The pueraria mirifica , also known as Kwao Krua, is a plant that belongs to the Leguminosae family, a subfamily of the Papilioneae . It grows in Myanmar and the northeast of Thailand.
The roots of Pueraria mirifica have been used by Thai culture for medicinal purposes to promote youth and rejuvenation in both men and women. In addition, benefits related to increased energy and health of menopausal women are attributed due to its effects on estrogens.
Today, pueraria mirifica extract is sold as a herbal supplement; primarily used to treat menopausal symptoms, although different research suggests that it may offer other health benefits as well.
Discover these interesting and attractive health benefits of pueraria mirifica for your body.
Benefits of Pueraria Mirifica
1. Reduce symptoms of menopause
As women age, the production of estrogen, a steroid hormone involved in many of your body's functions such as the development of sexual characteristics and the regulation of mood and the menstrual cycle, decreases. This causes menopause to appear, a condition that causes a variety of unpleasant symptoms, including hot flashes and night sweats.
In this regard, phytoestrogens are plant compounds that mimic the behavior of estrogens. Since pueraria mirifica is rich in them, it is often used to relieve symptoms of menopause .
A human study showed significant improvements in several menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, irritability, and irregular or absent periods after treatment with Kwao Krua . (Itharat, Virojchaiwong and Suvithayasiri, 2011). However, a more recent review found that data on the efficacy of the herb for these purposes are inconclusive due to lack of standardization of the herb and deficiencies in study designs (Chaiyakunapruk et al., 2018)
2. Promotes vaginal health
Pueraria mirifica has been shown to increase sexual desire as well as vaginal moisture. This can be an effective topical therapy to promote vaginal tissue health and treat vaginal dryness.
A study in postmenopausal monkeys evaluated the effectiveness of a gel containing 1% Kwao Krua on vaginal tissue. The topical gel significantly improved vaginal tissue health, pH, and skin tone. (Jaroenporn, Malaivijitnond, Urasopon and Watanabe, 2014)
Similarly, another study in postmenopausal women with various uncomfortable vaginal symptoms evaluated the efficacy of a Kwao Krua cream compared to a standard estrogen cream. Kwao Krua cream significantly improved symptoms of vaginal dryness and irritation. However, the study concluded that estrogen cream was more effective. (Cherdshewasart, Manonai, Sophonsritsuk and Suwanvesh, 2001)
Although these results are promising, more research is needed to understand how the plant can be used to support vaginal health and if its benefits are better than other conventional treatments.
3. Promotes bone health
Pueraria mirifica improves bone health and may reduce the risk of osteoporosis, another condition that is very common in postmenopausal women. This condition causes bones to become weak and brittle, making them more prone to breakage.
A study in mice deficient in estrogen evaluated the effect of Pueraria mirifica in preventing osteoporosis. The results revealed better preservation of bone density in certain bones of the mice that received higher doses of the supplement. (Charoenphandhu, Jaroenporn, Malaivijitnond, Suntornsaratoon and Suthon, 2016)
Another study evaluated the effect of oral Kwao Krua supplements on bone density in postmenopausal monkeys. The results indicated that the group that consumed Kwao Krua maintained bone density more effectively compared to the control group. (Charoenphandhu, Khemawoot, Kittivanichkul and Malaivijitnond, 2016)
Researchers claim that this supplement may be effective in preventing osteoporosis , however more research is still needed to verify whether Pueraria Mirifica is effective in humans.
4. Decreases aging
Pueraria mirifica is a great option for people who want to fight natural aging .
Women who have taken this plant regularly in northern Thailand have natural black hair well into the 1980s. Furthermore, they still have youthful skin and are full of vitality.
This supplement contains flavonoids and miroestrol , which have been shown to be effective in combating aging, and when Pueraria Mirifica is taken as a dietary supplement, its phytoestrogenic components relieve symptoms that occur as a result of the aging process and a deficiency in the estrogen levels.
5. Has anticancer effects
Another possible health benefit of Pueraria mirifica is its ability to slow the growth of cancer cells and tumors.
In areas where this plant is consumed, the incidence of breast cancer is very low. Studies have shown that the root of the plant has antiestrogenic properties against cancer cell lines that could develop cancer, especially those that depend on estrogens. Additionally, a study found a protective effect against cancer in mice after supplementation with miroestrol. (Chatuphonpras, Jarukamjorn and Putalun, 2016)
Although these studies are still not entirely clear, some research suggests that this plant may become an alternative treatment to chemotherapy.
References
- Chaiyakunapruk, N., Dhippayom, T., Dilokthornsakul, P., Kongkaew, C., Scholfield, N. and Saokaew, S. (2018). Efficacy and safety of Pueraria candollei var. mirifica (Airy Shaw & Suvat.) Niyomdham for menopausal women: A systematic review of clinical trials and the way forward. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. doi: 10.1016 / j.jep.2018.01.028
- Charoenphandhu, N., Jaroenporn, S., Malaivijitnond, S., Suntornsaratoon, P. and Suthon, S. (2016). Anti-osteoporotic effects of Pueraria candollei var. mirifica on bone mineral density and histomorphometry in estrogen-deficient rats. Journal of Natural Medicines. doi: 10.1007 / s11418-016-0965-5
- Charoenphandhu, N., Khemawoot, P., Kittivanichkul, D. and Malaivijitnond, S. (2016). Pueraria mirifica alleviates cortical bone loss in naturally menopausal monkeys. Journal of Endocrinology . doi: 10.1530 / JOE-16-0277
- Chatuphonpras, W., Jarukamjorn, K. and Putalun, W. (2016). Regulation of cancer ‐ related genes – Cyp1a1 , Cyp1b1 , Cyp19 , Nqo1 and Comt – expression in β ‐ naphthoflavone ‐ treated mice by miroestrol. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology. doi: 10.1111 / jphp.12531
- Cherdshewasart, W., Manonai, J., Sophonsritsuk, A. and Suwanvesh, N. (2001). Comparison of Pueraria mirifica gel and conjugated equine estrogen cream effects on vaginal health in postmenopausal women. Menopause . doi: 10.1097 / GME.0000000000000742
- Itharat, A., Virojchaiwong, P. and Suvithayasiri, V. (2011). Comparison of Pueraria mirifica 25 and 50 mg for menopausal symptoms. Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics . doi: 10.1007 / s00404-010-1689-5
- Jaroenporn, S., Malaivijitnond, S., Urasopon, N. and Watanabe, G. (2014). Improvements of Vaginal Atrophy without Systemic Side Effects after Topical Application of Pueraria mirifica , a Phytoestrogen-rich Herb, in Postmenopausal Cynomolgus Macaques. Journal of Reproduction and Development . doi: 10.1262 / jrd.2013-144
