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Pueraria lobata root and Glycine max (L.) Merrill are rich in phytoestrogens. However, these bioactive ingredients have limited bioavailability due to their high molecular weight. In this study, we extracted two natural products and fermented with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum before mixing the fermented extracts (FPE‐FGE). To understand whether FPE‐FGE could alleviate menopause with dyslipidemia, we examined their effects on ovariectomy (OVX)‐induced dyslipidemia in mice. Oral administration of the FPE‐FGE (1:9, 3:7, and 9:1) did not affect safety‐related biomarkers, such as uterus index (%), vagina index (%), aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine. Furthermore, FPE‐FGE (1:9, 3:7, and 9:1) increased the levels of 17β‐estradiol (E2) and expression of uterus estrogen receptor β (ERβ); there was little effect on the expression of uterus estrogen receptor α (ERα), and reduced the levels of gonadotropins, such as luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH). However, only the FPE‐FGE (3:7) reduced the levels of blood lipids, including total cholesterol (TC) and LDL‐cholesterol (LDL‐C). Accordingly, FPE‐FGE (3:7) upregulated endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), nitric oxide (NO), cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), and protein kinase G (PKG). In conclusion, FPE‐FGE (3:7) attenuated the menopausal dyslipidemia by upregulating eNOS‐NO‐cGMP signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information about wildlife diets is crucial for comprehending how species adapt to varying environments in fragmented habitats and for developing effective conservation strategies. White‐headed langurs (Trachypithecus leucocephalus) are exclusively found in fragmented limestone forests in southwestern China. To investigate the effects of habitat fragmentation on langurs' diets, we collected published dietary data and relevant environmental factors spanning from 1996 to 2021 at two regions with different degrees of fragmentation (Banli > Bapen), from 10 studies (three of Banli and seven of Bapen). The results demonstrated that the diets of white‐headed langurs were significantly influenced by environmental factors, including habitat fragmentation, annual rainfall, and mean annual temperature. Food item diversity index was significantly and positively affected by the fragmentation index, the higher fragmentation the langurs suffered, the more diverse food items they consumed. Besides, fruit consumption was negatively influenced by annual rainfall and the consumption of other items was influenced by mean annual temperature. Notably, although there are no significant differences in the feeding proportions of food items or food item diversity indices were observed between the Banli and Bapen groups, the Banli groups extensively consumed ground‐supported kudzu (Pueraria montana var. lobata), a plant rarely recorded in the dietary preferences of the Bapen groups, implying that the large plants likely lacking in the fragmented limestone forests. Our findings provide evidence of the major impact of habitat fragmentation on the dietary composition of white‐headed langurs, highlighting the need of considering the possibility that the habitats of the white‐headed langurs have all undergone extreme fragmentation, inferring the conservation efforts should prioritize protecting native vegetation and reducing human disturbance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kudzu vine (Pueraria montana var. lobata; Fabaceae) was included on the list of invasive alien species of (European) Union concern in 2016, according to EU Regulation 1143/2014 on the prevention and management of the introduction and spread of invasive alien species. In the Flora Croatica Database this species is recorded under its synonym Pueraria thunbergiana Benth. for Split (Central Dalmatia), so its presence in Croatia was overlooked until it was discovered in Malinska on the island of Krk in August 2018. Recent field observations confirm that, in addition to Malinska, it is also present in Šestanovac (Central Dalmatia), the Trsteno Arboretum and in Dubrovnik (South Dalmatia). Localities in Gradac and Seget (Central Dalmatia) were also recently discovered. Literature and herbaria data as well as internet resources indicate that kudzu vine has been historically grown as an ornamental species in Croatia. Considering its invasiveness as reported in several countries and its ornamental uses, other unknown localities of cultivated or naturalized kudzu vine could exist along the Croatian coast. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Lithospermum erythrorhizon and Pueraria lobata exhibit promising potential as cosmetic additives for mitigating skin barrier impairment induced by photoaging. Despite their potential, the precise mechanisms underlying their protective and ameliorative effects remain elusive. This study sought to assess the reparative properties of Lithospermum erythrorhizon and Pueraria lobata extracts (LP) on UVB‐irradiated human skin keratinocytes (HaCaT cells) and explore the therapeutic potential of LP as a skin barrier protection agent. Materials and Methods: Antioxidant activities were gauged through 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) (ABTS), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) assays. The expression levels of skin barrier‐related markers, encompassing metalloproteinases (MMPs) and hyaluronidase (HYAL) were scrutinized using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), reverse transcriptase (RT)‐PCR, and Western blotting, with a particular focus on the involvement of the transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β/Smad and nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) signaling pathways. Results: The study revealed that LP effectively scavenges free radicals, diminishes ROS production in a dose‐dependent manner, and significantly attenuates UVB‐induced expression of MMP‐1 and MMP‐3 through modulation of the hyaluronan synthase (HAS)2/HYAL1 signaling axis in UVB‐irradiated HaCaT cells. Additionally, LP demonstrated enhanced TGF‐β signaling activation, fostering procollagen type I synthesis, and concurrently exhibited mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPK)/NF‐κB signaling inactivation, thereby mitigating pro‐inflammatory cytokine release and alleviating UVB‐induced cellular damage. Conclusion: In conclusion, the observed protective effects of LP on skin cellular constituents highlight its substantial biological potential for shielding against UVB‐induced skin photoaging, positioning it as a promising candidate for both pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a deep eutectic solvent (DES) extraction combined with a magnetic bead ligand affinity analytical method was developed and used for α‐glucosidase inhibitor identification from Pueraria lobata. Several critical parameters affecting the analysis performance, including the type of DES, molar ratio, water amount, pH, salt concentration, and volume of DES, were investigated. The selected analytical sample preparation conditions were as follows. The composition of DES is choline chloride‐1,4‐butanediol (1:3), the water content is 40%, pH is 7.0 and the volume of extraction solution is 2 mL. The obtained sample extraction solution was analyzed directly using α‐glucosidase immobilized magnetic beads (GMBs). Three α‐glucosidase inhibitors in Pueraria lobata, including puerarin, daidzin, and daidzein, were identified. Luteolin was used as a positive control to evaluate the method's selectivity. Results showed it could selectively bond to the GMBs in the DES. As the affinity analysis was performed directly in a DES, the solution‐removing process could be avoided. The intra‐day and inter‐day precisions of the method are 5.21% and 6.38%, respectively. The solvent amount was 1/50–1/2000 of that used in traditional methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study intended to explore the preventive effects of Pueraria lobata leaves against doxorubicin (DOX)‐induced myocardial infarction (MI) in Wistar rats. The rats were separated into four groups, with each group containing six rats. Group I control rats; group II received DOX‐alone in six equivalent injections for 2 weeks; group III received DOX as abovementioned with P. lobata oral administration for 2 weeks; group IV received P. lobata alone for 2 weeks. At the end of the experiment, postcervical dislocation and MI induced by DOX were determined on the basis of the variations in the animal body and heart weight and further instabilities in cardiac marker enzymes aspartate transaminase, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase, creatine kinase‐myoglobin binding, and cardiac troponin I in the serum. At the