WHAT IS PUERARIA MIRIFICA?
Pueraria mirifica, an herb believed to be native to Burma. Nowadays, it is mostly grown in Thailand, where it is known as Kwao Krua.
The plant’s roots have been used by traditional Thai practitioners for centuries to promote general youth and rejuvenate both men and women.
Pueraria mirifica contains various plant compounds called phytoestrogens that mimic the effects of estrogen in the body.
Because of the plant’s strong, estrogenic effects, it is commonly sold in supplement form to treat menopausal symptoms in women.
Health Benefits of PUERARIA MIRIFICA
To ease menopause symptoms
Pueraria mirifica has mainly been used to help women overcome common symptoms associated with menopause.
Estrogen is a hormone involved in many important functions of the body. Some of the primary roles of hormones in women are to regulate the menstrual cycle and mood, and to develop certain sexual characteristics.
As women age, they produce less estrogen and this often leads to uncomfortable symptoms, especially during and after menopause.
Phytoestrogens, such as those found in Pueraria mirifica, can effectively mimic the effects of estrogen in the body. Some studies have shown that the herb is an effective treatment against common menopause symptoms.
Several studies have shown that treatment with the herb significantly helped reduce symptoms associated with menopause. These include irritability, hot flashes, irregular periods and vaginal dryness.
Despite these positive results, a 2018 review recommended caution. The studies were small, lacked standardization regarding the exact supplements used, and had certain design flaws.
More studies are needed before we can say for sure how effective the herb may be in treating menopausal symptoms. However, it remains a popular choice for women in many Southeast Asian countries.
Antioxidant properties
We’ve known for a long time that antioxidants are crucial to human health. These compounds have a wide range of therapeutic benefits for the human mind and body. They are responsible for preventing or reversing oxidative stress in the human body that can lead to illness, disease and premature aging.
There is some evidence that Pueraria Mirifica has antioxidant capacity. A laboratory study published in 2008 found that a compound found in plants called puerin exhibits antioxidant activity.
Another study found that phytoestrogen compounds present in herbs can help improve the effectiveness of antioxidants found in the body. Animal studies looked at the effects of plant extracts on mice with estrogen deficiency.
The results showed that mice fed Pueraria extract had a significant increase in antioxidant levels compared to mice given an artificial estrogen.
The herb has been traditionally used to rejuvenate the body. These findings suggest that this traditional use may have merit, but further research is needed.
Vaginal dryness
Pueraria mirifica has been traditionally used to treat a range of women’s problems and studies have shown that the herb can be used to improve vaginal health.
According to research, the herb can be applied topically to improve vaginal tissue health and treat vaginal dryness, especially in women with age.
An animal study looked at the effects of a topical gel containing Pueraria mirifica on a group of postmenopausal monkeys. Applying this gel topically had significant benefits including improved vaginal tissue health, skin tone and pH levels.
These findings are supported by a recent study on postmenopausal female subjects. A 12-week long study involving 71 women compared the topical application of a Pueraria cream with an estrogen cream.
Researchers found that creams containing Pueraria Mirifica significantly improved vaginal dryness and irritation. However, the researchers also concluded that standard estrogen application was more effective.
These results are certainly promising and suggest that the herb deserves further research in the future. The herb appears to be well-tolerated and effective when applied topically, but whether it can be used as a natural replacement for conventional treatments is still open to debate.
Improves bone health
As we have already mentioned, estrogen plays several important roles in the human body. One of these roles is its contribution to bone strength and health.
Inadequate levels of estrogen can lead to bone weakness and loss. This makes it a serious concern for women during and after menopause.
Due to its estrogen-mimicking ability, several animal studies have evaluated the effects of Kwa Kraw extract on bone health.
One study looked at the effects of Pueraria extract on estrogen-deficient mice, specifically the herb’s ability to prevent osteoporosis. The results were promising. Researchers found that mice treated with high doses of the herb benefited greatly in terms of bone mineral preservation and bone health.
Another animal study looked at the effects of Pueraria mirifica supplements on bone health and density in postmenopausal monkeys. The results indicated that animals treated with the herb maintained better bone density and health than animals in the control group. These studies suggest that the herb may have a role in the treatment and prevention of bone diseases such as osteoporosis. However, at the time of writing, no studies have been conducted on humans.
As we have already mentioned, estrogen plays several important roles in the human body. One of these roles is its contribution to bone strength and health.
Inadequate levels of estrogen can lead to bone weakness and loss. This makes it a serious concern for women during and after menopause.
Due to its estrogen-mimicking ability, several animal studies have evaluated the effects of Kwa Kraw extract on bone health.
