Overview
Puerarin C is a specialized isoflavone glycoside isolated from Pueraria lobata (kudzu root), a plant traditionally used in East Asian medicine. As a secondary metabolite, it belongs to the puerarin family of compounds, which are structurally characterized by a C-glycosidic linkage enhancing their stability compared to O-glycosides. Its molecular structure includes a daidzein core with a glucose moiety, contributing to its moderate solubility profile. In industrial contexts, Puerarin C is primarily valued as a high-purity reference standard for analytical laboratories and as a potential bioactive ingredient for nutraceutical formulations. Current research focuses on its pharmacokinetics and therapeutic mechanisms, though commercial applications remain limited to niche markets.
Physical and Chemical Properties
Puerarin C presents as a fine crystalline powder with a characteristic off-white appearance under standard conditions. Its melting point range (200-220°C) indicates moderate thermal stability, though decomposition may occur near the upper limit. The compound demonstrates preferential solubility in polar organic solvents like methanol (≥10 mg/mL), while aqueous solubility is limited (<1 mg/mL at 25°C), a property that influences formulation strategies. Spectroscopic characterization typically shows UV maxima at 250 nm and 310 nm, with IR spectra revealing hydroxyl (3400 cm⁻¹) and carbonyl (1650 cm⁻¹) stretches. The compound exhibits stability in pH 3-7 solutions but may degrade under strong alkaline conditions or prolonged UV exposure, necessitating amber glass storage for long-term preservation.
Main Applications
In pharmaceutical development, Puerarin C serves as a critical chromatographic reference standard for quality control of kudzu-derived products. Laboratories employ it as a marker compound in HPLC-UV or LC-MS methods to quantify puerarin content in crude extracts, with typical detection at 250 nm. Its standardized purity (>95%) ensures reliable calibration curves for analytical workflows. The nutraceutical industry explores Puerarin C for potential inclusion in cardiovascular health supplements, capitalizing on preliminary evidence of endothelial function modulation. However, clinical efficacy remains under investigation. Some cosmetic manufacturers evaluate its antioxidant properties for anti-aging formulations, though stability challenges in aqueous systems currently limit widespread adoption.
Safety and Storage
Current toxicological data classify Puerarin C as low-risk for laboratory handling, with no significant acute toxicity reported at standard research doses (LD50 >2000 mg/kg in rodent studies). However, powder handling requires appropriate PPE including nitrile gloves and dust masks to prevent mucous membrane irritation. Spills should be contained with absorbent materials and disposed as organic waste. For long-term stability, manufacturers recommend storage in sealed containers under inert gas (argon or nitrogen) with desiccant packs. Accelerated stability testing indicates <5% degradation over 24 months when stored at 4°C in darkness. Aliquotting into smaller quantities minimizes freeze-thaw cycles that could impact crystalline structure.
B2B Procurement Guide
Bulk purchasers should prioritize suppliers with ISO 17025 accredited analytical capabilities, ensuring batch-specific certificates of analysis include: 1) HPLC purity (≥98% for research applications), 2) residual solvent profiles meeting ICH Q3C guidelines, and 3) microbial limits compliant with USP <61>. Reputable manufacturers typically provide NMR and HRMS characterization data for identity confirmation. Pricing tiers vary significantly by quantity, with research-scale quantities (1-10g) averaging $100-150/g, while kilogram orders may drop to $30-50/g. Lead times for custom purification can extend to 8-12 weeks. Importers should verify CITES compliance for international shipments, as some Pueraria species face trade restrictions.