same time, for group III animals, which were exposed to P. lobata, all the above‐denoted marker levels were maintained. Levels of some crucial heart‐binding proteins like heart fatty acid binding protein, monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1, and transforming growth factor beta were elevated in DOX‐alone treated rats. Additionally, group III animals treated with P. lobata showed some preventive downregulated expressions of these binding proteins. Histopathological observations also revealed the preventive effect of P. lobata. Ultimately proteins tangled in the phosphoinositide 3‐kinase/protein kinase B pathway were studied by Western blot. P. lobata treatment downregulated the inflammatory markers. The findings suggest that P. lobata exhibits cardioprotective effect on MI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Flexible packaging has become indispensable in the food industry due to its numerous advantages. However, it has certain drawbacks, such as limited recyclability and environmental contamination. While efforts are underway to develop more sustainable and eco‐friendly packaging options, the food industry's reliance on flexible packaging made from unsustainable petro‐based plastics is expected to continue in the foreseeable future. Therefore, more sustainable alternatives that do not sacrifice performance are required. One such option is to use nanocellulose, especially cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), which can be reinforced into biopolymer to enhance mechanical and barrier properties. The present study aims to isolate kudzu CNCs by depolymerisation, bleaching, acid hydrolysis with 51% sulfuric acid, and mechanical dispersion. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was conducted to assess the thermal stability of kudzu fibres. Further, the FTIR spectra were measured at wave number ranged 4000–500 cm−1, which showed changes in the structure after treatments and confirmed the removal of lignin and hemicellulose from the cellulose. The isolated CNCs were found to have lengths and diameters of 285.01 ± 150.33 nm and 42.78 ± 13.26 nm, respectively, with an aspect ratio of 6.43 ± 1.78. This study showed that kudzu CNCs are a suitable reinforcing material for nanocomposites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a common cardiovascular disease and puerarin (Pue) is an active compound from Pueraria lobate with cardio‐protective potential. In the current study, the mechanism underlying the cardio‐protective effects of Pue was explored by focusing miR‐130a‐5p/HMGB2 pathway. MiR expression profile was determined and myocardial infarction was induced in cardiomyocytes and rats, which was treated with Pue. The role of miR‐130a‐5p and downstream HMGB2/NF‐κB axis in the cardio‐protective effects of Pue was also explored. Pue increased viability and suppressed inflammation in OGD cardiomyocytes, which was associated with the deactivation of HMGB2/NF‐κB pathway. After the suppression of miR‐130a‐5p, the cardio‐protective effects of Pue were compromised. In rat models, Pue attenuated structure deterioration and inflammatory response in heart. At the molecular level, miR‐130a‐5p was up‐regulated, and HMGB2 were down‐regulated. It was demonstrated that Pue induced the expression of miR‐130a‐5p, which suppressed the activity of HMGB2/NF‐κB, contributing to the attenuation of infarct heart tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Severe trauma and hemorrhaging are often accompanied by delayed cutaneous wound healing. Soybean isoflavone is a natural phytoestrogen that has attracted great attention due to its protective effects against various injuries. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are precursor cells with directional differentiation characteristics. This study is to determine whether genistein (GEN), an isoflavone in soybean products, benefits wound healing in hemorrhagic shock (HS) rats by promoting EPC homing and to investigate the underlying mechanisms. In this study, it is found that GEN promotes skin wound healing in HS rats, which is due at least partly to the mobilization of endogenous EPCs to the injury site via angiotensin II (Ang‐II), stromal cell‐derived factor‐1alpha (SDF‐1α), and transforming growth factor beta(TGF‐β) signaling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Isoflavones are a class of secondary metabolites produced by legumes and play important roles in human health and plant stress tolerance. The C2H2 zinc‐finger transcription factor (TF) functions in plant stress tolerance, but little is known about its function in isoflavone regulation in soybean (Glycine max).Here, we report a C2H2 zinc‐finger TF gene, GmZFP7, which regulates isoflavone accumulation in soybean. Overexpressing GmZFP7 increased the isoflavone concentration in both transgenic hairy roots and plants. By contrast, silencing GmZFP7 expression significantly reduced isoflavone levels. Metabolomic and qRT‐PCR analysis revealed that GmZFP7 can increase the flux of the phenylpropanoid pathway. Furthermore, dual‐luciferase and electrophoretic mobility shift assays showed that GmZFP7 regulates isoflavone accumulation by influencing the expression of Isoflavone synthase 2 (GmIFS2) and Flavanone 3 β‐hydroxylase 1 (GmF3H1).In this study, we demonstrate that GmZFP7 contributes to isoflavone accumulation by regulating the expression of the gateway enzymes (GmIFS2 and GmF3H1) of competing phenylpropanoid pathway branches to direct the metabolic flux into isoflavone. A haplotype analysis indicated that important natural variations were present in GmZFP7 promoters, with P‐Hap1 and P‐Hap3 being the elite haplotypes.Our findings provide insight into how GmZFP7 regulates the phenylpropanoid pathway and enhances soybean isoflavone content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Pueraria lobata (Willd.) Ohwi (PL) has been used in China to detoxify alcohol and protect the liver for millennia, though its mechanism of liver protection has not been elucidated. However, fermentation is considered to be one of the effective ways to enhance the efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine. The aim of this study was to investigate the hepatoprotective mechanism of probiotic‐fermented PL (FPL). Sprague Dawley rats were administered with FPL followed by gavage of alcohol for seven consecutive days; following that, liver injury levels were evaluated in rats. RESULTS: FPL ameliorated lipid accumulation and inflammation levels in rats. Meanwhile, the levels of ethanol dehydrogenase, acetaldehyde dehydrogenase, and cytochrome P4502E1 were elevated by FPL treatment. It was observed that the levels of catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase were elevated, and the expression of nuclear transcriptional factor (erythroid‐derived 2)‐like 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase‐1 genes and proteins were increased by FPL treatment, demonstrating that the Nrf2‐mediated signal pathway was activated. Furthermore, FPL restored the composition of the gut microbiota with an increase in the abundances of Firmicutes and Lactobacillus and a decrease in the abundances of Bacteroidota and Akkermansia. Additionally, a strong correlation was found between the gut microbiota and the antioxidant parameters. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that FPL possesses an excellent protective effect in alcoholic liver injury. Our findings are beneficial to the development of hepatoprotective nutraceuticals for alcoholics. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resource sustainability concerns keep increasing owing to the continuous use of natural materials without reclamation. Efforts are ongoing to find sustainable feedstocks for naturally derived products with competitive economics and properties. However, there is no established methodology for commercializing the extraction of chemicals from renewable sources. This work examined soybeans as a potential bio‐based feedstock to generate isoflavones at a commercial scale. The isoflavone content in soybeans has proven beneficial in the nutraceuticals industry for its anti‐inflammatory and cancer‐inhibition properties and in the materials sector owing to their inherent chemical functionality and thermal resistance. Currently, isoflavone extraction is only optimized at lab scale. Thus, we present a superstructure‐based framework to screen isoflavone extraction methods and assess their viability at a commercial scale. This allows the simultaneous comparison of alternative technologies using mixed‐integer nonlinear programming optimization to determine the most economical pathway. Internal material recovery greatly enhances the viability at a commercial scale by reducing the annual operating cost and environmental footprint. Therefore, this work presents a powerful tool for systematically comparing extraction pathways and assessing their commercial feasibility. The successful implementation of commercial‐scale extraction of isoflavone has tremendous potential for generating additional revenue for US soy farmers. Isoflavones can produce bio‐based polymers and composites and are used in products such as dietary supplements, cosmetics and nutraceuticals. Similar works can be applied to extract other natural materials from renewable feedstocks and increase the production of bio‐based products. