Pueraria Lobata and Puerarin in Lung Cancer: Molecular Mechanisms, Anticancer Cancer Potential and Translational Challenges

Pueraria lobata and its principal isoflavonoid, puerarin, have attracted considerable scientific interest because of their widespread pharmacological activities and anticancer properties. Recent studies have shown that puerarin may modulate various biological processes important for lung cancer, such as apoptosis, cell-cycle progression, oxidative stress, inflammatory signalling, PI3K/Akt and MAPK pathways, migration and invasion [14–16,20]. The experimental models that are most directly relevant to lung cancer are those of NSCLC. Puerarin has been reported to inhibit the viability and progression of NSCLC cells, induce apoptosi and inhibit the migration and invasion of cells. One pathway that has been demonstrated to play a role is the miR-342/CCND1 pathway and other studies and reviews have indicated that other signalling pathways, such as PI3K/Akt, MAPK/ERK, NF-κB and others may be involved [14,16]. However, these findings should be interpreted cautiously given the predominantly preclinical nature of the evidence. No clinical trials have been carried out with P. lobata or puerarin; the existing literature shows that its efficacy as a treatment for lung cancer has not been established. Evidence is largely preclinical and there are many uncertainties with translation of dosage, bioavailability, standardization, pharmacokinetics and the impact of herb–drug interactions and prolonged use. Thus, at this moment, P. lobata may be considered a candidate for further anticancer drug development, rather than a potential drug product. Lastly, the potential of standardized formulations of puerarin or puerarin combination therapy with chemotherapy could be potential areas for further investigation. This must be done along with the most thorough pharmacological research and reproducible preparations, biomarker research, and appropriately designed clinical trials.

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