Therapeutic potential and mechanisms of puerarin in liver disease: A comprehensive review of pharmacological effects and drug delivery innovations

Abstract

Background

Pueraria, a renowned traditional Chinese herb, has been valued for both medicinal and culinary uses. Puerarin, its primary bioactive compound, exhibits a diverse pharmacological profile and has garnered attention for its hepatoprotective properties. This review explores puerarin's potential in managing liver diseases, including hepatic malignancy, alcohol-associated liver disease, and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease.

Methods

An extensive literature review was conducted, analyzing studies that examine puerarin's effects on liver disease pathways. Emphasis was placed on its mechanisms involving lipid metabolism regulation, oxidative stress reduction, autophagy induction, and inflammation modulation. The review also evaluates novel drug delivery techniques designed to enhance puerarin's bioavailability, given its limited solubility.

Results

Puerarin demonstrates therapeutic efficacy across various liver diseases by targeting key biochemical pathways. Studies show it effectively modulates lipid levels, reduces oxidative stress, induces autophagy, and decreases inflammation. Recent advances in drug delivery have significantly improved puerarin's bioavailability, enhancing its clinical application potential.

Discussion and Conclusion

Puerarin holds promise as a safe, low-toxicity treatment for liver diseases, backed by favourable pharmacological activity and clinical trial data. Its hepatoprotective actions are further strengthened through innovative drug delivery methods, highlighting puerarin's viability in therapeutic applications. Continued research is recommended to further understand its mechanisms and optimize delivery strategies. Puerarin's unique pharmacological profile positions it as a potential therapeutic agent for liver disease management.