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kudzu (Pueraria montana lobata) is used as a traditional medicine in China and Southeast Asia but is a noxious weed in the Southeastern United States. It produces both O‐ and C‐glycosylated isoflavones, with puerarin (C‐glucosyl daidzein) as an important bioactive compound. Currently, the stage of the isoflavone pathway at which the C‐glycosyl unit is added remains unclear, with a recent report of direct C‐glycosylation of daidzein contradicting earlier labeling studies supporting C‐glycosylation at the level of chalcone. We have employed comparative mRNA sequencing of the roots from two Pueraria species, one of which produces puerarin (field collected P. montana lobata) and one of which does not (commercial Pueraria phaseoloides), to identify candidate uridine diphosphate glycosyltransferase (UGT) enzymes involved in puerarin biosynthesis. Expression of recombinant UGTs in Escherichia coli and candidate C‐glycosyltransferases in Medicago truncatula were used to explore substrate specificities, and gene silencing of UGT and key isoflavone biosynthetic genes in kudzu hairy roots employed to test hypotheses concerning the substrate(s) for C‐glycosylation. Our results confirm UGT71T5 as a C‐glycosyltransferase of isoflavone biosynthesis in kudzu. Enzymatic, isotope labeling, and genetic analyses suggest that puerarin arises both from the direct action of UGT71T5 on daidzein and via a second route in which the C‐glycosidic linkage is introduced to the chalcone isoliquiritigenin. Comparative RNA sequencing, isotopic labeling, and genetic gain‐ and loss‐of‐function experiments define the role of UGT71T5 in the biosynthesis of C‐glycosyl isoflavones in kudzu (Pueraria montana lobata). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

RETRACTION: Nishaf Manzar, Safwan Ahmad khan, Najum Fatima, Mehr un Nisa, Muhammad Haseeb Ahmad, Muhammad Inam Afzal, Hafiz Fahad Ullah Saeed, Muhammad Imran, Faqir Muhammad Anjum, and Muhammad Sajid Arshad, "Exploring the prophylactic role of soy isoflavones against polycystic ovarian syndrome," Food Science & Nutrition9 (2021): 4738–4744. https://doi.org/10.1002/fsn3.2322. The above article, published online on 09 July 2021 in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com), has been retracted by agreement between the journal's Editor‐in‐Chief, Y. Martin Lo, and Wiley Periodicals, LLC. The retraction has been agreed to following concerns about the peer review process. The editorial office found unambiguous evidence that the manuscript was accepted solely based on compromised and insufficient reviewer reports. This evidence was further investigated and verified by the publisher and the Editor‐in‐Chief. As a result, the conclusions of this article are not considered reliable. The authors were notified of the retraction and disagreed with this decision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple and efficient method was developed for the rapid screening and identification of ligands for monoamine oxidase B. A new ionic‐liquid‐based ultrasound‐assisted extraction method for medicinal herbs was also developed and validated. In addition, the hyphenated technique of countercurrent chromatography and semipreparative‐LC was developed and applied to the isolation of the chemical constituents for Pueraria thomsonii Benth. Three potent monoamine oxidase B inhibitors, namely, daidzein‐4′,7‐diglucoside (42.2 mg), puerarin 6′′‐O‐xyloside (88.3 mg), and 3′‐hydroxypuerarin (48.5 mg) with purities of 98.2, 96.3, and 97.1%, respectively, were obtained from 500 g of P. thomsonii raw material using semi‐preparative high‐performance liquid chromatography, whereas 3′‐methoxypuerarin (76.2 mg), daidzein‐8‐C‐apiosyl (1→6) glucoside (84.2 mg), and tectorigenin (75.1 mg) with purities of 98.5, 96.4, and 96.8%, respectively, were obtained from 500 g raw material via countercurrent chromatography using a two‐phase solvent system comprising n‐hexane–ethyl acetate–methanol–water at a volume ratio of 1.85:1.00:0.86:3.69 (v/v/v/v). Then, the anti‐Alzheimer activity of the phytochemicals was assessed using a PC12 cell model. Treatment with tectorigenin, daidzein‐4′,7‐diglucoside, puerarin 6′′‐O‐xyloside, 3′‐hydroxypuerarin, 3′‐methoxypuerarin, and daidzein‐8‐C‐apiosyl (1→6) glucoside (100 μg/mL), resulted in cell viabilities of 69.00, 65.81, 59.69, 57.90, 55.61, and 54.59%, respectively (p < 0.001). The protocol was proved to be very accurate and efficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Puerariae lobatae radix (Ge‐Gen in Chinese) and Puerariae thomsonii radix (Fen‐Ge) are widely used as medicine and health products, particularly in Chinese medicine. Puerarin and daidzein are the primary bioactive compounds in Puerariae radix. These isoflavones have been used to treat cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, hypertension, diabetes, and osteoporosis. The content of puerarin in Ge‐Gen is about six times higher than that in Fen‐Ge, so its use has a higher pharmacological effect. It is therefore of great importance to effectively distinguish between these two species. However, because their basal plants, P. lobata (Willd.) Ohwi and P. thomsonii Benth., possess an extremely similar appearance, and detecting the level of chemical constituents is just a rough distinction, it is necessary to develop more efficient identification approaches. Here the complete chloroplast genomes of P. lobata and P. thomsonii were deciphered, including sequencing, assembly, comparative analysis, and molecular marker development. The results showed that they are 153,393 and 153,442 bp in length, respectively; both contain 124 annotated genes, including eight encoding rRNA, 29 encoding tRNA, and 87 encoding proteins. Phylogenetic analysis showed that they form a clade, indicating that they originate from the same ancestor. After obtaining 10 intergenic/intronic regions with a genetic distance greater than 0.5 cm, primers were designed to amplify regions of high variability in P. lobata and P. thomsonii. Finally, a 60‐bp differential base fragment, located in the intron of rpl16, was developed as a molecular marker to efficiently distinguish between these two species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of dietary factors in osteoporotic fractures in men is underinvestigated. We examined the associations of dietary intakes of calcium, magnesium, and soy isoflavones with risk of osteoporotic fractures in the Shanghai Men's Health Study. Included in this prospective study were 61,025 men aged 40 to 74 years at study enrollment (2002–2006). The cohort was followed up via in‐person surveys for occurrence of bone fractures, major diseases, and survival status. Multivariable Cox regression was applied to evaluate the associations of variables under study (ie, dietary intakes of calcium, magnesium, and soy isoflavones) with incidence of osteoporotic and non‐osteoporotic fractures, measured by hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). During a median follow‐up of 9.5 years, 1.2% and 3.4% of participants experienced osteoporotic or non‐osteoporotic fractures, respectively. Dietary calcium intake was inversely associated with risk of osteoporotic fractures with adjusted HRs of 0.78 (95% CI 0.60–1.02) and 0.27 (95% CI 0.13–0.56), respectively, for intake levels of 401 mg/d and >1000 mg/d versus ≤400 mg/d. Higher magnesium intake was associated with increased risk of osteoporotic fractures after adjusting for dietary calcium intake, with HRs of 1.27 (95% CI 0.97–1.66) and 2.21 (95% CI 1.08–4.50), respectively, for intakes of 251 mg/d and >450 mg/d versus intake ≤250 mg/d. High soy isoflavone intake was associated with a 25% reduction of osteoporotic fracture risk (HR = 0.73, 95% CI 0.56–0.97 for soy isoflavone intake >45.2 mg/d versus <21.7 mg/d). Dietary intakes of calcium, magnesium, or soy isoflavones were unrelated to the risk of non‐osteoporotic fractures. Our study added to the evidence that dietary calcium intake was inversely associated with a reduced risk of osteoporotic fractures in a dose–response fashion, while high magnesium intake was associated with an increased risk. Our study also revealed a novel association between higher soy isoflavone consumption and osteoporotic fractures in men. © 2021 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, with