The synthesis of puerarin derivatives and their protective effect on the myocardial ischemia and reperfusion injury.

Puerarin is a naturally occurring isoflavone and is frequently used for the treatment of cardiovascular symptoms in China. By the structural modification of the puerarin molecule at different positions, seven new puerarin derivatives were obtained, and their cardioprotective activities (in vitro and in vivo) were respectively evaluated. The finding that the activities of 3 and 8 markedly exceeded puerarin suggested that the acylated modification of phenolic hydroxyl at C-7 in the puerarin molecule may improve the cardioprotective activity, which will be an important reference for further structural optimization.