[Mechanism of Puerariae Thomsonii Radix in treatment of mild dyslipidemia: based on clinical metabolomics and proteomics].

This study aims to explore the potential metabolic pathways and targets of Puerariae Thomsonii Radix in the clinical treatment of mild dyslipidemia. UPLC-Q-TOF-MS and EASY-nLC-timsTOF-Pro2 were employed to perform metabolomic and proteomic analyses of the plasma samples collected from the patients with mild dyslipidemia at baseline and after 12 weeks of treatment with Puerariae Thomsonii Radix. The multivariate statistical analysis was carried out for comparison between groups, and the correlation analysis was performed for the metabolites and proteins closely related to mild dyslipidemia with the blood lipid indexes. The possible pathways and targets for mitigating mild dyslipidemia were screened out by the Gene Ontology(GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) enrichment analysis. The results showed that 56 differential metabolites and 78 differential proteins in the plasma of patients were associated with Puerariae Thomsonii Radix treatment. In addition, changes were detected for the proteins or metabolites(ApoB-100, 9,10-DHOME, GAPDH, PGK1, PGAM1, ENO1, etc.) involved in lipoprotein, lipid, and glucose metabolism and the proteins or metabolites(oxidized phospholipid, PLA2G7, LTA4H, etc.) related to inflammation and oxidative stress. Puerariae Thomsonii Radix may down-regulate the overexpression of ApoB-100, activate the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α/γ(PPARα/γ), promote the catabolism of fat and glycerol, and alleviate the oxidative stress mediated by oxidized phospholipids and leukotriene B4(LTB4) in the treatment of mild dyslipidemia.

Non-destructive prediction of isoflavone and starch by hyperspectral imaging and deep learning in Puerariae Thomsonii Radix.

Accurate assessment of isoflavone and starch content in Puerariae Thomsonii Radix (PTR) is crucial for ensuring its quality. However, conventional measurement methods often suffer from time-consuming and labor-intensive procedures. In this study, we propose an innovative and efficient approach that harnesses hyperspectral imaging (HSI) technology and deep learning (DL) to predict the content of isoflavones (puerarin, puerarin apioside, daidzin, daidzein) and starch in PTR. Specifically, we develop a one-dimensional convolutional neural network (1DCNN) model and compare its predictive performance with traditional methods, including partial least squares regression (PLSR), support vector regression (SVR), and CatBoost. To optimize the prediction process, we employ various spectral preprocessing techniques and wavelength selection algorithms. Experimental results unequivocally demonstrate the superior performance of the DL model, achieving exceptional performance with mean coefficient of determination (R2) values surpassing 0.9 for all components. This research underscores the potential of integrating HSI technology with DL methods, thereby establishing the feasibility of HSI as an efficient and non-destructive tool for predicting the content of isoflavones and starch in PTR. Moreover, this methodology holds great promise for enhancing efficiency in quality control within the food industry.

A tri-herb formulation protects against ethanol-induced mouse liver injury and downregulates mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase 1.