One study looked at the effects of Pueraria extract on estrogen-deficient mice, specifically the herb’s ability to prevent osteoporosis. The results were promising. Researchers found that mice treated with high doses of the herb benefited greatly in terms of bone mineral preservation and bone health.
Another animal study looked at the effects of Pueraria mirifica supplements on bone health and density in postmenopausal monkeys. The results indicated that animals treated with the herb maintained better bone density and health than animals in the control group. These studies suggest that the herb may have a role in the treatment and prevention of bone diseases such as osteoporosis. However, at the time of writing, no studies have been conducted on humans.
Improve Heart Health
What could be more important than a healthy heart? The good news is that many herbs can help, and early studies suggest that Pueraria Mirifica is one of them.
Again, the results are linked to the presence of estrogen-like compounds found in plants. Declining estrogen levels during menopause are associated with poor heart health.
Estrogen plays a role in fat and sugar metabolism. When estrogen levels drop, it can have negative effects on heart health, including increased cholesterol levels and inflammation. It can also lead to unwanted weight gain.
An animal study looked at the effects of quoa crua extract on heart disease in rabbits with estrogen deficiency. The researchers found that the herb significantly improved the function of blood vessels when compared to the control.
As well as improved arterial function, the plant may also benefit the heart due to its effect on cholesterol.
HDL cholesterol (commonly known as the ‘good type’) plays an important role in keeping a person’s arteries clear of plaque. LDL cholesterol (or the ‘bad type’) increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.
A study involving 19 post-menopausal women found that treatment with Pueraria supplements helped increase HDL cholesterol levels by 34% while simultaneously lowering LDL levels by 17%.
These results certainly seem promising for Pueraria Mirifica’s role in heart health. Further studies in the future will help clarify exactly how effective the plant may be in preventing or reducing the risk of heart disease.
Brain health
Estrogen plays an important role in maintaining brain health and a healthy nervous system.
Because the plant contains estrogen-like compounds, Pueraria mirifica may help maintain brain health and protect the nervous system as estrogen levels decline as we age.
Studies have put this theory to the test and the results have been promising.
One study looked at the effects of a compound called mirostrol, which was isolated from the plant, on a group of estrogen-deficient mice. Researchers found that mice given this compound experienced significant brain benefits, including reduced oxidative stress and mental decline.
Although the results of this study are promising, we need more research on the effects of plants on human subjects. However, animal studies suggest that it may have significant benefits for brain and nervous system health.
Anticancer potential
When it comes to the fight against cancer, scientists are increasingly turning their tools to nature. Research has shown that several plants have anti-cancer potential, and Pueraria Mirifica may be one of them.
According to laboratory and animal studies, the plant may help slow the growth and spread of certain cancer cells.
Laboratory studies have shown that phytoestrogen compounds found in plants have anti-proliferative properties and can inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells.
A study on mice showed that a compound called mirostrol isolated from the plant had anti-cancer effects on the animals.
These results are certainly promising but the extent to which the plant will affect humans remains unclear and untested.
HOW TO USE PUERARIA MIRIFICA
Pueraria mirifica is available in supplement form online. It is sold in several supplement forms, including capsule and tablet form, but is also available as an ingredient in topical creams and soaps.
There is insufficient information regarding the proper dosage of herbal supplements. Make sure you buy the product from a reputable supplier and follow the directions on the label carefully
Most studies have shown that a dose of 25 to 100 mg is safe for most people and no adverse reactions have been reported.
Precautions and possible side effects
Pueraria mirifica appears to be safe for most people when taken in doses between 25 and 100 mg. Very few adverse side effects have been reported and the herb has been used in Southeast Asia for a very long time.
Still, you should always talk to your doctor before taking a new herbal supplement. This is especially the case if you suffer from a pre-existing mecal condition or are taking prescription medication.
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take any herbal supplements without a doctor’s prior approval.
We do not have any safety information about the effect of the herb on young children.
Last Thought
Pueraria mirifica is a medicinal plant that has been used by traditional practitioners in Thailand for many years. Although it is used in some other Southeast Asian countries, Thailand is still the largest producer and consumer of the plant.
Also known as Quao Crua, the herb is a rich source of phytoestrogens that make it a popular remedy for various ailments in women. In particular, the herb is used to treat many unwanted symptoms associated with menopause.
Studies have shown that Pueraria mirifica can actually help treat many of these unwanted symptoms, including vaginal dryness, irritation, and hot flashes.
Research has also found that Pueraria mirifica has other potential benefits. These include antioxidant potential, heart and brain health benefits, and protection against cancer.
Although research on the effects of the plant is increasing, more evidence is needed, especially on its effects on human subjects.
Pueraria mirifica appears to be safe when taken in recommended doses, but it is important to talk to your doctor before using this or any other herbal remedy.
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