the improvement of people's living standard and the change of diet structure, liver disease and its related complications have become a significant public health problem globally. Pueraria lobata (Pueraria montana var. lobata (Willd.) Sanjappa & Pradeep) belongs to the genus Pueraria, which is widely planted and used as medicine and food in Asia with a long history. A variety of natural active products, including puerarin, daidzein, formononetin, genistein, and soyasaponin, have been isolated and identified from pueraria lobata. A large number of studies have shown that various natural active products of pueraria lobata can play a protective role in different types of liver diseases by regulating oxidative stress, inflammatory response, lipid metabolism, etc. In this review, we focused on the protective effects of isoflavones and triterpenoid saponins from pueraria lobata on the liver through different targeted therapeutic mechanisms. What's more, we summarized their therapeutic potential for different types of liver diseases to provide evidence for their clinical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to determine the ruminal degradability of dry matter (DM), daidzein, genistein, glycitein and total isoflavones in ground full‐fat soybean (GFFS) and solvent‐extracted soybean meal (SSBM) using the in sacco method. The experiment was carried out in three replications on ruminally cannulated sheep that were fed twice a day with a diet consisted of hay and supplemental mixture (6:4, DM basis). The nylon bags with 2 g feed samples ground to 2 mm were incubated in the rumen for 0, 2, 4, 8, 16 and 24 h. The effective degradability (ED) of DM, daidzein, genistein, glycitein and total isoflavones was calculated at outflow rate of 0.06 h. The ED of DM in GFFS was 77.8% and was higher than in SSBM being 71.8% (p < 0.001). The ED of daidzein (96.8%) and genistein (93.6%) was higher for SSBM compared with GFFS (93.9% and 92.8%, p < 0.001 and p = 0.003, respectively) while ED of glycitein was lower for SSBM than for GFFS (75.5 and 81.7%, respectively, p < 0.001). All isoflavones in the incubations were extensively degraded in the rumen, and regardless of dietary source, they were almost completely degraded after 16 h of incubation. Further, the disappearance patterns, that is the functions describing the time courses of the analyte disappearance, were assessed. The disappearance patterns of daidzein, genistein, glycitein and total isoflavones were similar and showed greater disappearance of mentioned isoflavones from SSBM compared to GFFS (p < 0.001 for daidzein, genistein and total isoflavones and p = 0.002 for glycitein). The study provides knowledge on the effect of processing on degradability of isoflavones in rumen that can be used to clarify the interrelationship between isoflavones and rumen microbiota. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mildew severely reduces soybean yield and quality, and pods are the first line of defence against pathogens. Maize‐soybean intercropping (MSI) reduces mildew incidence on soybean pods; however, the mechanism remains unclear. Changing light (CL) from maize shading is the most important environmental feature in MSI. We hypothesized that CL affects isoflavone accumulation in soybean pods, affecting their disease resistance. In the present study, shading treatments were applied to soybean plants during different developmental stages according to various CL environments under MSI. Chlorophyll fluorescence imaging (CFI) and classical evaluation methods confirmed that CL, especially vegetative stage shading (VS), enhanced pod resistance to mildew. Further metabolomic analyses and exogenous jasmonic acid (JA) and biosynthesis inhibitor experiments revealed the important relationship between JA and isoflavone biosynthesis, which had a synergistic effect on the enhanced resistance of CL‐treated pods to mildew. VS promoted the biosynthesis and accumulation of constitutive isoflavones upstream of the isoflavone pathway, such as aglycones and glycosides, in soybean pods. When mildew infects pods, endogenous JA signalling stimulated the biosynthesis of downstream inducible malonyl isoflavone (MIF) and glyceollin to improve pod resistance. Changing light from maize shading is the most important environmental feature in maize‐soybean intercropping, which reduces mildew incidence on soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) pods.Weak to bright light conditions promotes constitutive isoflavone biosynthesis in soybean pods, and provides sufficient precursors for downstream inducible malonylated isoflavones and glyceolin to improve pod resistance.JA signalling and isoflavone have a synergistic effect on the enhanced resistance of changing light treated pods to mildew. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biological N2 fixation plays crucial roles in determining the pattern and pace of ecological succession and carbon sequestration. Nevertheless, the rates and controls of symbiotic (SNF) and free‐living (FNF) N2 fixation have rarely been investigated simultaneously. Here we measured SNF and soil FNF rates for eight early succession ecosystems dominated by kudzu (Pueraria lobata (Willd.) Ohwi) in a subtropical region of China in growing and nongrowing seasons. N2 fixation rates were measured using acetylene reduction assay against a 15N2 uptake method. Both SNF and soil FNF rates were significantly higher in the growing season than in the nongrowing season. The two forms of N2 fixation contributed equally to total N2 fixation rate across the eight sites with soil FNF being higher than SNF in half of the sites. Total N2 fixation rates ranged from 7.12 to 61.93 kg N ha−1 yr−1 with an average of 22.93 ± 6.52 kg N ha−1 yr−1. N2 fixation contributed significantly to soil nitrogen and carbon accumulation. Both SNF and FNF were significantly related to soil moisture. Additionally, SNF and soil FNF were strongly correlated with phosphorus availability and vanadium/iron availability, respectively, most likely implying that SNF was limited by phosphorus and soil FNF was limited by vanadium or iron. Our findings suggest that SNF and soil FNF may be limited by different sets of nutrients within an ecosystem. Plain Language Summary: Nitrogen input via biological N2 fixation largely controls the pattern and pace of ecological succession and carbon sequestration. However, there is uncertainty in terms of the rates and controls of symbiotic (SNF) and free‐living (FNF) N2 fixation. We investigated SNF and soil FNF rates for eight early succession ecosystems dominated by kudzu (Pueraria lobata (Willd.) Ohwi) in a subtropical region of China. We find that the two forms of N2 fixation contributed similar amounts of N to kudzu communities. SNF was likely limited by phosphorus, but soil FNF was likely limited by vanadium or iron. Our findings suggest that SNF and soil FNF may be limited by different sets of nutrients within an ecosystem. Key Points: Rates of and controls on N2 fixation in subtropical kudzu communities were studiedSymbiotic (SNF) and free‐living (FNF) N2 fixation contributed similar amounts of nitrogenControls on SNF and FNF were likely different [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selecting native species for restoration is often done without proper ecological background, particularly with regard to how native and invasive species interact. Here, we provide insights suggesting that such information may greatly enhance restoration success. The performance of the native vine, Pueraria lobata, and that of the invasive bitter vine, Mikania micrantha, were investigated in South China to test how priority effects (timing and rate of germination and seedling growth) and competition (phytochemical effects and competitive ability) impact invasive plant performance. We found that, in the absence of competition, the germination rate of M. micrantha, but not of P. lobata, was significantly affected by light availability. P. lobata seedlings also performed better than those of M. micrantha during early growth phases. Under competition, negative phytochemical effects of P. lobata on M. micrantha were strong and we found M. micrantha to have lower performance when grown with P. lobata compared to when grown by itself. Relative interaction indexes indicated that, under interspecific competition, P. lobata negatively affected (i.e., inhibited) M. micrantha, whereas M. micrantha positively affected (i.e., facilitated) P. lobata. Higher photosynthetic efficiency and soil nutrient utilization put P. lobata at a further advantage over M. micrantha. Field trails corroborated these experimental findings, showing little recruitment of M. micrantha in previously invaded and cleared field plots that were sown with P. lobata. Thus, P. lobata is a promising candidate for ecological restoration