Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences Journal of Herbmed Pharmacology 2345-5004 9 2 2020 03 23 Puerarin as potential treatment in diabetic retinopathy 105 111 10.34172/jhp.2020.14 EN Mohammad Fathalipour https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4568-7024 Amir Mahmoodzadeh https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0523-8152 Omid Safa https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2119-8936 Hossein Mirkhani https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7433-1174 Journal Article 10.34172/jhp.2020.14 2019 07 20 2019 09 13 Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the most prevalent microvascular complications of diabetes, and the most leading cause of visual loss around the world. The lack of effective and approved treatment in DR is a major challenge for diabetic patients. Nowadays, natural compounds have got attention of the researchers for management of DR. Many evidences suggest that puerarin as a natural polyphenol exerts advantageous effects against DR. In the present review, we summarized the protective effects of puerarin against DR, and discussed the underlying mechanisms of these effects. Puerarin attenuates retinal neovascularization and neurodegeneration in diabetes mellitus, and the underlying mechanisms are related to antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic properties of the compound. In conclusion, puerarin might be a potential adjuvant agent for the prevention and treatment of DR. However, comprehensive studies are necessary to show its effectiveness and safety, particularly in human.