Kudzu Research Articles

Structure and physicochemical properties of starches from six accessions of the genus Pueraria in China

Kudzu (Pueraria lobata) root contains abundant starch, but the physicochemical properties of kudzu starch are not well understood. In this study, we compared the compositions and physicochemical properties of starches isolated from six Pueraria accessions in China. Caige starch exhibited the highest purity (96.99 %) and amylose content (24.76 %), while Yege starch contained higher levels of puerarin (493.37 μg/g) and daidzein (38.68 μg/g). All kudzu starches were rich in resistant starch, with RS2 content ranging from 38.61 % to 46.22 % and RS3 content from 3.59 % to 6.04 %. The granules of kudzu starches varied in morphology, with Yege starch featuring larger polygonal granules. The kudzu starches presented either A-type or A-type-like C-type diffraction patterns. Caige starch had a higher IR2 value (1.28), higher gelatinization temperatures, wider temperature ranges, and greater enthalpy changes. Yege (JX) starch exhibited the highest peak viscosity but the lowest setback viscosity and pasting temperature. Fenge starch showed the highest final viscosity, with Fenge (ZJ) starch demonstrating the highest crystallinity (25.7 %) and IR1 value (0.80). These results indicated that kudzu starches derived from various Pueraria species possess unique structural and physicochemical properties, which provide significant potential for applications in food and other industrial fields.

Electrochemical Sensing Platform for Ascorbic Acid Detection Based on Porous Carbon Derived from Kudzu Root Residues

AbstractKudzu root residue is an excellent biomass carbon material that can be transformed into porous carbon through a simple two‐step process of “pre‐carbonization” followed by KOH activation. The structure of carbonized and activated kudzu root residue material was characterized through various techniques such as SEM, XRD, N2 adsorption‐desorption, XPS and Raman spectroscopy. Electrochemical measurement revealed that K‐CKR exhibited outstanding electrochemical performance, attributed to its large specific surface area, significant pore volume, and microporous‐mesoporous structure. When K‐CKR was used to modify a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) for constructing an electrochemical sensor to detect ascorbic acid (AA), it demonstrated remarkable electrochemical sensing capabilities. This included a wide linear detection range (50–1620 μM), higher sensitivity, a low detection limit (0.83 μM, S/N=3), excellent stability and interference resistance. These experimental results clearly indicate that K‐CKR is a highly promising electrode material for the development of novel electrochemical sensors.

Living archival practice and the choreographical navigations: Encounters and approaches with other-than-human persons

This article delves into the collaborative work of the interspecies dance collective, Mapped to the Closest Address (MaCA), focusing on our living archival practice and exploration of choreography with other-than-human persons. Through encounters with various species and environments, MaCA seeks to shift anthropocentric perspectives, interrogate their orientation towards modernity and coloniality, and question their understanding/administration/entanglement/devotion of, with, and to nature. The collective’s journey, from a digital residency during the COVID-19 pandemic to site research, installations, and performance at the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale 2022, is documented and analyzed. The collective’s collaborative process involves relinquishing control to allow for the emergence of disobedient movements and the exploration of choreography from the perspective of other-than-human persons. This includes encounters with kudzu vines and mountains, weaving their movements and patterns into performances and installations. The article discusses the immersive performance “Turn Off the House Lights,” in which MaCA integrates stories from local communities with gestures inspired by the landscape. Through our living archival practice, MaCA aims to transmit a collective memory of interactions among organisms and environments and highlight the interconnectedness of humans and the other creatures of the Earth. The article reflects on the significance of choreography beyond human-centric notions, emphasizing the emergent forms of ecological performance and the dissolution of boundaries between human and non-human realms. Drawing on interdisciplinary perspectives including dance, visual art, and theatre, MaCA’s work exemplifies a cross-disciplinary approach to expressing the choreography of other-than-human persons. This approach not only presents audiences with immersive experiences but also responds to the future ecosystem through artistic exploration. Ultimately, MaCA’s living archival practices contribute to awareness of the collective lives of other-than-human persons and offer insights into navigating our enmeshment with the natural world.

