Title:Puerarin: A Review on the Pharmacological Activity, Chemical Properties
and Pharmacokinetics of Main Isoflavonoid
Volume: 12
Issue: 1
Author(s): Oluwafemi Adeleke Ojo*, Adebola Busola Ojo, Charles Obiora Nwonuma, Oluwakemi Josephine Awakan, Rotdelmwa Filibus Maimako, Boluwatife Lawrence Afolabi and Odunayo Anthonia Taiwo
Affiliation:
- Phytomedicine, Natural Products, Drug and Biochemical Toxicology Group, Department of Biochemistry, College of
Pure and Applied Sciences, Landmark University, Omu Aran, PMB 1001, Kwara State, Nigeria
Keywords:
Puerarin, isoflavone, pharmacokinetics, pharmacological properties, toxicity, chemical properties, Alzheimer’s disease.
Abstract: Conventional drugs, as means of alternative medicine, have been in use in the Asian and
African nations and some developed countries for the treatment of ailments and cure of diseases.
Objective: Puerarin, a naturally occurring isoflavone in numerous plants, is one of the conventional
medication that possess anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory properties for the treatment of
cardiac illnesses, osteonecrosis, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and other circulatory
conditions. Puerarin is extensively distributed in numerous organs including the kidney, mammary
gland, femur, tibia, stomach, liver, pancreas, brain, and lungs, but at a low rate because of its poor
availability. However, when co-administered with compounds like gastrodin that can convey it into
the cell, it shows a wide range of pharmacological properties, including antioxidant, antidiabetic,
antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, anti-Alzheimer’s, hepatoprotective, and neuroprotective
activity. The biotransformation process of puerarin showed that it is well metabolized
with daidzein, being the main hydrolyzed product. Puerarin is well tolerated in the body with a
dosage of up to 250 mg/kg per day, does not initiate any toxic side effects but rather shows a wide
range of beneficial and pharmacological properties.