Consumption of Pueraria flower extract reduces body mass index via a decrease in the visceral fat area in obese humans Original paper
Researched by:
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Karen Pendergrass
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Karen Pendergrass
Karen Pendergrass is a microbiome researcher specializing in microbiome-targeted interventions (MBTIs). She systematically analyzes scientific literature to identify microbial patterns, develop hypotheses, and validate interventions. As the founder of the Microbiome Signatures Database, she bridges microbiome research with clinical practice. In 2012, based on her own investigative research, she became the first documented case of FMT for Celiac Disease—four years before the first published case study.
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Karen Pendergrass
Researched by:
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Karen Pendergrass
ID
Karen Pendergrass
Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
Karen Pendergrass
What Was Studied?
This clinical study investigated the effects of Pueraria thomsonii flower extract (PFE) on reducing body mass index (BMI) and visceral fat area in obese Japanese males and females. The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of daily oral intake of PFE in doses of 300 mg and 200 mg over 12 weeks in comparison to a placebo.
Who Was Studied?
The participants included 89 Japanese adults aged 20 to 65 years, all classified as obese with a BMI of over 25 kg/m². The subjects were divided into three groups: 300 mg PFE, 200 mg PFE, and placebo. After exclusions, the final analysis included 25 participants in the placebo group and 28 participants in each PFE group, with an equal gender distribution.
What Were the Most Important Findings?
The study demonstrated that a daily dose of 300 mg PFE significantly reduced BMI and visceral fat area after 12 weeks compared to baseline and the placebo group. This reduction in visceral fat did not exhibit sexual dimorphism, affecting males and females equally. The mechanism is hypothesized to involve the isoflavones in PFE, particularly tectorigenin, which may influence hepatic and adipocyte gene expression to promote lipolysis and suppress lipogenesis. Subcutaneous fat area remained unchanged, highlighting the visceral fat-specific action of PFE. Triglyceride levels and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (GTP) were significantly reduced in the 300 mg group, suggesting additional benefits on lipid metabolism and liver health. No adverse events were reported, supporting the safety of PFE consumption.
What Are the Greatest Implications of This Study?
This study indicates that PFE, particularly at a 300 mg daily dose, could serve as a functional dietary intervention for reducing visceral fat and BMI in obese individuals. These findings are significant given the strong association between visceral fat and metabolic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disorders. The lack of adverse effects positions PFE as a promising candidate for weight management strategies in clinical settings.