Optimizing starch content prediction in kudzu: Integrating hyperspectral imaging and deep learning with WGAN-GP

Rapid and non-destructive prediction of starch content in kudzu is essential for the food industry. In this work, we present an approach combining hyperspectral imaging (HSI) and deep learning (DL) techniques for predicting kudzu root starch content. Practical constraints such as equipment and experimental conditions limit the quantity of spectral data and labels obtained, which leads to diminish model performance. To address this restriction, we employ Wasserstein generative adversarial networks with gradient penalty (WGAN-GP) to augment spectral and starch content data simultaneously. Through numerous iterations, synthetic data that closely resemble real data is generated, which is validated through comprehensive evaluations using various qualitative and quantitative analysis. Additionally, we establish and compare partial least squares regression (PLSR), support vector regression (SVR) and one-dimensional convolutional neural network (1DCNN) model before and after data augmentation. Experimental results demonstrate that the introduction of synthetic data could improve model performance significantly. Particularly, 1DCNN model exhibits the best performance, achieving correlation coefficients (R2) of 92.97% and 93.43% for starch content in the two types of kudzu roots. Overall, this study not only provides an effective method for rapidly, non-destructively, and accurately determining starch content in kudzu roots, but also addresses the challenge of requiring a large amount of data.

Daidzin improves neurobehavioral outcome in rat model of traumatic brain injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is associated with the etiology of multiple neurological disorders, including neurodegeneration, leading to various cognitive deficits. Daidzin (obtained from kudzu root and soybean leaves) is known for its neuroprotective effects through multiple mechanisms. This study aimed to investigate the pharmacological effects of Daidzin on sensory, and biochemical parameters, cognitive functions, anxiety, and depressive-like behaviors in the TBI rat model. Rats were divided into four groups (Control, TBI, TBI + Ibuprofen (30 mg/kg), and TBI + Daidzin (5 mg/kg)). Rats were subjected to TBI by dropping a 200 g rod from a height of 26 cm, resulting in an impact force of 0.51 J on the exposed crania. Ibuprofen (30 mg/kg) was used as a positive control reference/standard drug and Daidzin (5 mg/kg) as the test drug. Neurological severity score (NSS) assessment was done to determine the intactness of sensory and motor responses. Brain tissue edema and acetylcholine levels were determined in the cortex and hippocampus. Cognitive functions such as hippocampus-dependent memory, novel object recognition, exploration, depressive and anxiety-like behaviors were measured. Treatment with Daidzin improved NSS, reduced hippocampal and cortical edema, and improved levels of acetylcholine in TBI-induced rats. Furthermore, Daidzin treatment improved hippocampus-dependent memory, exploration behavior, and novel object recognition while reducing depressive and anxiety-like behavior. Our study revealed that Daidzin has a therapeutic potential comparable to Ibuprofen and can offer neuroprotection and enhanced cognitive and behavioral outcomes in rats after TBI.

Puerariae lobatae Radix: Progress in Extraction, Separation Methods and Pharmacological Activities Research

Kudzu root (Puerariae lobatae Radix) is the tuberous root of Pueraria lobata, family Leguminosae. Kudzu root contains a variety of beneficial active ingredients such as puerarin, daidzin, daidzein, genistenin, 3′-hydroxy puerarin, β-sitosterol, stigmasterol, arachidic acid, and so on. Modern medical research shows that active ingredients in kudzu root are widely used clinically as raw materials for the treatment of hyperglycemia, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, myocardial infarction, alcohol addiction, oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and retinal blockage due to their various pharmacological effects such as improving cardiovascular circulation, lowering blood lipids, lowering blood pressure, lowering blood sugar, being antipyretic, being estrogen-like, and relieving alcohol. China has rich resources of kudzu root, and active ingredients are usually extracted before it is made into a preparation, so whether the extraction and separation process is reasonable will directly affect the ease of preparation and the efficacy of the treatment. This paper reviews the process methods for the extraction and separation of active ingredients in kudzu root and its common pharmacological activities. The aim is to provide some references for readers to compare the advantages and disadvantages of various extraction and separation methods as well as understand the active ingredients and pharmacological activities of kudzu root.