and for reducing impacts of M. micrantha in China. This research illustrates that careful species selection may improve restoration outcomes, a finding that may also apply to other invaded ecosystems and species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Isoflavonoids, which include a variety of secondary metabolites, are derived from the phenylpropanoid pathway and are distributed predominantly in leguminous plants. These compounds play a critical role in plant–environment interactions and are beneficial to human health. Isoflavone synthase (IFS) is a key enzyme in isoflavonoid synthesis and shares a common substrate with flavanone‐3‐hydroxylase (F3H) and flavone synthase II (FNS II). In this study, CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated multiplex gene‐editing technology was employed to simultaneously target GmF3H1, GmF3H2 and GmFNSII‐1 in soya bean hairy roots and plants. Various mutation types and frequencies were observed in hairy roots. Higher mutation efficiencies were found in the T0 transgenic plants, with a triple gene mutation efficiency of 44.44%, and these results of targeted mutagenesis were stably inherited in the progeny. Metabolomic analysis of T0 triple‐mutants leaves revealed significant improvement in isoflavone content. Compared with the wild type, the T3 generation homozygous triple mutants had approximately twice the leaf isoflavone content, and the soya bean mosaic virus (SMV) coat protein content was significantly reduced by one‐third after infection with strain SC7, suggesting that increased isoflavone content enhanced the leaf resistance to SMV. The isoflavone content in the seeds of T2 triple mutants was also significantly increased. This study provides not only materials for the improvement of soya bean isoflavone content and resistance to SMV but also a simple system to generate multiplex mutations in soya bean, which may be beneficial for further breeding and metabolic engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrochemical profiles of Pueraria bouffordii, P. montana var. lobata, P. montana var. montana, P. montana var. thomsonii, Haymondia wallichii, Teyleria stricta and Toxicopueraria yunnanensis were recorded from leaf tissue after different solvent extractions. The voltammetric data recorded after different solvent extractions can be derived as patterns for species identification. The electrochemical behavior of plant tissue contains its electrochemical active compounds profile. As the distribution of chemical compounds in plants is controlled by genes, these profiles can reflect differences at the genetic level between species. The dendrogram deduced from the electrochemical profile has been used for polyphyly analysis. The result suggests the Teyleria stricta showed very distant relationships with other species. P. montana var. lobata, P. montana var. montana and P. montana var. thomsonii showed a close relationship because they were varietas. Interestingly, H. wallichii showed a close infrageneric relationship within these species, which disagrees with other morphological studies. In addition, the result also provides insight into phylogenetic status of the regionally Toxicopueraria yunnanensis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study describes the effects of xanthan gum (0.5–2.0%) on the in vitro digestibility and rheological and pasting properties of kudzu (Pueraria lobata) starch pastes. The flow behavior index (n) shows a decrease in trends (from 0.43 to 0.31) as the xanthan gum concentration increases, indicating pseudoplastic behavior. Dynamic viscoelasticity analysis indicate that the elastic (G′) and viscous (G″) moduli increase in the presence of xanthan gum, suggesting a strong interaction between xanthan gum and kudzu starch in the composite system. All concentrations of xanthan gum result in increased elasticity (G′ > G″). Pasting properties reveal that the peak and final viscosity of the xanthan gum–kudzu starch dispersion decreases with the increasing concentration of xanthan gum, highlighting the importance of xanthan gum in controlling overall viscosity. The addition of xanthan gum also decreases the hydrolysis of kudzu starch during in vitro digestion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Pueraria peduncularis belongs to the genus Pueraria DC, and has a wide range of medical and agricultural activities. Previous studies have shown that P. peduncularis extracts have broad bioactivities against phytopathogens. In this paper, we systematically studied the fungicidal activity of root methanol extracts and further isolated the active compounds. RESULTS: The root methanol extract inhibited the mycelial growth of the five tested phytopathogens to different degrees. Among these phytopathogens, the inhibitory effect was greatest against R. solani, with an EC50 value of 324.72 mg L−1. Eight compounds were subsequently isolated and identified from P. peduncularis. Among them, puercarpan A and medicarpin showed strong fungicidal activity, with MIC values against Rhizoctonia solani of 1.6 and 6.25 mg L−1, respectively. Puercarpan A is a new compound, and its structure was established as (6aR,6bS,11aR)‐6b‐hydroxy‐3‐methoxypterocarpan‐10‐ene‐7‐one. CONCLUSION: The P. peduncularis extracts exhibit high antimicrobial activity against R. solani and have great potential value of P. peduncularis as a fungicide. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Pueraria lobata is a medicinal plant widely used in traditional Chinese medicine. The total pueraria isoflavones have demonstrated positive effect against neurological disorders. In the present study, we first develop an ultra high performance liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry method to quantify the multiple active pueraria isoflavonoids and neurochemical markers in brain dialysate to provide tools for further exploring the functional mechanism of pueraria isoflavones for neuroactivities. A phenomenex Luna C18 column (50 × 2.0 mm, 5 μm) was employed with acetonitrile/0.05% formic acid in water as the mobile phase for the separation of analytes. A mass spectrometer with electrospray ionization source in positive/negative ion switching mode was used for multiple reaction monitoring of the detected compounds. The method was validated and proved acceptable. The intra‐ and interday precision across quality control levels was within 13.87 for all analytes, whereas the deviation of assay accuracies ranged between 0.03 and 11.53%. The method was successfully applied to a pharmacological study of pueraria isoflavones in rat brain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To probe the effects of annealing time on the glass transition temperature ( T g) and digestibility of Pueraria lobata (Willd.) Ohwi starch, the starch crystal structure and moisture distribution through the components of P. lobata (Willd.) Ohwi starch were investigated. Annealing times of 0, 1, 3, 6, 12 and 24 h were employed to determine the effect of starch T g using differential scanning calorimetry ( DSC) with the support of 1H low-field NMR, polarised light microscopy and 13C CP/ MAS NMR. The T g values of the starch increased with longer annealing times. The 1H low-field NMR results showed that the T2 relaxation time decreased and starch-water interactions increased as the annealing time increased. Compared with native starch, annealed starch had higher contents of slowly digested starch ( SDS) and resistant starch ( RS). The starch crystal structure was not destroyed after annealing, but the relative crystallinity percentage increased slightly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Pueraria peduncularis (Grah. ex Benth.) Benth., which belongs to the Leguminosae family, exhibits resistance to many crop pests in agricultural production. Pomacea canaliculata is an important invasive snail in rice fields and causes severe yield losses. To evaluate the toxicity of P. peduncularis to P. canaliculata, in this study the molluscicidal activity of root extracts of P. peduncularis was tested against P. canaliculata; the active compounds were isolated, and the structures of these compounds were analysed using nuclear magnetic resonance ( NMR) analysis and mass spectral analysis. RESULTS Our results showed that the molluscicidal activity of the root crude extract differed between P. canaliculata with different shell diameters after treatment for 72 h. The median lethal concentration ( LC50) was 5.511 mg L−1 against snails of 1.5 ± 0.2 cm diameter and 12.383 mg L−1 against snails of 2.5 ± 0.2 cm diameter. Furthermore, two active ingredients isolated from root methanol extracts were identified as pedunsaponin A and pedunsaponin C. Both pedunsaponin A and pedunsaponin C showed strong molluscicidal activities, with LC50 values of 3.893 and 4.252 mg L−1, respectively, against snails with shell diameters of 1.5 ± 0.2 cm after treatment for 72 h. CONCLUSION Pueraria peduncularis extracts exhibit high molluscicidal activity and have great potential value for exploring a molluscicide to control Pomacea canaliculata. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

