Pueraria mirifica Exerts Estrogenic Effects in the Mammary Gland and Uterus and Promotes Mammary Carcinogenesis in Donryu Rats

Abstract

Pueraria mirifica (PM), a plant whose dried and powdered tuberous roots are now widely used in rejuvenating preparations to promote youthfulness in both men and women, may have major estrogenic influence. In this study, we investigated modifying effects of PM at various doses on mammary and endometrial carcinogenesis in female Donryu rats. Firstly, PM administered to ovariectomized animals at doses of 0.03%, 0.3%, and 3% in a phytoestrogen-low diet for 2 weeks caused significant increase in uterus weight. Secondly, a 4 week PM application to non-operated rats at a dose of 3% after 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) initiation resulted in significant elevation of cell proliferation in the mammary glands. In a third experiment, postpubertal administration of 0.3% (200 mg/kg body weight (b.w.)/day) PM to 5-week-old non-operated animals for 36 weeks following initiation of mammary and endometrial carcinogenesis with DMBA and N-ethyl-N′-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (ENNG), respectively, resulted in significant increase of mammary adenocarcinoma incidence. A significant increase of endometrial atypical hyperplasia multiplicity was also observed. Furthermore, PM at doses of 0.3%, and more pronouncedly, at 1% induced dilatation, hemorrhage and inflammation of the uterine wall. In conclusion, postpubertal long-term PM administration to Donryu rats exerts estrogenic effects in the mammary gland and uterus, and at a dose of 200 mg/kg b.w./day was found to promote mammary carcinogenesis initiated by DMBA.

Puerarin specifically disrupts osteoclast activation via blocking integrin-β3 Pyk2/Src/Cbl signaling pathway

“…So, we investigated dose-dependent effect of puerarin in this long-term experiment. Short-term is a 5-week treatment after OVX surgery, when bone resorption is active and the significant bone loss in proximal tibia metaphysis occurred in OVX rats [ 47 ]. Thus, this time point is great for both efficacy and in vivo mechanistic study, especially for bone resorption matching in vitro [ 48 ].…”

Puerarin—an isoflavone with beneficial effects on bone health

“…It is a major bioactive component found in the root of plants of the genus Pueraria (common name kudzu). Puerarin was isolated from such species as Pueraria lobata [10] and Pueraria mirifica [11]. Puerarin was extracted for the first time in 1950 [12].…”

Estrogenic Effect of Asparagus racemosus, Cissus quadrangularis, Punica granatum and Pueraria tuberosa in Post-menopausal Syndrome

“…Other common symptoms such as mood changes sleep disturbances, urinary incontinence, cognitive changes, somatic complaints, sexual dysfunction, and reduced quality of life may be secondary to other symptoms, or related to other causes. [2] Menopause brings about increased bone turnover an imbalance between bone formation and bone resorption. [3] Estrogen deficiency is considered as the main determinant for bone loss in postmenopausal women.…”