Investigating the Potential Therapeutic Mechanisms of Puerarin in Neurological Diseases.

Plants and their derived phytochemicals have a long history of treating a wide range of illnesses for several decades. They are believed to be the origin of a diverse array of medicinal compounds. One of the compounds found in kudzu root is puerarin, a isoflavone glycoside commonly used as an alternative medicine to treat various diseases. From a biological perspective, puerarin can be described as a white needle crystal with the chemical name of 7-hydroxy-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-benzopyran-4-one-8-D-glucopyranoside. Besides, puerarin is sparingly soluble in water and produces no color or light yellow solution. Multiple experimental and clinical studies have confirmed the significant therapeutic effects of puerarin. These effects span a wide range of pharmacological effects, including neuroprotection, hepatoprotection, cardioprotection, immunomodulation, anticancer properties, anti-diabetic properties, anti-osteoporosis properties, and more. Puerarin achieves these effects by interacting with various cellular and molecular pathways, such as MAPK, AMPK, NF-κB, mTOR, β-catenin, and PKB/Akt, as well as different receptors, enzymes, and growth factors. The current review highlights the molecular mechanism of puerarin as a neuroprotective agent in the treatment of various neurodegenerative and neurological diseases. Extensive cellular, animal, and clinical research has provided valuable insights into its effectiveness in conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, cerebral stroke, depression, and more.

Puerarin-A Promising Flavonoid: Biosynthesis, Extraction Methods, Analytical Techniques, and Biological Effects.

Flavonoids, a variety of plant secondary metabolites, are known for their diverse biological activities. Isoflavones are a subgroup of flavonoids that have gained attention for their potential health benefits. Puerarin is one of the bioactive isoflavones found in the Kudzu root and Pueraria genus, which is widely used in alternative Chinese medicine, and has been found to be effective in treating chronic conditions like cardiovascular diseases, liver diseases, gastric diseases, respiratory diseases, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, and cancer. Puerarin has been extensively researched and used in both scientific and clinical studies over the past few years. The purpose of this review is to provide an up-to-date exploration of puerarin biosynthesis, the most common extraction methods, analytical techniques, and biological effects, which have the potential to provide a new perspective for medical and pharmaceutical research and development.

Extraction and characterisation of kudzu root residue lignin based on deep eutectic solvents.

Lignin has great potential as the most abundant renewable phenolic polymer. Studies have shown that lignin structure varies depending on different sources and different extraction methods. However, there are few studies on lignin in kudzu root residue. The aim of the study was to explore optimal extraction conditions of Pueraria lobata residue lignin (PLL) with deep eutectic solvents (DESs) and characterise the structure and morphology of PLL. Firstly, the chemical composition of kudzu root residue was determined by the Van-soest method. Then, betaine was used as hydrogen bond acceptor (HBA), nine kinds of common acids and alcohol were selected as hydrogen bond donor (HBD) to synthesise a DES to extract lignin from kudzu root residue. The influence of conditions on the extraction of PLL was explored by a betaine-based DES according to a single-factor experiment, and then the best process of PLL extraction was determined by an orthogonal experiment. Finally, the morphology and structure of PLL were analysed by scanning electron microscope (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), gel permeation chromatography (GPC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and NMR. Cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, and ash content in kudzu root residue were 41.13%, 16.39%, 25.03%, and 0.41%, respectively. When the DES consisted of betaine and formic acid, the solid-liquid ratio was 1:45, the extraction time was 5.5 h at 160°C, the extraction yield of lignin was 89.29%, and the purity was 83.01%. PLL was composed of interconnected spherical particles with good thermal stability and narrow polydispersity index (PDI) distribution. FTIR and 2D-heteronuclear singular quantum correlation (HSQC) NMR illustrated that PLL was a typical G-type and S-type lignin. This study would fill the gap of research on lignin in kudzu root residue and provide a theoretical reference for the utilisation of lignin in kudzu roots as well as a new thinking for the recycling of kudzu root resources.

