# Analysis of the Aerial Parts of Millettia speciosa Champ. and Mechanistic Study of Its Active Ingredient Formononetin in Improving Metabolic Syndrome

## TL;DR

This study shows that the aerial parts of Millettia speciosa, often discarded, contain valuable compounds like formononetin that can help treat metabolic disorders.

## Contribution

The study identifies formononetin as a key compound in Millettia speciosa and explores its mechanism in improving metabolic syndrome.

## Key findings

- 41 chemical compounds were identified in the aerial parts of Millettia speciosa.
- Formononetin reduces neuronal damage and inflammation in the hypothalamus of metabolic syndrome mice.
- Formononetin may improve glycolipid metabolism by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway.

## Abstract

Millettia speciosa Champ. is a traditional medicinal and edible plant. Its aerial parts are often discarded, leading to resource waste. The aim of this study is to address the effective utilization of the aerial parts of
M. speciosa
and explore the potential mechanisms by which its active components improve metabolic disorders. HPLC‐Q‐TOF‐MS/MS analysis identified a total of 41 chemical compounds in the stems, branches, and leaves of
M. speciosa
. Network pharmacology screening identified formononetin (FMN) as a key compound of
M. speciosa
. FMN could downregulate the expression of Iba‐1 and GFAP in the hypothalamus of metabolic syndrome mice and alleviate neuronal damage in the hypothalamus. It may also improve glycolipid metabolism disorders by inhibiting the central NF‐κB signaling pathway. In this study, we preliminarily demonstrated that the aerial parts of
M. speciosa
have significant medicinal value, providing theoretical guidance for the effective utilization of
M. speciosa
resources.

Millettia speciosa Champ. is a traditional medicinal and edible plant. Its aerial parts are often discarded, leading to resource waste. HPLC‐Q‐TOF‐MS/MS analysis identified a total of 41 chemical compounds in the stems, branches, and leaves of
M. speciosa
. Network pharmacology screening identified Formononetin (FMN) as a key compound of
M. speciosa
. FMN could downregulate the expression of Iba‐1 and GFAP in the hypothalamus of metabolic syndrome mice and alleviate neuronal damage in the hypothalamus. It may also improve glycolipid metabolism disorders by inhibiting the central NF‐κB signaling pathway. In this study, we preliminarily demonstrated that the aerial parts of
M. speciosa
have significant medicinal value, providing theoretical guidance for the effective utilization of
M. speciosa
resources.