Studies on the extraction process of total flavonoids in Radix puerariae and their hypoglycemic effect in mice

Radix Puerariae is the dried root of Pueraria lobata (Willd.) Ohwi, which releases a variety of isoflavones. The objective is to investigate the extraction process of total flavonoids in Radix Puerariae and to examine their effects on blood glucose MDA in alloxan-diabetic mice. Solvent extraction and column chromatographic isolation were used to extract the total flavonoids in Radix Puerariae, and colorimetry was used to determine the content of total flavonoids. Mouse model (persistent hyperglycemia) was established by intravenous injection of alloxan to observe the effects of Radix Puerariae total flavonoids in these diabetic mice. MDA level was also determined. Colorimetric determination showed that the content of total flavonoids in Radix Puerariae, the main active constituents in the extraction product, averaged 47.65%. Serum glucose level reduced significantly in animals following the use of Radix Puerariae total flavonoids of highand medium-dose.The extraction process of total flavonoids in Radix Puerariae and quality control methods established in this study are feasible and cost effective. Radix Puerariae total flavonoids have a significant hypoglycemic effect, and can reduce lipid peroxidation.