Preparation of Kudzu vine oral formulation and its application against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity via alteration of gut microbiota

In this experimental protocol, we scrutinized the preventive effect of Kudzu vine extract on DOX-induced cardiac toxicity via alteration of gut microbiota. Sprague-Dawley (SD) was used in this protocol and the rats were divided into different groups and received the DOX (3 mg/kg) for induction the cardiac remodeling and Kudzu vine extract (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg) administration was used for the estimation of cardioprotective potential for 5 weeks. Afterward, biochemical parameter, electrolyte, antioxidant, cytokines and inflammatory parameters were estimated. Kudzu vine remarkably improved the body weight and declined the heart weight. Kudzu vine extract significantly (P <0.001) suppressed the level of CK-MB, LDH, CK, cTnT and BNP. Kudzu vine significantly (P <0.001) improved the level of Na+, Ca2+, K+ and Cl− and decreased the level of urea, magnesium, total protein, albumin and globulin. Kudzu vine remarkably altered the lipid and antioxidant parameters. Additionally, Kudzu vine extract suppressed the level of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and improved the level of TGF-β, IL-10. DOX-induced cardiac dysfunction exhibited the altered relative abundance of different bacteria and Kudzu vine remarkably restore the relative abundance of different bacteria. Therefore, Kudzu vine extract has beneficial effects against DOX-induced cardiac toxicity via alteration of gut microbiota.

Dietary Puerarin Translocates to Femur and Suppresses Osteoclast Differentiation in Ovariectomized Mice.

Osteoporosis is characterized by bone loss and deterioration in bone microstructure, leading to bone fragility. It is strongly correlated with menopause in women. Previously, we reported that diets supplemented with a kudzu (Pueraria lobata) vine extract suppressed bone resorption in ovariectomized (OVX) mice, a postmenopausal model. The main isoflavone in kudzu is puerarin (daidzein-8-C-glycoside). Puerarin (daidzein-8-C-glycoside), which is main isoflavone of kudzu, probably contributes to the beneficial effect. However, the underlying mechanism is unclear. Therefore, the nutrikinetics of puerarin and the comparison with the suppressive effects of kudzu isoflavones on osteoclast differentiation was examined in this study. We demonstrated that orally administered puerarin was absorbed from the gut and entered the circulation in an intact form. In addition, puerarin accumulated in RAW264.7 pre-osteoclast cells in a time-dependent manner. Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase activity was decreased by puerarin treatment in a concentration-dependent manner in RAW264.7 cells stimulated with the receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand. Ovariectomy-induced elevated bone resorption was suppressed, and the fragile bone strength was improved by puerarin ingestion in the diet. These findings suggested that orally administered puerarin was localized in bone tissue and suppressed bone resorption and osteoclastogenesis in ovariectomized mice.

Kudzu vine (Pueraria montana var. lobata, Fabaceae): Invasive alien species of Union concern (EU Regulation 1143/2014) in Croatia

AbstractKudzu vine (Pueraria montana var. lobata; Fabaceae) was included on the list of invasive alien species of (European) Union concern in 2016, according to EU Regulation 1143/2014 on the prevention and management of the introduction and spread of invasive alien species. In the Flora Croatica Database this species is recorded under its synonym Pueraria thunbergiana Benth. for Split (Central Dalmatia), so its presence in Croatia was overlooked until it was discovered in Malinska on the island of Krk in August 2018. Recent field observations confirm that, in addition to Malinska, it is also present in Šestanovac (Central Dalmatia), the Trsteno Arboretum and in Dubrovnik (South Dalmatia). Localities in Gradac and Seget (Central Dalmatia) were also recently discovered. Literature and herbaria data as well as internet resources indicate that kudzu vine has been historically grown as an ornamental species in Croatia. Considering its invasiveness as reported in several countries and its ornamental uses, other unknown localities of cultivated or naturalized kudzu vine could exist along the Croatian coast.