BACKGROUND: A tri-herb formulation comprising Ganoderma (the dried fruiting body of Ganoderma lucidum), Puerariae Thomsonii Radix (the dried root of Pueraria thomsonii) and Hoveniae Semen (the dried mature seed of Hovenia acerba) -GPH for short- has been using for treating liver injury; however, the pharmacological basis of this application of GPH is unknown. This study aimed to investigate the liver protective effects and mechanisms of action of an ethanolic extract of GPH (GPHE) in mice. METHODS: To control the quality of GPHE, the contents of ganodermanontriol, puerarin and kaempferol in the extract were quantified by ultra-performance liquid chromatography. An ethanol (6 ml/kg, i.g.)-induced liver injury ICR mouse model was employed to investigate the hepatoprotective effects of GPHE. RNA-sequencing analysis and bioassays were performed to reveal the mechanisms of action of GPHE. RESULTS: The contents of ganodermanontriol, puerarin and kaempferol in GPHE were 0.0632%, 3.627% and 0.0149%, respectively. Daily i.g. administration of 0.25, 0.5 or 1 g/kg of GPHE for 15 consecutive days suppressed ethanol (6 ml/kg, i.g., at day 15)-induced upregulation of serum AST and ALT levels and improved histological conditions in mouse livers, indicating that GPHE protects mice from ethanol-induced liver injury. Mechanistically, GPHE downregulated the mRNA level of Dusp1 (encoding MKP1 protein, an inhibitor of the mitogen-activated protein kinases JNK, p38 and ERK), and upregulated expression and phosphorylation of JNK, p38 and ERK, which are involved in cell survival in mouse liver tissues. Also, GPHE increased PCNA (a cell proliferation marker) expression and reduced TUNEL-positive (apoptotic) cells in mouse livers. CONCLUSION: GPHE protects against ethanol-induced liver injury, and this effect of GPHE is associated with regulation of the MKP1/MAPK pathway. This study provides pharmacological justifications for the use of GPH in treating liver injury, and suggests that GPHE has potential to be developed into a modern medication for managing liver injury.

[Comparison of major chemical components in Puerariae Thomsonii Radix and Puerariae Lobatae Radix].

For further development and utilization of the germplasm resources of Puerariae Thomsonii Radix and Puerariae Lobatae Radix, this study developed the ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(UPLC-MS/MS) method, high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) method, and anthrone colorimetry to detect the content of 23 flavonoids, cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, soluble sugar, and starch in Puerariae Thomsonii Radix and Puerariae Lobatae Radix. The content differences of various chemical components were analyzed. The methodological test of the established UPLC-MS/MS method for the determination of flavonoids showed that each component had satisfactory linearity within the corresponding linear range(R~2≥0.995), and the average spiked recoveries were 94.48%-105.5%. With this method, 17 flavonoids in Puerariae Lobatae Radix and Puerariae Thomsonii Radix were detected. Based on HPLC and anthrone colorimetry, the determination methods of lignocellulose, soluble sugar, and starch were established. According to the determination results, the content of cellulose in Puerariae Thomsonii Radix was significantly lower than that in Puerariae Lobatae Radix, and the content of starch was significantly higher than that in Puerariae Lobatae Radix. The content of hemicellulose, lignin, and soluble sugar showed no significant difference between the two medicinals, and the content of soluble sugar was in highly significantly negative correlation with that of starch. The established methods are simple, rapid, accurate, and sensitive. The results can lay a basis for the evaluation, and comprehensive development and utilization of the germplasm resources of Puerariae Thomsonii Radix and Puerariae Lobatae Radix.

[Comparative study of rat serum pharmacochemistry between Puerariae Lobatae Radix and Puerariae Thomsonii Radix based on UPLC-Q-TOF-MS].

UPLC-Q-TOF-MS and serum pharmacochemistry were employed to study the migrating components in rat sera after intragastric administration of the water extracts of Puerariae Lobatae Radix(PLR) and Puerariae Thomsonii Radix(PTR). After the respective intragastric administration of PLR and PTR extracts, blood samples were collected from the orbital vein. The serum samples were treated by protein precipitation method with methanol and acetonitrile at a ratio of 1∶1 and then passed through Agilent ZORBAX RRHD SB-C_(18) column(3 mm×100 mm, 1.8 µm) and Agilent SB-C_(18) pre-column(3 mm×5 mm, 1.8 µm) with 0.1% formic acid aqueous solution(A)-acetonitrile(B) as the mobile phase. The elution was performed at the flow rate of 0.25 mL·min~(-1), the column temperature of 40 ℃, and the injection volume of 2 µL. By comparison of the total ion chromatogram and secondary fragment ion information of PLR and PTR water extracts, PLR-and PTR-containing sera, and blank serum, we found 42 migrating components(including 17 prototype components and 25 metabolites) in the sera of rats treated with PLR and 35 migrating components(including 15 prototype components and 20 metabolites) in the sera of rats treated with PTR. Thirty-three common components were shared by the two treatments, including 13 prototype components and 20 metabolites. The differences of migrating components in the PLR-and PTR-treated rat sera provide a scientific basis for further study of the active components and quality markers of PLR and PTR.

