Abstract: Objective To study the clinical applicability and hotspots of research of puerarin and to identify the potential risks to safety. Methods Based on exhaustive analysis of data on the anti-cancer properties of puerarin and using CiteSpace software, visual analysis was conducted by searching databases for the data on the prevention of tumors and cancer by puerarin that was published between January 1, 1990 and October 31, 2022. At the same time, the GSE85871 gene chip in GEO database was detected and studied using biotechnology while the GO function annotation and KEGG pathway of differentially expressed genes in human breast cancer cell MCF7 were explored. Results Visual analysis suggested that the role of puerarin in treating liver cancer, lung cancer, cervical cancer, bladder cancer, ovarian cancer, breast cancer and other diseases had been extensively studied. However, the results of bioinformatics research also showed that when puerarin was used in adjuvant treatment of breast cancer, puerarin tended to act on the cGMP signaling pathway and the nerve ligand receptor interaction signaling pathway, thus affecting oxytocin secretion and osteoclast differentiation. There might be potential safety risks to the cardiovascular system, nervous system and bone metabolism. Conclusion Despite the utility of puerarin in the adjuvant treatment of cancers, the related adverse reactions have to be taken into consideration, and rational use of traditional Chinese medicines containing puerarin should be recommended to ensure safe and effective use.

Key words: puerarin, tamor therapy, liver cancer, lang cancer, breast cancer, CiteSpace, bioinformatic analysis, gene