Waste to Energy: Steam explosion-based torrefaction process to produce solid biofuel for power generation utilizing various waste biomasses

Currently, humankind is facing a serious environmental and climate crisis, which has accelerated the research on producing bioenergy from waste biomass as a carbon–neutral feedstock. In this study, the aim was to develop an upcycling strategy for waste biomass to solid-type biofuel conversion for power generation. Various types of waste biomass (i.e., waste wood after lumbering, sawdust-type mushroom waste wood, kudzu vine, and empty fruit bunches from palm) were used as sustainable feedstocks for steam explosion-based torrefaction. The reaction conditions were optimized for each waste biomass by controlling the severity index (Ro); the higher heating value increased proportional to the Ro increase. Additionally, component analysis revealed that steam explosion torrefaction mainly degraded hemicellulose, and most of the torrefied waste biomass met the Bio-Solid Refuse Fuel quality standard. The results provide not only a viable waste-to-energy strategy but also insights to address global climate change.

Identification of growth years of Kudzu root by hyperspectral imaging combined with spectral–spatial feature tokenization transformer

As a traditional Chinese medicinal plant, Kudzu root contains a variety of beneficial substances for human health. The growth year of Kudzu root has an important influence both in terms of its economic value and its suitability for applications in medicine and food. Hence, accurately and quickly identifying of Kudzu root growth years holds profound significance for producers, consumers, and regulatory bodies alike. In this study, hyperspectral imaging with a spectral range of 948.72−2512.97nm was used to acquire spectral images of Kudzu samples from three different growth years. To harness the wealth of spectral and spatial information, a powerful spectral–spatial feature tokenization transformer (dubbed SSFTT) was applied. By integrating spectral and spatial information using attention mechanisms, SSFTT could learn joint representations of features. In comparison to classical machine learning methods using only spectral information and representative deep learning methods, the SSFTT model demonstrated outstanding performance, achieving a mean accuracy surpassing 97%. Our study highlights that integration of hyperspectral imaging and deep learning provides an effective and feasible solution for accurately classifying Kudzu root samples from different growth years, holding promising prospects for real-world applications.

Ultrafine comminution-assisted ultrasonic-microwave synergistic extraction of Pueraria mirifica (Kudzu flower and root) flavonoids

Extracts of the Pueraria mirifica (Kudzu) plant have several significant human health-promoting benefits. This study utilized orthogonal tests to evaluate the effects of differential ultrasonic power, microwave, and time on the rate of flavonoid extraction from Kudzu samples. Ultrafine processing resulted in finer powder microstructures (SEM) with high solubility. The smallest D50 measurements of ultrafine Kudzu flower and root particles were 11.7 ± 0.004b and 14.3 ± 0.013c μm, respectively. Increasing ultrasonic power from 200 to 600 W yielded increased flavonoids. Increased microwave power from 200 to 800 W also yielded increased flavonoid extract. We found that the best combination factor was A3B2C3 (A-ultrasonic power, B- time, and C- microwave power), showing that flavonoid extraction rate was primarily influenced by microwave power, followed by ultrasonic time and ultrasonic power. Conclusively, ultrafine pulverization increased the flavonoid extraction rate from Kudzu powder particles. Also, scanning electron microscopy results showed that the finer particles had increased solubility.

Effects of Kudzu Root on Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Rats

Background: Oxidative stress and inflammation are strictly connected, and both perform an important role in the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus (DM). Objectives: This research aimed to investigate the potential protective effect of kudzu root against oxidative stress and inflammation in a streptozotocin (STZ)-induced DM animal model. Methods: DM was induced in male Wistar rats by intraperitoneal injection of STZ (50 mg/kg body weight). The kudzu root (100 mg/kg BW) was administered orally after 1 week of STZ administration in diabetic animals (for 6 weeks). Results: The diabetic animals exhibited a significant increase in fasting blood glucose, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and malondialdehyde levels. However, they exhibited a significant decrease in plasma insulin level, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase activity. Administration of kudzu root to diabetic animals reversed these effects. Conclusion: The current study indicated that kudzu root has potent antidiabetic properties, likely through its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties in the STZ-diabetic rat model.

Advances in Extraction, Purification, and Analysis Techniques of the Main Components of Kudzu Root: A Comprehensive Review.