Comparative study of rat serum pharmacochemistry between Puerariae Lobatae Radix and Puerariae Thomsonii Radix based on UPLC-Q-TOF-MS / 中国中药杂志

UPLC-Q-TOF-MS and serum pharmacochemistry were employed to study the migrating components in rat sera after intragastric administration of the water extracts of Puerariae Lobatae Radix(PLR) and Puerariae Thomsonii Radix(PTR). After the respective intragastric administration of PLR and PTR extracts, blood samples were collected from the orbital vein. The serum samples were treated by protein precipitation method with methanol and acetonitrile at a ratio of 1∶1 and then passed through Agilent ZORBAX RRHD SB-C_(18) column(3 mm×100 mm, 1.8 μm) and Agilent SB-C_(18) pre-column(3 mm×5 mm, 1.8 μm) with 0.1% formic acid aqueous solution(A)-acetonitrile(B) as the mobile phase. The elution was performed at the flow rate of 0.25 mL·min~(-1), the column temperature of 40 ℃, and the injection volume of 2 μL. By comparison of the total ion chromatogram and secondary fragment ion information of PLR and PTR water extracts, PLR-and PTR-containing sera, and blank serum, we found 42 migrating components(including 17 prototype components and 25 metabolites) in the sera of rats treated with PLR and 35 migrating components(including 15 prototype components and 20 metabolites) in the sera of rats treated with PTR. Thirty-three common components were shared by the two treatments, including 13 prototype components and 20 metabolites. The differences of migrating components in the PLR-and PTR-treated rat sera provide a scientific basis for further study of the active components and quality markers of PLR and PTR.

[Pharmacodynamics and intestinal flora research on different processed products of Puerariae Lobatae Radix and Puerariae Thomsonii Radix].

This study aims to explore the pharmacodynamic differences of Puerariae Lobatae Radix(PLR), Puerariae Thomsonii Radix(PTR) and their different processed products and the influences of these medical materials on the diversity of intestinal flora. The Sennae Folium-induced diarrhea model, streptozotocin(STZ)-induced diabetes model and L-nitro-arginine methyl ester(L-NAME)-induced hypertension model were used to compare the pharmacodynamic differences in anti-diarrhea, blood glucose reduction and blood pressure lowering among raw, roasted and vinegar-processed PLR and PTR. The effects of raw and processed PLR and PTR on intestinal flora diversity of rats were evaluated by 16 S rDNA high-throughput sequencing. The roasted PLR and PTR performed better in anti-diarrhea, especially the former. PLR and its processed products all presented the efficacy of reducing blood glucose, and the vinegar-processed PLR was the most outstanding. The raw PTR was not that effective in reducing blood glucose, whereas its efficacy was improved after roasting and vinegar processing. Both PLR and PTR were capable of lowering blood pressure to a certain extent, and PLR is superior to PTR in this aspect. Further, the vinegar-processed PLR showed the best effect. The diversity of intestinal flora was different among rats to which different products of PLR and PTR were administered. The roasted PLR led to the highest abundance of Lactobacillus, which was closely related to its best antidiarrheal effect. The highest abilities of vinegar-processed PLR to lower blood glucose and blood pressure were associated with the high abundance of Blautia and Prevotella_9. This study lays a foundation for elucidating the processing mechanisms of PLR and PTR and provides a basis for their further development and application.