C-glycosyltransferases ( CGTs) are important enzymes that are responsible for the synthesis of the C-glycosides of flavonoids and isoflavonoids. Flavonoid CGTs have been molecularly characterized from several plant species; however, to date, no gene encoding an isoflavonoid CGT has been reported from any plant species. A significant example of an isoflavonoid C-glycoside is puerarin, a compound that contributes to the major medicinal effects of Pueraria lobata. Little is known about the C-glucosylation that occurs during puerarin biosynthesis. One possible route for puerarin synthesis is via the C-glucosylation of daidzein. This study describes the molecular cloning and functional characterization of a novel glucosyltransferase (Pl UGT43) from P. lobata. Biochemical analyses revealed that Pl UGT43 possesses an activity for the C-glucosylation of daidzein to puerarin; it shows activity with the isoflavones daidzein and genistein, but displays no activity towards other potential acceptors, including flavonoids. To validate the in vivo function of Pl UGT43, the Pl UGT43 gene was over-expressed in soybean hairy roots that naturally synthesize daidzein but that do not produce puerarin. The expression of Pl UGT43 led to the production of puerarin in the transgenic soybean hairy roots, confirming a role for Pl UGT43 in puerarin biosynthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It was assumed that the symbiotic N fixation in a floodplain site is highly affected by flood disturbances. To test this hypothesis, we collected soil and plant samples from several quadrats of the midstream flood plain of a relatively steep urbanized river that was subject to a different magnitude of flooding. Soil carbon and nitrogen contents had a significant positive correlation with the elevation of sites; i.e. they negatively correlated with a frequency of flood inundation. Soil pH values ranged between 6.0 and 7.23 at low elevation sites and 5.16 and 6.81 for high elevation sites. There was a significant difference ( p < 0.001) in N fixation among sampling points, which suggests that flooding disturbs the process. A pH value of 6.5 is the best for N fixation; N fixation decreases while the pH increases or decreases. Site elevation also directly affected soil characteristics, especially nitrogen and carbon content. The fractionation of 15N value in leaf tissue (δ15N) suggests that N fixation is extensive when the total N (TN) is ≤ 0.3%. Below this TN, Pueraria lobata can derive up to 80% of their TN requirement from the atmosphere. Therefore, it can be concluded that site elevation, or flood pulses, affects the symbiotic N fixation in a floodplain by modifying the edaphic factors. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pueraria mirifica (PM) extract contains phytoestrogen daidzein and genistein. In this study, we investigated the protective effect of PM extract, daidzein and genistein on a testosterone-induced prostatic hyperplasia in rats. Testosterone was administered at 3 mg kg−1 to rats followed by the PM extract, daidzein and genistein for a period of 30 days with finasteride as positive control. The testosterone level was increased, indicating inhibition of 5α-reductase converting testosterone to dihydrotestosterone. This was confirmed by prostate-specific antigen level that significantly decreased when treated with PM extract, daidzein and genistein. The PM extract, daidzein and genistein reduced the increase in the prostate/body weight ratio in testosterone-induced rats. This gives indication that PM extract, daidzein and genistein possessed protective activity for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. The analysis of histoarchitechture of the prostate has also shown that there was a significant improvement in prostatic cells of the testosterone-induced rats when treated with PM extract, daidzein and genistein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Recent advances have improved our ability to determine the degree to which the climatic niche of invasive populations resembles (niche conservatism) or differs from (niche shift) that of native progenitors. We compared the climatic niche of kudzu ( Pueraria montana), one of the most devastating invasive species in North America, between its native (East Asia) and invasive (United States) ranges. Location East Asia and United States. Methods To compare kudzu climatic niches, we calculated niche overlap, stability, unfilling (native climates not colonized in the invasive range) and expansion (invasive climates not colonized in the native range) from principal component analysis and performed niche hypothesis tests. Reciprocal ecological niche models ( ENMs) examined kudzu's current versus potential distributions. To gain insight into the dynamics of different components of kudzu's niche, we performed these analyses on two climate datasets: one with variables selected by Maxent (Model M) and one with variables chosen a priori based on their putative ecological importance (Model E). Results Niche conservatism was indicated by niche similarity tests and high niche stability. Niche shift between native and invasive niches was also observed but varied with variable selection: niche unfilling was detected for Models M (0.622-0.903) and E (0.265-0.577), while expansion was found only for Model M (0.576-0.959). ENMs predicted suitable climatic habitat throughout regions in the western United States where kudzu is currently absent. Main conclusions Niche dynamics in the North American kudzu invasion are complex but can be thoroughly explored using unique variable datasets that illuminate different facets of the niche. Results presented here provide troubling evidence that kudzu has not yet occupied all climatic habitats in the United States that resemble its native range and that some invasive populations have expanded into climatically novel areas. Midwestern/western US regions appear to be most at risk for kudzu spread in the near future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dried roots of Pueraria lobata (Puerariae Lobatae Radix; PLR) and Pueraria thomsonii (Puerariae Thomsonii Radix; PTR) are medicinal herbs that are used interchangeably in clinical practice, even though their chemical profiles are different. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop a rapid and non-destructive method for the quality control of Pueraria species using Raman spectroscopy in combination with partial least squares analysis. Partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) was used to differentiate PLR from PTR, whereas partial least squares regression (PLSR) was used to predict the total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant capacities of the Pueraria species. Raman spectroscopy revealed that spectral characteristics of starch and polyphenols differentiated the two species, with the PLS-DA model giving 100% classification accuracy for the tested samples. A significantly higher TPC ( p < 0.001), 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging activity ( p < 0.001) and cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC; p < 0.001) were observed for PLR as compared to PTR. The high ratio of performance to deviation values (TPC: 9.84; ABTS: 7.11; CUPRAC: 7.13) indicated the PLSR models were robust for predicting TPC and antioxidant capacities. The loading plot revealed that the content of starch and polyphenols were important factors in differentiating PLR from PTR and predicting TPC and antioxidant capacities. The results demonstrate that Raman spectroscopy coupled with chemometrics is a rapid method for the quality control of PLR and PTR. These methods can be applied as a template for the quality control of other herbal medicines and products to promote the correct identification of herbs for clinical practice. