Overview

Pueraria Flower Extract (PFE) demonstrates dual-purpose efficacy in addressing both microbial imbalances and the inflammatory processes central to endometriosis. Its effects not only validate its role as a microbiome-targeted intervention (MBTI) but also reinforce the accuracy and clinical relevance of the microbiome signature of endometriosis. This microbiome signature, independently derived from pooled studies, provides a robust framework for understanding the microbial dysbiosis associated with the condition. By evaluating PFE against this established signature, it becomes clear whether it effectively targets the identified microbial imbalances. If PFE’s effects align with the signature and produce measurable clinical improvements, this dual validation confirms the microbiome signature’s reflection of endometriosis-related dysbiosis and highlights microbiome modulation as a key mechanism driving PFE’s therapeutic benefits.

Validation of Pueraria Flower Extract (PFE) as an MBTI

PFE has demonstrated a capacity to reduce matrix metalloproteinases MMP-2 and MMP-9 mRNA and protein levels in endometriotic cells, effectively suppressing cell adhesion and migration—key drivers of the progression of endometriosis. ^[1] These cellular and molecular effects highlight its potential as a therapeutic option for managing the condition. Additionally, preclinical studies have shown that PFE enhances antioxidant status in animal models, mitigating the systemic inflammation characteristic of endometriosis. From a microbiome perspective, PFE has been shown to increase the abundance of Lactobacillaceae and Bacteroidetes, major microbial associations (MMAs) reported as diminished in the endometriosis microbiome signature. ^[2] At the same time, PFE decreases the prevalence of Ruminococcaceae, Prevotellaceae, and Burkholderiaceae, which are frequently elevated in the condition’s microbial profile. ^[3]These microbial shifts are particularly significant because they align with the dysbiotic patterns identified in endometriosis, suggesting that PFE’s microbiome-modulating properties are integral to its therapeutic effects. By addressing these microbial imbalances, PFE directly targets the underlying dysbiosis associated with endometriosis. This, combined with its antioxidant effects, contributes to the suppression of endometriotic cell adhesion and migration, further validating its role as an MBTI.

Validation of the Microbiome Signature of Endometriosis

Endometriosis is characterized by chronic inflammation and dysregulated cellular processes, both of which are influenced by microbial dysbiosis. The endometriosis microbiome signature consistently includes decreased Lactobacillaceae and Bacteroidetes levels, increased Ruminococcaceae and Prevotellaceae, and decreased Burkholderiaceae. The ability of PFE to directly modify these specific microbial imbalances demonstrates the clinical relevance of this microbiome signature. The alignment between PFE’s targeted microbial effects and the microbiome signature of endometriosis underscores the signature’s accuracy in representing the condition. Moreover, the clinical outcomes observed with PFE, such as reduced cell adhesion and migration, correlate with these microbial shifts, further reinforcing the validity of the microbiome signature.

Dual Validation of MBTI and Microbiome Signature

Pueraria Flower Extract PFE exemplifies the potential of MBTIs to address both microbial and pathological hallmarks of endometriosis. By modulating critical microbial taxa—including increasing Lactobacillaceae and Bacteroidetes while reducing Ruminococcaceae and Prevotellaceae—PFE not only restores microbial balance but also supports anti-inflammatory and cellular processes essential for managing the disease. These findings validate the utility of PFE as an MBTI while simultaneously confirming the accuracy of the endometriosis microbiome signature. Further, if the microbiome signature were not representative of the condition, the targeted effects of PFE on specific microbial families would not correlate with improvements in both cellular markers (e.g., reduced MMP expression) and systemic outcomes (e.g., enhanced antioxidant status). This dual validation strengthens confidence in the microbiome signature’s relevance to the pathogenesis and progression of endometriosis while establishing PFE as a promising intervention for this challenging condition.

Research Feed

References

1. Plants as source of new therapies for endometriosis: a review of preclinical and clinical studies. Gabriela F Meresman, Martin Götte, Matthias W Laschke.. (Human Reproduction Update. 2021)
2. The Positive Influence of Polyphenols Extracted From Pueraria lobata Root on the Gut Microbiota and Its Antioxidant Capability. Xu X, Guo Y, Chen S, Ma W, Xu X, Hu S, Jin L, Sun J, Mao J, Shen C.. (Front Nutr. March 29, 2022)
3. Current Updates on the Role of Microbiome in Endometriosis: A Narrative Review.. Ser HL, Au Yong SJ, Shafiee MN, Mokhtar NM, Ali RAR.. (Microorganisms. January 31, 2023)