Pharmacodynamics and intestinal flora research on different processed products of Puerariae Lobatae Radix and Puerariae Thomsonii Radix / 中国中药杂志

This study aims to explore the pharmacodynamic differences of Puerariae Lobatae Radix(PLR), Puerariae Thomsonii Radix(PTR) and their different processed products and the influences of these medical materials on the diversity of intestinal flora. The Sennae Folium-induced diarrhea model, streptozotocin(STZ)-induced diabetes model and L-nitro-arginine methyl ester(L-NAME)-induced hypertension model were used to compare the pharmacodynamic differences in anti-diarrhea, blood glucose reduction and blood pressure lowering among raw, roasted and vinegar-processed PLR and PTR. The effects of raw and processed PLR and PTR on intestinal flora diversity of rats were evaluated by 16 S rDNA high-throughput sequencing. The roasted PLR and PTR performed better in anti-diarrhea, especially the former. PLR and its processed products all presented the efficacy of reducing blood glucose, and the vinegar-processed PLR was the most outstanding. The raw PTR was not that effective in reducing blood glucose, whereas its efficacy was improved after roasting and vinegar processing. Both PLR and PTR were capable of lowering blood pressure to a certain extent, and PLR is superior to PTR in this aspect. Further, the vinegar-processed PLR showed the best effect. The diversity of intestinal flora was different among rats to which different products of PLR and PTR were administered. The roasted PLR led to the highest abundance of Lactobacillus, which was closely related to its best antidiarrheal effect. The highest abilities of vinegar-processed PLR to lower blood glucose and blood pressure were associated with the high abundance of Blautia and Prevotella_9. This study lays a foundation for elucidating the processing mechanisms of PLR and PTR and provides a basis for their further development and application.

Analysis of HPLC Fingerprint and Their Multicomponent Chemical Pattern Recognition of Puerariae Lobatae Radix from Different Habitats and Puerariae Thomsonii Radix / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective: To establish HPLC specific chromatograms of Puerariae Lobatae Radix(PLR) and Puerariae Thomsonii Radix(PTR), and make a distinction about their species and different habitats of PLR by chemical pattern recognition, provide reliable methods for scientific evaluation and effective control of their quality. Method: HPLC was employed to determine the contents of chemical ingredients in 23 batches of PLR and PTR.The similarity analyzed with "Similarity Evaluation System for Chromatographic Fingerprint of Chinese Materia Medica"(version of 2004A), then a common pattern was established.Based on its chemical fingerprint information, the quality of PLR and PTR was comprehensively analyzed by three kinds of chemical pattern recognition methods. Result: In addition to sample S22(from Shaanxi province), the similarities of 23 batches of samples were more than 0.9, which showed that similarity of PLR and PTR was good, this method can not differentiate them.Principal component analysis(PCA) could only identify PLR and PTR, but partial least squares-discriminant analysis(PLS-DA) could distinguish PLR from PTR and the producing areas of PLR with model interpretation of 96.4% and prediction of 74.6%.The result of hierarchical cluster analysis(HCA) was consistent with PLS-DA. Conclusion: Chemical pattern recognition method can make a distinction between PLR and PTR, as well as different habitats of PLR;it is suitable for quality control of their medicinal materials.

Quality Evaluation System of Standard Decoction of Puerariae Thomsonii Radix / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective: To establish the quality control methods for the standard decoction of Puerariae Thomsonii Radix.Method:According to the preparation principles for traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) standard decoction,13 batches of Puerariae Thomsonii Radix from different origins were analyzed under the chromatography conditions established in this study and verified with methodology.By referring to Chinese Pharmacopoeia of 2015,puerarin was used as a quantitative indicator to calculate the transfer rate.In this study,the structures of main chromatographic peaks were also identified to clarify the main chemical constituents in the standard decoction.Result:The 13 batches of medicinal herbs were identified as Puerariae Thomsonii Radix,with a recovery rate of 98.0%,and RSD of 1.1%,indicating that the method was accurate and reliable.The transfer rate ranged from 41.4% to 60.0%,and the extraction rate was within the range of 15.7%-34.3%.The corresponding fingerprints were prepared for 13 batches of the standard decoction,and their similarities were all greater than 90.0%.The chemical constituents from Puerariae Thomsonii Radix were identified by mass spectrometry analysis,including citric acid,4'-O-glucosyl puerarin/daidzein-4',7-diglucoside,3'-hydroxy puerarin/genistein puerarin,puerarin apioside,daidzin puerossid A and daidzein,etc.Conclusion: The 13 batches of Puerariae Thomsonii Radix decoction in different origins had consistent properties with the basic properties of medicinal decoction pieces.The established method of quality evaluation can be used to systematically evaluate the standard decoction,providing reference for quality control of related decoction preparations of Puerariae Thomsonii Radix.