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Retrogradation kinetics of Pueraria lobata starch and Tg of maximally freeze-concentrated state ( [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Selenium (Se) is an essential dietary mineral and Radix puerariae (RP) (the dried root of Pueraria lobata Willd.) is a botanical supplement widely used as a nutraceutical. Food enriched with Se provides a feasible and economic approach for production of organic Se compounds. However, little is known about Se-enriched RP and the structure of Se-containing polysaccharides and proteins derived from Se-enriched RP. RESULTS The organic form of Se accounted for 82.42% of total content. Purification by DEAE-52 and Sephadex G-100 column chromatography yielded three single fractions-RP-SeP-11, RP-SeP-22 and RP-SeP-33-with Se contents of 0.9562 × 10−3, 0.6113 × 10−3 and 0.3827 × 10−3 g kg−1, respectively. RP-SeP-11 (3.5 kDa) was made of glucose, RP-SeP-22 (19.6 kDa) was composed of xylose and glucose, and RP-SeP-33 (97.9 kDa) was made up galactose, mannose and glucose. Two Se-containing proteins were obtained with Se content of 3.175 × 10−3 and 4.328 × 10−3 g kg−1, respectively. One appeared as three subunits with molecular masses of 43.0, 29.0 and17.8 kDa while the other appeared as two subunits with molecular masses of 43.0 and 26.3 kDa. CONCLUSION The results provide a basis for promoting the utilisation of RP resources enriched with Se as a promising tool for the food industry and are significant for its contribution to Se biochemistry in plants. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A gall midge that induces thick lenticular galls on leaflets of Pueraria species (Fabaceae) in Japan, mainland China, Taiwan and South Korea is described as Pitydiplosis puerariae sp. nov. (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae). Tanaostigmodes puerariae (Hymenoptera: Tanaostigmatidae), described earlier from mainland China as an inducer of the lenticular gall, is regarded to be an inquiline. Pitydiplosis puerariae is distinguishable from the only known congener, the Nearctic Pitydiplosis packardi, by the male genitalia with entire aedeagus and with hypoproct that is as long as cerci and bilobed with a U-shaped emargination. DNA sequencing data indicate the existence of three genetically different intraspecific groups: (i) 'YNT- montana group' induces galls on Pueraria montana on the Yaeyama Islands, Japan and in northern Taiwan; (ii) 'CT- montana group' on P. montana in central Taiwan; (iii) and 'JCK- lobata group' on Pueraria lobata in mainland China, South Korea and Japan north of Okinoerabu Island. A possible diversification scenario of the three groups is hypothesized based on DNA sequencing data and geohistorical information. A distribution gap of the gall midge on five islands between Tokunoshima and Ishigaki Islands, Japan was confirmed by intensive field surveys. Ecological traits and adult behavior of Pity. puerariae are also described. Its possibility as a potential biological control agent against P. lobata seems counter-indicated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three new isoflavone C-glycosides, along with two known isoflavone O-glycosides, were isolated from the roots of Pueraria lobata (.) . The structures of the new compounds were elucidated as 4′,7-dihydroxy-3′-methoxyisoflavone 8- C-[ βglucopyranosyl-(1→6)]- βglucopyranoside (), 4′,7-dihydroxy-3′-methoxyisoflavone 8- C-[ βapiofuranosyl-(1→6)]- βglucopyranoside (), and 8- C- βglucopyranosyl-4′,7-dihydroxy-3′-methoxyisoflavone 4′- O- βglucopyranoside () on the basis of spectroscopic methods, especially 2D-NMR and MS analyses. The known compounds isolated were identified by comparison of their physical and spectroscopic data with those reported in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Premise of the study: Pueraria (Leguminosae, Papilionoideae) is native in East Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Oceania and is well known as a rampant invasive weed in the southeastern United States (P. montana; better known as kudzu), but relatively little is known about its early evolution and biogeographic origin. • Methods: On the basis of comparative analyses of the fruit and leaflet architecture of closely related extant and fossil taxa, we studied the fossil history and biogeography of Pueraria. • Key results: Fossil Pueraria is recognized on the basis of distinctive fruit and foliage from the Mio-Pliocene of middle latitudes in China, Japan, Abkhazia, and Croatia. Recognition of P. miothunbergiana from the Mio-Pliocene of China and Japan is reinforced by a trifoliolate leaf as well as isolated lateral and terminal leaflets. Pueraria shanwangensis sp. nov. represents the first recognition of fossil Pueraria fruits. This fruit species co-occurs with P. miotkunbergiana in the Middle Miocene Shanwang flora and possibly represents the same population. Pueraria maxima (Unger)comb. nov., previously named as Dolichites maximus or Desmodium maximum, is recognized on the basis of leaflets from the Miocene of Croatia and Abkhazia. Other prior fossil reports of Pueraria and Dolichites are reevaluated. • Conclusions: Pueraria had begun to diversify by at least the Middle Miocene and had spread into the Mio-Pliocene subtropical and temperate floras of the Balkan Peninsula, the Caucasus, and eastern Asia, which suggests the present diversity of this genus in tropical Asia and Oceania might have originated from the mid-latitudes of Eurasia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Puerarin, which is the most abundant isoflavone in Pueraria lobata , has many pharmacological effects. In this study, supercritical carbon dioxide extraction was employed as a novel and efficient technique to extract puerarin from Pueraria lobata. Effects of four variables (pressure, temperature, time and co-solvent amount) on the puerarin yield of Pueraria lobata were investigated. Up to a certain value, the puerarin yield increased with increasing pressure; thereafter, puerarin yield decreased as pressure increased. A similar effect of temperature was also found. When the temperature was at 50C or the pressure was at 20 MPa, the highest puerarin yield obtained was 5.8 ± 0.3 mg/g. Positive effects of time and co-solvent amount were observed on the puerarin yield. However, when the time was longer than 100 min or the co-solvent amount was greater than 120 g, no significant improvement was detected in the puerarin yield. It was therefore important to define the level of each variable for an efficient preparation of puerarin. From the results obtained, supercritical carbon dioxide extraction was proved to be an efficient technique for extraction of puerarin from Pueraria lobata. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Pueraria lobata is a famous Chinese traditional medicinal herb which has been consumed by many people all over the world. Puerarin is the most abundant isoflavone in this herb, and it has been proven to have some important pharmacological properties. In this study, a novel technique called supercritical carbon dioxide extraction was employed to prepare puerarin from Pueraria lobata. Effects of pressure, temperature, time and co-solvent amount on the puerarin yield were evaluated. The results were helpful in understanding the extraction process of puerarin and could give evidence for further developments on this special medicinal herb. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study provides in vitro and in vivo evaluation of rat serum metabolites of the Pueraria lobata (SMP) on peripheral nerve regeneration. In the in vitro study, we found that the SMP caused a marked enhancement of the nerve growth factor (NGF)‐mediated neurite outgrowth and the expression of synapsin I from PC12 cells. In the in vivo study, silicone rubber chambers filled with the SMP were used to bridge a 10‐mm sciatic nerve defect in rats. At the conclusion of 8 weeks, animals from the groups treated with the SMP had a relatively more mature structure with larger mean values of myelinated axon number, endoneurial area, and total nerve area when compared with those in the controls receiving the saline only. These results suggest that the serum metabolites of Pueraria lobata can be a potential nerve growth‐promoting factor. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 2008 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. This study investigated the effects on water transport patterns of the transverse water movement in xylem, on a whole-shoot scale, using current-year shoots of kudzu vine ( Pueraria lobata (Willd.) Ohwi). 2. The connections between xylem vessels were detected by dye injection and were found to be distributed throughout the internode. This means that short internodes limit the connections between vessels. The hydraulic conductance of the internode-to-petiole path decreased with successive cutting of the internodes. 3. To estimate hydraulic patterns at the whole-shoot scale, the hydraulic conductance of the shoot base-to-petiole path ( KBP) were measured. These were compared with two mathematical models representing extreme examples of connections between vessels – the interconnected model and the independent model. The former model assumes a high capacity for the transverse movement of water in xylem tissues. The KBP values measured were explained more accurately by the interconnected model than by the independent model. 4. These results suggest that kudzu vine has a large capacity for the transverse movement of water in xylem, which contributes to the effective transport of water from internodes to leaves that offsets sectored transport at the whole-shoot scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

