Did you know?
Research suggests that compounds in kudzu might decrease alcohol intake by increasing alcohol’s effects on the brain, leading to quicker feelings of intoxication.
Pueraria Flower Extract (PFE)
Pueraria lobata (kudzu) is used in traditional medicine for cardiovascular issues, menopause, and alcohol dependence due to its bioactive isoflavones. These compounds, particularly puerarin, offer vasodilatory effects and antioxidant properties, enhancing blood circulation and reducing oxidative stress.
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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.
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
Overview 
Research Feed 
References Overview
Pueraria Flower Extract (PFE) is a concentrated extract obtained from the flowers of Pueraria lobata. It is rich in bioactive compounds, particularly isoflavones such as tectoridin, tectorigenin, and puerarin, which are known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and hormone-modulating effects.
MBTIs
This Microbiome-Targeted Interventions (MBTI) section outlines the conditions for which Pueraria Flower Extract (PFE) has been investigated, as well as its current validation status for those conditions. Due to the newness of this database, many conditions are not currently listed for which PFE may be validated.
| Condition | ValidationStatus |
| Endometriosis | Valid |
| Obesity | – |
Mechanisms of action
The mechanism of action of PFE includes modulation of metabolic pathways, inhibition of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP), and suppression of cell adhesion and migration, primarily driven by its isoflavone content. These mechanisms allow its application in managing obesity, endometriosis, and possibly other metabolic and inflammatory conditions. PFE’s bioactive properties make it a candidate for treating or managing conditions like endometriosis, obesity [1] , and cognitive impairments.
Research Feed
Anti-Endometriotic Effects of Pueraria Flower Extract: A Novel Therapeutic Approach
February 28, 2017
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Endometriosis •
Endometriosis
Did you know?
Gut microbiota predict endometriosis better than vaginal microbiota.
The study explored the effects of Pueraria Flower Extract (PFE) on human endometriotic cells and mice, showing that PFE inhibits cell adhesion, migration, and MMP expression, and reduces lesion formation. Highlighting PFE's potential as a non-invasive treatment alternative, the research provides insights into molecular targets for future therapies in managing endometriosis, a condition with limited current treatments.
What was studied?
This study investigated the anti-endometriotic effects of Pueraria flower extract (PFE) on human endometriotic cells and a mouse model of endometriosis. It evaluated the extract's impact on cellular adhesion, migration, and the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), key factors in the establishment of endometriotic lesion.
Who was studied?
The research focused on human-immortalized endometriotic cell lines (11Z and 12Z) and mesothelial Met5A cells in vitro. Additionally, a mouse model of induced endometriosis was used to evaluate the effects of PFE in vivo.
What were the most important findings?
Inhibition of Cell Adhesion and Migration: PFE significantly suppressed the adhesion of endometriotic cells to mesothelial cells and reduced cell migration in wound-healing and transwell assays.
Reduction in MMP Expression: PFE decreased both mRNA and protein levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9, enzymes crucial for tissue invasion and lesion establishment in endometriosis.
ERK1/2 Signaling Activation: The study demonstrated that PFE activates the ERK1/2 pathway, which played a role in inhibiting cell migration. This effect was reversed when an ERK1/2 inhibitor was introduced.
Lesion Suppression in Mice: Oral administration of PFE to mice significantly reduced the number of endometriotic lesions without causing toxicity or weight loss.
Role of Isoflavones: Major isoflavones such as tectorigenin were identified as active compounds in PFE, contributing to its anti-endometriotic effects.
What are the greatest implications of this study?
The findings suggest that PFE and its active compounds, particularly tectorigenin, could serve as potential therapeutic agents for endometriosis. By targeting matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity and the ERK1/2 pathway, PFE may provide a novel, non-hormonal intervention to mitigate lesion formation and progression. This research highlights the potential for plant-derived compounds in developing treatments that reduce the recurrence and side effects associated with conventional endometriosis therapies.
Consumption of Pueraria flower extract reduces body mass index via a decrease in the visceral fat area in obese humans
August 7, 2012
Pueraria thomsonii flower extract reduces visceral fat and BMI without sexual dimorphism, offering a safe intervention for obesity management.
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.
Microbiome-Targeted Interventions (MBTIs)
Microbiome Targeted Interventions (MBTIs) are cutting-edge treatments that utilize information from Microbiome Signatures to modulate the microbiome, revolutionizing medicine with unparalleled precision and impact.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis involves ectopic endometrial tissue causing pain and infertility. Validated and Promising Interventions include Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), Low Nickel Diet, and Metronidazole therapy.
Validation of Pueraria Flower Extract (PFE) as a Microbiome-targeted intervention for Endometriosis
Pueraria Flower Extract (PFE) addresses microbial imbalances and inflammation in endometriosis, validating its role as a microbiome-targeted therapy.
Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs)
Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs) are zinc-dependent enzymes that regulate extracellular matrix remodeling, with critical roles in health, disease, and interactions with the microbiome.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis involves ectopic endometrial tissue causing pain and infertility. Validated and Promising Interventions include Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), Low Nickel Diet, and Metronidazole therapy.
References
- Consumption of Pueraria Flower Extract Reduces Body Mass Index via a Decrease in the Visceral Fat Area in Obese Humans. Tomoyasu KAMIYA, Akira TAKANO, Yuki MATSUZUKA, Nobutaka KUSABA, Motoya IKEGUCHI, Kinya TAKAGAKI, Kazuo KONDO,. (Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry. August 23, 2012)
Tomoyasu KAMIYA, Akira TAKANO, Yuki MATSUZUKA, Nobutaka KUSABA, Motoya IKEGUCHI, Kinya TAKAGAKI, Kazuo KONDO,
Consumption of Pueraria Flower Extract Reduces Body Mass Index via a Decrease in the Visceral Fat Area in Obese HumansBioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry. August 23, 2012
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