Effects of Different Sample Preparation Methods on Total Flavonoids and Puerarin Content from Puerariae Lobatae Radix and Puerariae Thomsonii Radix in South Anhui Province / 中国中医药信息杂志

Objective To establish UV spectrophotometry and HPLC methods for content determinations of total flavonoids and puerarin from Puerariae Lobatae Radix and Puerariae Thomsonii Radix; To compare the ultrasonic method at room temperature, conventional refluxing method and ultrasonic method at heating conditions at the aspect of content determinations. Methods The content determinations of total flavonoids was determined by UV spectrophotometry at 250 nm; the content of puerarin was determined by HPLC with octadecylsilane-bonded silica gel as the stationary phase, a mixture of methanol and water (25:75) as the mobile phase, 256 nm as the detection wavelength, 1.0 mL/min as the flow rate. Results Contents of total flavonoids in Puerariae Lobatae Radix by ultrasonic method at room temperature, conventional refluxing method and ultrasonic method were15.09%, 14.48%, and 12.71% (n=3), respectively. The contents of puerarin were 4.37%, 4.09%, and 3.80% (n=3), respectively. Contents of total flavonoids in Puerariae Thomsonii Radix were 2.09%, 2.23%, and 2.17% (n=3), respectively. The contents of puerarin were 0.50%, 0.53%, and 0.52% (n=3), respectively. Conclusion Ultrasonic method at room temperature can replace conventional refluxing method for content determinations of total flavonoids and puerarin from Puerariae Lobatae Radix, and ultrasonic method at heating conditions also can replace conventional refluxing method for content determinations of total flavonoids puerarin from Puerariae Thomsonii Radix. Puerarin contents from Puerariae Lobatae Radix and Puerariae Thomsonii Radix in South Anhui Province are all in line with the Pharmacopoeia standards.

Effects of Different Sample Preparation Methods on Total Flavonoids and Puerarin Content from Puerariae Lobatae Radix and Puerariae Thomsonii Radix in South Anhui Province / 中国中医药信息杂志

Objective To establish UV spectrophotometry and HPLC methods for content determinations of total flavonoids and puerarin from Puerariae Lobatae Radix and Puerariae Thomsonii Radix; To compare the ultrasonic method at room temperature, conventional refluxing method and ultrasonic method at heating conditions at the aspect of content determinations. Methods The content determinations of total flavonoids was determined by UV spectrophotometry at 250 nm; the content of puerarin was determined by HPLC with octadecylsilane-bonded silica gel as the stationary phase, a mixture of methanol and water (25:75) as the mobile phase, 256 nm as the detection wavelength, 1.0 mL/min as the flow rate. Results Contents of total flavonoids in Puerariae Lobatae Radix by ultrasonic method at room temperature, conventional refluxing method and ultrasonic method were15.09%, 14.48%, and 12.71% (n=3), respectively. The contents of puerarin were 4.37%, 4.09%, and 3.80% (n=3), respectively. Contents of total flavonoids in Puerariae Thomsonii Radix were 2.09%, 2.23%, and 2.17% (n=3), respectively. The contents of puerarin were 0.50%, 0.53%, and 0.52% (n=3), respectively. Conclusion Ultrasonic method at room temperature can replace conventional refluxing method for content determinations of total flavonoids and puerarin from Puerariae Lobatae Radix, and ultrasonic method at heating conditions also can replace conventional refluxing method for content determinations of total flavonoids puerarin from Puerariae Thomsonii Radix. Puerarin contents from Puerariae Lobatae Radix and Puerariae Thomsonii Radix in South Anhui Province are all in line with the Pharmacopoeia standards.

