Have you heard about Pueraria Mirifica? I have been reading about the Pueraria Mirifica herb

for the last couple of years. Recently I came across yet another article on Pueraria Mirifica.

There is some great and unbiased research that has been published on this very promising herb.

It is also known as Thai Kudzu or Kwao Krua and grows in parts of Thailand and Burma and has

been used for centuries.

 

So why has Pueraria Mirifica been gaining so much attention? According to research this herb

contains phytoestrogens that can exert protective hormonal effects similar to estriol. Estriol is

known as a very protective estrogen. There is a lack of evidence that estriol would be cancer

promoting, but instead is cancer prohibiting. These same protective benefits are not reported

with estrone or estradiol, two of the more abundant and potent forms of estrogen in the body.

Pueraria Mirifica attaches to estrogen receptors, making more harmful effects of estrogens

ineffective.

 

In fact, according to an article published in 2007 by the Health Sciences Institute stated,

“Pueraria Mirifica doesn’t simply mimic estrogen in the body the way that other therapies do,

whether bio-identical or not. Instead, the herb (much like the human byproduct it resembles)

acts on estrogen receptors. In more clear terms, it acts as a balancing agent: When levels of

estrogen are too high, Pueraria Mirifica will tie up receptors to weaken the hormone’s effects –

when levels are low, the herb exerts the necessary estrogenic activity without actually increasing

the amount of estrogen in your body. As a result, your hormones are modulated and signs of

aging linked to your body’s numerous estrogen-receptors (whether it’s menopausal symptoms,

wrinkles, balding, or graying hair) are halted or reversed. And without any risk of toxicity,

either”.

 

So in other words, it is reported that this herb could safely relieve the unpleasant symptoms

associated with menopause. It is also being looked at as a substitute to tamoxifen with its

selective estrogen reuptake modulating properties? Tamoxifen is often prescribed to women who

have had breast cancer to decrease their risks of breast cancer recurrence. However tamoxifen

has many potential side effects, whereas, Pueraria Mirifica had no know side effects. This is

according to a study published in the September, 2007 issue of “The Journal of the Medical

Association of Thailand”. Yet if you search the internet you will find articles warning of

potential side effects including increased menstrual bleeding, breast tenderness, insomnia,

diarrhea, gas, and chest pain.

 

There is a lot of excitement in the natural and functional medicine community because it sounds

like Pueraria Mifrifica can help regulate hormones safely. It is being looked at for other health

benefits as well. These include being cancer protective, slowing the aging process, and bone loss

(http://royalsiambeauty.com/articles/natural-products-articles/pueraria-mirifica-scientific-review/).

I would like to see more research, but this definitely looks promising. Let’s not forget the

importance of healthy lifestyle to hormonal balance as well. Before using this or any herbal

remedy it is important to consult with your health care provider. Dosages likely will need

to be individualized. These can range from 50-100mg daily. If you are woman who is still

menstruating, it is not recommended that you take this herb on certain days of your cycle. One

recommendation states that if you are menstruating, to take this herb only on days 8 to 21 of your

cycle.

 

Remember to always check out the quality and purity of the product you are purchasing. There

are useless and potentially harmful imitations of this herb out there. You want to look for

certified pure Pueraria Mirifica out of Thailand by Smith Naturals. This is supplied to Solgar

and Puresterol® (recommended by Dr. Garry Gordon). So buyer beware, know your source.

 

To learn more about Pueraria Mirifica, read these articles, http://beta.asoundstrategy.com/

sitemaster/userUploads/site502/PURESTEROLComplete%20Book%20Final.pdf and http://

www.puresterol.com/puresterol.html.

 

 

References

• http://www.drgregemerson.com/news/best-herb-for-protecting-against-bad-estrogens

• “The Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand”; Efficacy Comparison of Pueraria

Mirifica (Pm) Against Conjugated Equine Estrogen (Cee) With/Without Medroxyprogesterone

Acetate (Mpa) in the Treatment of Climacteric Symptoms in Perimenopausal Women: Phase Iii

Study; Chandeying; September 2007

• http://royalsiambeauty.com/articles/natural-products-articles/pueraria-mirifica-scientific-
review/