Puerariae Lobatae Radix (PLR) is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb included in China’s inaugural list of substances recognized as both food and medicine. PLR has a long history of use and a wide range of medicinal applications. Its use is associated with a broad range of health-promoting effects. Recent studies have shown that PLR contains abundant bioactive compounds including isoflavones and polysaccharides. These findings demonstrate significant potential for the prevention and treatment of metabolic diseases (MDs). The potential mechanisms underlying these effects involve several targets and pathways, including activation of the PI3K/Akt and AMPK signaling pathways; regulation of key factors, such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors; and modulation of the gut microbiota composition. This systematic review examines the botanical characteristics and primary chemical constituents of PLR, with particular emphasis on recent research advances, mechanisms of action, and the clinical applications of its active components in MDs intervention. This review aims to provide theoretical guidance for further development, quality improvement, and application of PLR in the prevention and treatment of MDs.
Chen et al. (Thu,) studied this question.