[Comparison of sulfur fumigation processing and direct hot air heating technology on puerarin contents and efficacy of Puerariae Thomsonii Radix].

In order to compare the effect of sulfur fumigation processing and direct hot air heating technology on puerarin contents and efficacy of Puerariae Thomsonii Radix, the fresh roots of Pueraria thomsonii were cut into small pieces and prepared into direct sunshine drying samples, direct hot air drying samples, and sulfur fumigation-hot air drying samples. Moisture contents of the samples were then determined. The puerarin contents of different samples were compared by HPLC method. Moreover, the models of drunkenness mice were established, and then with superoxide dismutase (SOD) content as the index, aqueous decoction extracts of Puerariae Thomsonii Radix samples with sulfur fumigation processing and non-sulfur fumigation processing methods were administrated by ig; the effects of sulfur fumigation on contents of SOD in mice liver and serum were determined, and the sulfur fumigation samples and non-sulfur fumigation samples were investigated for moth and mildew under different packaging and storage conditions. Results showed that the sulfur fumigation samples significantly changed the puerarin content from Puerariae Thomsonii Radix. The content of puerarin was decreased gradually when increasing the times of sulfur fumigation and amount of sulfur. SOD content in drunken mice liver and serum was significantly decreased when increasing the times of sulfur fumigation, showing significant difference with both direct sunshine drying group and direct hot air drying group. Moth and mildew were not found in the sulfur fumigation samples and direct hot air drying samples whose moisture contents were lower than the limit in Pharmacopoeia. Research showed that sulfur fumigation can significantly reduce the content of main active ingredients and reduce the efficacy of Puerariae Thomsonii Radix, indicating that the quality of Puerariae Thomsonii Radix was significantly decreased after sulfur fumigation. However, the contents of the main active ingredients, efficacy and storage results of the direct hot air drying samples were similar to those in direct sunshine drying samples, so the hot air drying process was a nice drying technology which could be promoted for use.

Comparison of sulfur fumigation processing and direct hot air heating technology on puerarin contents and efficacy of Puerariae Thomsonii Radix / 中国中药杂志

In order to compare the effect of sulfur fumigation processing and direct hot air heating technology on puerarin contents and efficacy of Puerariae Thomsonii Radix, the fresh roots of Pueraria thomsonii were cut into small pieces and prepared into direct sunshine drying samples, direct hot air drying samples, and sulfur fumigation-hot air drying samples. Moisture contents of the samples were then determined. The puerarin contents of different samples were compared by HPLC method. Moreover, the models of drunkenness mice were established, and then with superoxide dismutase (SOD) content as the index, aqueous decoction extracts of Puerariae Thomsonii Radix samples with sulfur fumigation processing and non-sulfur fumigation processing methods were administrated by ig; the effects of sulfur fumigation on contents of SOD in mice liver and serum were determined, and the sulfur fumigation samples and non-sulfur fumigation samples were investigated for moth and mildew under different packaging and storage conditions. Results showed that the sulfur fumigation samples significantly changed the puerarin content from Puerariae Thomsonii Radix. The content of puerarin was decreased gradually when increasing the times of sulfur fumigation and amount of sulfur. SOD content in drunken mice liver and serum was significantly decreased when increasing the times of sulfur fumigation, showing significant difference with both direct sunshine drying group and direct hot air drying group. Moth and mildew were not found in the sulfur fumigation samples and direct hot air drying samples whose moisture contents were lower than the limit in Pharmacopoeia. Research showed that sulfur fumigation can significantly reduce the content of main active ingredients and reduce the efficacy of Puerariae Thomsonii Radix, indicating that the quality of Puerariae Thomsonii Radix was significantly decreased after sulfur fumigation. However, the contents of the main active ingredients, efficacy and storage results of the direct hot air drying samples were similar to those in direct sunshine drying samples, so the hot air drying process was a nice drying technology which could be promoted for use.

