Chemical Profiling and Bioactivity Reveal the Pharmaceutical Properties of Two Species of Radix Puerariae

Pueraria thomsonii Benth. (P. thomsonii) and Pueraria lobata (willd.) Ohwi. (P. lobata) are two members of the genus Pueraria, which have been widely used as medical herb and nutrition supplement in Asia. However, these two herbs share the same descriptions in pharmacological activities in Chinese Pharmacopeia, and are used interchangeably in applications. Differentiating the pharmaceutical applications and nutritional properties of two species of pueraria. Comparatively analysing the differences in the chemical composition and bioactivity of the two types of pueraria, then illustrating their applications. Metabolomics-based methods were established to identify the chemical constituents using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS). The contents of total flavonoids and four kinds of saccharides were evaluated separately by spectrophotometry methods. Their biological activities on hypoxia-reoxygenation (H/R) H9c2 cells were further assessed with cell viability by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay. Bio-active compounds including puerarin, daidzin, genistin etc. were significantly enriched in P. lobata, which was accountable for its protective effect on cardiocytes. P. thomsonii contained more saccharides and was not cardioprotective in H/R injury. The study indicates different contents of chemical constituents and biological activities between these two species of pueraria. Therefore, P. lobata is suitable for medicinal products, while P. thomsonii presents more value for use in nutritional food.