on a C18 column at 27°C with acetonitrile-water (0.5% acetic acid) at different proportions according to a time scheduled programme, and pumped at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. Indomethacin was used as an internal standard. High resolution was obtained between the analytes and the internal standard. The intra-day and inter-day precisions were better than 1.9% and 2.2%, respectively. The coefficient of determination for each analyte was above 0.997. It is a simple and sensitive analytical method with good accuracy and reproducibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple flow injection chemiluminescence method with synergistic enhancement has been investigated for the rapid and sensitive determination of puerarin. The method is based on the enhancing effect of puerarin on the chemiluminescence emission generated by the oxidation of glyoxal with potassium permanganate in a sulfuric acid medium. The optimization of chemical variables influencing the chemiluminescence response of the method has been carried out by applying experimental design, using the proposed flow-injection manifold. Under the optimal conditions, the enhanced chemiluminescence intensity was linear with the concentration of puerarin over the range from 10.0 ng · ml-1 to 7.0 µg · ml-1 (R2=0.9972) with a detection limit (3σ) of 3.0 ng · ml-1. At a flow rate of 3.0 ml · min-1, a complete analytical process could be performed within 0.5 min, including sampling and washing, with a relative standard deviation of less than 3.0%. The proposed method was applied successfully in the assay of puerarin in pharmaceutical injection and human urine. The mechanism of chemiluminescence reaction was discussed briefly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pueraria lobata is a traditional Chinese herb which has been used medically since ancient times. In this study, we sequenced the complete chloroplast genome of P. lobata based on next-generation sequencing and used the data to assess genomic resources. The chloroplast genome of P. lobata is 153,411 bp in length consisting of large and small single-copy regions of length 84,142 and 17,989 bp, separated by two IR regions of 25,640 bp. The overall GC content was 35.4%. De novo assembly and annotation showed the presence of 112 unique genes with 78 protein-coding genes, 30 tRNA genes, and four rRNA genes. A maximum-likelihood phylogenomic analysis showed that Pueraria was sister to Pediomelum + Glycine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The matrix oligo-ß-cyclodextrin-Sepharose HP was synthesized and successfully applied in the separation of puerarin from pueraria flavones. The optimal conditions of preparation were obtained. The separation was carried out with 7% acetic acid solution (V %) at a flow rate of 10 mL/min, after 300 mg flavones in 20 mL 5% ethanol (V %) were injected in a preparative column (350 mm×44 mm i.d.). The puerarin fraction was collected and further purification was performed. The purity of puerarin obtained was higher than 97%. The recovery of the whole procedure reached 32.4%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kudzu,Pueraria montana(Lour.) Merr. varietylobata(Willd.) was introduced into the United States at the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia, PA. Subsequently, it was planted widely to reduce soil erosion by the Soil Erosion Service and Civilian Conservation Corp. Over 85 million seedlings of kudzu were provided to landowners by government agencies in the southeast in the first half of the 20th century. In 1953, kudzu was removed from the list of approved plants for erosion control, in 1970 it was officially labeled a weed, and in 1997 it was placed on the Federal Obnoxious Weed List. Its rapid elongation rates, high leaf area indices, high photosynthetic rates, and frequent rooting at stem nodes make kudzu an aggressive competitor with native shrubs and trees. Estimates are that kudzu currently covers 3 million hectares throughout the eastern United States and is spreading by 50,000 ha per year. Despite widespread anecdotal statements, little quantitative information is available regarding the ecological effects of kudzu. The ability of kudzu to overtop and shade forest trees, fix atmospheric nitrogen, and emit isoprene suggest that it may have substantial effects on native forest biodiversity, forest nitrogen cycles, watershed nitrogen saturation, freshwater eutrophication, and regional air quality. Kudzu's growth rate increases strongly in response to increased CO2, and without the constraint of allocation to woody tissue this response may increase the competitive dominance of kudzu as atmospheric levels of CO2increase. This fact, combined with its sensitivity to cold temperatures, implies that kudzu may increase its range in future warmer, high-CO2environments. The lack of quantitative investigations on the ecological effects of kudzu is a severe impediment to our understanding of its current and future effects on native plant and animal communities and forest ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the effect of daidzin on PC12 cell apoptosis induced by serum-free medium. PC12 cell survival was measured by MTT assay. The DNA content and percentage of apoptosis were monitored by flow cytometry and DNA fragmentation was analyzed by agarose gel electrophoresis. The results showed that serum-free (12 h) medium induced apoptosis in PC12 cells. When the cells had been treated with daidzin (0.1, 1 μM) for 12 h, the percentage of PC12 cell apoptosis was significantly decreased to 12.21 and 4.24% from 91.94% in the group with serum deprivation, and DNA fragmentation was prevented. Daidzin (0.01-10 μM) attenuated the cytotoxic effect of sodium cyanide (20 mM), glutamate (0.5 mM) and sodium nitroprusside (0.5 mM) in a manner dependent on concentration. The results suggested that daidzin prevented PC12 cell from serum free-induced apoptosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new oleanane-type triterpene saponins named pedunsaponins B ( 2 ) and C ( 3 ) were isolated from the roots of Pueraria peduncularis . Their structures were determined to be 3- O -(6- O -methyl)-β-glucuronopyranosyl-3β,15α-dihydroxyolean-12-en-16-one ( 2 ), and 3- O -β-glucopyranosyl-(1→3)-β-glucuronopyranosyl-3β,15α-dihydroxy-oleana-12-en-16-one (3 ), on the basis of spectroscopic evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen nutrition of sole maize crops is problematic in 'no-input' agricultural systems. The ability of the N2 fixing cover crops, Mucuno pruriens var. utilis and Pueraria phaseoloides, to sustain annual cropping of sole maize was tested from 1997 to 2000, wish the fallow biomass either burned or retained. In 1997, 1999 and 2000, maize grain dry matter yield was significantly higher after M. pruriens and P. phaseoloides than after natural fallow regrowth. The fallow type had no effect on grain yield in 1998. Burning of the biomass before planting maize increased grain yield in 1998 but had no effect in 1997, 1999 and 2000. The cumulative grain yield over 4 years was 9.14 Mg ha-1 in the natural fallow regrowth, significantly less than after M. pruriens (11.73 Mg ha-1) and P. phaseoloides (12. 54 Mg ha-1) Burning the biomass, although non-significant in 3 out of 4 years, had a cumulative advantage with 11.72 Mg ha-1 grain yield, compared with biomass retention (10.55 Mg ha-1, p = 0.019). The economically important yield of marketable cubs was on average approximately US$ 320 ha-1' year higher after burned P. phaseoloides cover crop than after burned natural fallow regrowth. The lack of a positive yield response to biomass and thus N retention was related to problems of maize establishment. The nitrogen contained in the aboveground rover crop biomass appears not to hr essential for maize nutrition under the site conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]