Comparing morphological, chemical and anti-diabetic characteristics of Puerariae Lobatae Radix and Puerariae Thomsonii Radix.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Puerariae Lobatae Radix (PLR) and Puerariae Thomsonii Radix (PTR) are traditional Chinese medicines used for the treatment of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. These two herbs are used interchangeably in clinical practice, even though they possess significantly different chemical profiles. In the case of Pueraria species, the misidentification is related to the multiple Chinese common names in clinical practice and variable pharmaceutical Latin names in different versions of the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China. In addition, there is lack of evidence demonstrating how the differences in the chemical profile would impact on the pharmacological activity of the two herbs. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the microscopic, phytochemical profiles and anti-diabetic activity of PLR and PTR so that the two species can be differentiated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The microscopic characteristics of the PLR and PTR were observed and measured by an optical microscope. The major compounds were quantified by ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) colorimetric assay. The free radical scavenging capacity was assessed by 2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) antioxidant assays. Anti-diabetic activity was determined by the inhibition of porcine pancreatic α-amylase and rat intestinal α-glucosidase activities. RESULTS: Microscopic results illustrated that the size of xylem vessels (PLR: 0.1390 ± 0.0184 mm; PTR: 0.0471 ± 0.0109 mm), number of fibre per bundle (PLR: 32.6800 ± 2.8780; PTR: 16.5900 ± 0.9982) and the size of fibre (PLR: 0.0075 ± 0.0003 mm(2); PTR: 0.0025 ± 0.0002 mm(2)) in PLR were significantly greater than that in PTR (p<0.01). PLR possessed a significantly lower total starch content (PLR: 0.5288 ± 1.2559 mg starch/g DM; PTR: 76.7954 ± 2.9905 mg starch/g DM) and total dietary fibre content (PLR: 4.2886 ± 0.3466 g/100g DM; PTR: 12.4148 ± 0.4541 g/100g DM) as compared to PTR. Isoflavonoids including puerarin, daidzin, genistin and daidzein were the major chemical constituents in both species. However, the average content of puerarin in PLR was found to be eleven times greater than that in PTR. Furthermore, the TFC, DPPH free radical scavenging capacity, anti-α-amylase and anti-α-glucosidase in the PLR extracts were 4.42, 4.91, 3.10 and 4.22 times greater than in the PTR extracts. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides a comprehensive investigation on the two medicinal valuable Pueraria species and allows differences to be ascertained. This information can be used to update monographs which will help practitioners and dispensers differentiate the herbs. Further study on the interchangeable use of PLR and PTR in clinical practice is urgently warranted.

Differentiating Puerariae Lobatae Radix and Puerariae Thomsonii Radix using HPTLC coupled with multivariate classification analyses.

Puerariae Lobatae Radix (PLR), the root of Pueraria lobata, is a traditional Chinese medicine for treating diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Puerariae Thomsonii Radix (PTR), the root of Pueraria thomsonii, is a closely related species to PLR and has been used as a PLR substitute in clinical practice. The aim of this study was to compare the classification accuracy of high performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) with that of ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) in differentiating PLR from PTR. The Matlab functions were used to facilitate the digitalisation and pre-processing of the HPTLC plates. Seven multivariate classification methods were evaluated for the two chromatographic methods. The results demonstrated that the HPTLC classification models were comparable to the UPLC classification models. In particular, k-nearest neighbours, partial least square-discriminant analysis, principal component analysis-discriminant analysis and support vector machine-discriminant analysis showed the highest rate of correct species classification, whilst the lowest classification rate was obtained from soft independent modelling of class analogy. In conclusion, HPTLC combined with multivariate analysis is a promising technique for the quality control and differentiation of PLR and PTR.