Observation on efficacy of puerarin in treating diabetic retinopathy

Abstract Objective

Using the principle of promoting blood circulation to remove stasis to observe central retinal arterial and venous blood flow indexes, and hemorrheology of diabetic retinopathy patients with puerarin.

Methods

Thirty patients with diabetic retinopathy were randomly divided into the treated group (n= 15) and the control group (n= 15). The treated group was given puerarin 400 mg per day intravenously dripping. The control group was given Mikebao 500 μg intramuscularly, once per day. Both groups were treated for 3 consecutive weeks as one treatment course. Two courses later, hemorrheologic parameters, central retinal arterial and venous blood flow indexes were observed.

Results

Comparison before and after treatment showed red blood cell aggregation index, the whole blood viscosity rate, plasma viscosity rate, fibrinogen and erythrocyte sedimentation rate, have all improved obviously (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the control group, there was significant difference (P<0.05, P<0.01). With the treated group before and after treatment, the peak systolic velocity (PSV) of central retinal artery, their end diastolic volume, the acceleration, the central retinal venous reflux velocity have improved respectively. Naked eye visions were also improved, compared with the control group, the difference was significant (P<0.01).

Conclusion

Puerarin could reduce blood viscosity, improve microcirculation, and play a positive therapeutic role in diabetic retinopathy.