Kudzu root (Pueraria lobate (Willd.) Ohwi, KR) is an edible plant with rich nutritional and medicinal values. Over the past few decades, an ample variety of biological effects of Pueraria isoflavone have been evaluated. Evidence has shown that Pueraria isoflavone can play an active role in antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, neuroprotection, and cardiovascular protection. Over 50 isoflavones in kudzu root have been identified, including puerarin, daidzein, daidzin, 3'-hydroxy puerarin, and genistein, each with unambiguous structures. However, the application of these isoflavones in the development of functional food and health food still depends on the extraction, purification and identification technology of Pueraria isoflavone. In recent years, many green and novel extraction, purification, and identification techniques have been developed for the preparation of Pueraria isoflavone. This review provides an updated overview of these techniques, specifically for isoflavones in KR since 2018, and also discusses and compares the advantages and disadvantages of these techniques in depth. The intention is to provide a research basis for the green and efficient extraction, purification, and identification of Pueraria isoflavone and offers investigators a valuable reference for future studies on the KR.

Research on the Material Basis and Mechanism of Kudzu Root in Preventing and Treating Cerebral Ischemia based on Network Pharmacology.

It has been shown that Kudzu root has significant pharmacological effects such as improving microcirculation, dilating coronary arteries, and increasing cerebral and coronary blood flow, but its material basis and mechanism of action are not clear. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism of action of Kudzu root in the prevention and treatment of cerebral ischemia (CI) through network pharmacology combined with animal experiments. The components of kudzu root were screened by using the Chemistry Database, Chinese Academy of Science. Linpinski's five rules were used to perform pharmacophore-like analysis to obtain the active ingredients of Kudzu root. The Swiss Target Prediction Service database was used to predict the potential protein targets of kudzu root components associated with CI. An active ingredient-target network was constructed by using Cytoscape 3.6.0. A rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) was established, then the main targets and signaling pathways predicted were verified by observing the area of cerebral infarction and Western blot experiments. In total, 84 major active compounds and 34 targets included gerberoside, belonging to the isoflavone class, gallic acid, amino acid class, 4-Methylphenol, phenolic class, and quercetin, and flavonoid class (Flavonoids). The targets covered were proteins related to excitatory amino acids and calcium overload, including Excitatory amino acid transporter 2 (SLC1A2), Glutamate receptor ionotropic, kainate 1 (GRIK1), Glutamate receptor ionotropic, NMDA 1 (GRIN1), Glutamate receptor 2(GRIA2), Calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), Neuronal nitric oxide synthase(nNOS). Glutamatergic energy is prominent, and calcium transport across the membrane is central to the network and occupies an important position. Kudzu root can significantly reduce neurological damage in rats with CI, and also significantly reduce the rate of cerebral infarction. It is worth noting that Kudzu root can prevent and treat CI by reducing excitatory amino acid toxicity and improving calcium overload.

Identifying indigenous bast microfibers for archaeological research in East Asia

East Asia, particularly China, has a long history of fiber production. Before cotton was introduced in historic times, bast fibers from various indigenous plants dominated fiber technologies. Previous studies on early fiber technology primarily relied on indirect evidence because actual fiber and textile remains are extremely rare in archaeological contexts. Such materials tend to decay quickly in normal environmental conditions, a situation that negatively impacts on our knowledge of the origin and diversity of fiber technology in the past. However, archaeologists have often observed microfiber remains when conducting microfossil analysis (such as starch and phytoliths) on artifact residues and soils, indicating a great potential for the study of ancient fibers from archaeological contexts. In this study, we first analyze morphological features of five modern bast fibers indigenous to East Asia, including hemp, ramie, kudzu vine, velvet leaf, and paper mulberry, to create a reference database; then we discuss the applicability of these features to identification of archaeological microfiber remains.

Cover Caption

AbstractMarch Online Cover: Botanical characteristics of different varieties of kudzu roots and leaves and scanning electron microscope images of three kudzu starches, from “Study on structural characteristics and physicochemical properties of starches extracted from three varieties of kudzu root (Pueraria lobata starch)” by Xuantong Duan, Yongmei Guan, Huanhuan Dong, Mei Yang, Lihua Chen, Hua Zhang, Abid Naeem, and Weifeng Zhu 1048.