Chinese medicine based on radix puerariae

Abstract

A systematic survey on the commonly used Chinese medicinal herb, Radix Puerariae has been carried out for the preparation of my doctorial research project. The project include the authentication and identification of the raw materials, the analysis of its active ingredients and the development of fingerprinting methodology and the establishment of the appropriate quality control technology for Radix Pueraria. According to the study of structure-activity relationship (SAR) of puerarin and its analogues and derivatives, related chemicals with higher oral bioavailability and better activity than puerarin have been determined. After a comprehensive research on various formulations containing puerarin, including PEG dispersion formulation (dripping pills) and phospholipid complex (capsules), a unique technology to increase the bioavailability of puerarin was developed. The study on the clinical applications of various compound formulations containing Radix Pueraria as the major ingredient for the regulation of blood lipid level has resulted in a formulation with the best efficacy. The successful competion of the current project will help any further demand for the advancement of research and development of Chinese medicine containing Radix Puerariae.