S un JH, L i Z-C, J ewett DK, B ritton KO, Y e WH & G e X-J (2005) Genetic diversity of Pueraria lobata (kudzu) and closely related taxa as revealed by inter-simple sequence repeat analysis. Weed Research 45, 255–260. Kudzu ( Pueraria lobata) is a noxious weed infesting some areas of the USA. Knowledge of its genetic variation in both native and invasive areas can lead to effective biological control measures. Inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) variations were studied in P. lobata and its four closely related congeneric species ( P. edulis, P. montana, P. phaseoloides and P. thomsoni). ISSR results allowed a clear separation of these five species. For P. lobata, 108 plants from China and USA were analysed. The samples from the US were genetically closer to Chinese P. lobata populations than to other congeneric populations. High genetic differentiation was found for P. lobata, P. montana and P. thomsoni in Chinese samples. High genetic diversity and low population differentiation was found in P. lobata samples of the US. This supports the hypothesis of multiple introductions into the USA from different sources in Japan or China, followed by subsequent gene exchange and recombination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background/Aim: To understand the relationship between the fluctuation in serum β-glucuronidase and hepatotoxicity, an inhibitor of β-glucuronidase was isolated from the flowers of Pueraria thunbergiana and its hepatoprotective activity was measured. Method: Tectorigenin was isolated from the flowers of pueria thunbergiana as an inhibitor of β-glucuronidase, and serum ALT, AST and biological parameters as markers for its hepatoprotective activity were measured on CCl4 -induced liver injury in mice. The relationship between serum β-glucuronidase and hepatoprotective activities in mice was measured. Results: When tectorigenin at a dose of 100 mg/kg was intraperitoneally administered on CCl4 -induced liver injury in mice, it significantly inhibited the increase of plasma ALT, AST and LDH activities. The inhibitory effect of tectorigenin is much more potent than that of dimethyl diphenyl bicarboxylate (DDB), which has been used as a commercial hepatoprotective agent. When tectoridin transformed to tectorigenin by intestinal bacteria was orally administered to mice, it showed hepatoprotective activity. However, when tectoridin was intraperitoneally administrated to mice, it did not exhibit hepatoprotective activity. Moreover, orally administered tectoridin not only inhibited β-glucuronidase but also increased GSH content and GST activity on CCl4 -induced hepatotoxicity of mice. Conclusion: We insist that an inhibitor of β-glucuronidase tectorigenin may be hepatoprotective and tectoridin should be a prodrug transformed to tectorigenin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents information on a study which described the isolation of isoflavones and their glycosides from kudzu root, Pueraria lobata Ohwi. The bioactivity of the isolated compounds was analyzed. The antioxidative activities of five major compounds, namely, puerarin, daidzin, daidzein, biochanin A and genistein, were evaluated and compared. Findings showed that the five compounds acted as free-radical scavengers and blocked both linoleic acid peroxidation and lipoxygenase activity.

Pueraria lobata (Willd.) Ohwi starch and its components were characterized. Scanning electron microscopy of the starch granules showed they were oval and polygonal in shape. Centric birefringence was clearly observed when viewed under polarized light. The gelatinization temperature range was 61–64–70.5 °C. The iodine affinity value (4.12%) indicated an amylose content of 21.68%. Brabender amylograms showed a fairly high maximum viscosity and very low breakdown, indicating high hot stability of the viscosity. The starch underwent a single-stage swelling power pattern over one temperature range, and the solubility pattern paralleled the swelling power. The X-ray diffraction pattern of the starch showed a Ca-type crystallite. The gel chromatogram of the starch demonstrated the polydispersity of its molecular weight distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deals with a study which examined genetic variation in the vine Pueraria lobata or kudzu found in southeastern United States. Background on Pueraria lobata; Methodology of the study; Results and discussion.

The effects of suspension-cultured Pueraria phaseoloides Benth. (pueraria) cells and cell products on growth of hyphae of the VA mycorrhizal fungus Gigaspora margarita Becker & Hall in liquid media were examined. Addition of 6-d-old cell cultures of pueraria cells at a concentration of 25 cells ml-1 of medium caused a 3.9-fold increase in hyphal growth. Higher cell concentrations resulted in less growth stimulation. Cell exudates or extracts (cell products) at a concentration of 25 μ ml-1 of medium also stimulated hyphal growth. Successive cell additions, or transfer of the spores into fresh media containing pueraria cells, resulted in no additional hyphal growth. Spores soaked in exudates or extracts showed faster and more vigorous growth when plated on an agar medium than those soaked in a control solution. It is suggested that suspension-cultured pueraria cells stimulate hyphal growth of VA mycorrhizal fungi by accumulating and leaking very active metabolites into the medium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growth and nodulation of Pueraria and Stylosavtlies, and also nitrogenase activity of Pueraria grown in methyl bromide treated soil were severely retarded unless the plants were infected with vesicular-arbuscular (VA) mycorrhiza or given large amounts (500 mg per kg of soil) of rock phosphate. Added rock phosphate further stimulated growth, nodulation and nodule activity of mycorrhizal plants. Mycorrhizae also enhanced uptake of phosphorus, which was increased further by the addition of rock phosphate. The comparative levels of phosphorus in plants and growth responses were clearly different with respect to the two sources of rock phosphate in both mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal plants. These observations refer in particular to Pueraria; the treatment effects being less pronounced with Stylosanthes as the uninoculated plants were naturally contaminated with mycorrhizae, but to a lesser degree than those inoculated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Isoprene (2-methyl 1,3-butadiene) is emitted from many plants, but the signals regulating isoprene emission are unknown. Mounting leaves in a gas exchange chamber or taking small leaf punches for biochemical analysis was found to reduce the rate of isoprene emission (Loreto & Sharkey 1993). This phenomenon was investigated by putting terminal leaflets of velvet bean (Mucuna deeringeniana L.) and kudzu [Pueraria lobata (Willd) Ohwi.] into a gas exchange chamber and monitoring isoprene emission and photosynthesis. Lateral leaflets or remote leaves were then wounded or mechanically stimulated. The rate of isoprene emission was reduced after 1 min by up to 75% by burning a lateral leaflet with a match. Even a 7 m s-1 (25 km h-1) wind imposed on a lateral leaflet reduced isoprene emission from the terminal leaflet by 18%. Photosynthesis rates were either unaffected by these treatments or reduced more slowly than isoprene emission rates, indicating that the effect of isoprene emission rates was not a consequence of changes in photosynthetic activity. Isoprene emission from a terminal leaflet was reduced by burning leaves above and below the monitored leaflet when on the same stem. The effect was much reduced if the burned leaf (all three leaflets) was on a different stem from the monitored leaflet. Reduction of the rate of isoprene emission was observed even when the burned leaf was 52 cm distant from the measured leaflet. Increasing the distance between the stressed leaf and the monitored leaf caused the effect to be slower and smaller. It is speculated that a signal is generated by wounding which propagates through the plant at 1.3 mm s-1. This velocity was consistent throughout the measurements and is similar to the rate of propagation of electrical signals such as action potentials and variation potentials. The effect of the environmental stress, and particularly the wind effect, can be frequent in nature and should be considered when estimating local and regional emission of isoprene for modelling atmospheric chemistry. If leaf samples used for isoprene determination are exposed to the type of stress we investigated, isoprene emission inventories based on leaf level measurements will be underestimated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]