Starting around the early 20th century, Pueraria mirifica has been studied extensively by Buddist monks for its effects on health. In one of his works, the revered Buddist monk Suntara discussed the rejuvenating properties of the extract from Pueraria mirifica and dubbed it the “Fountain of Youth” for aging men and women.
This effect of Pueraria Mirifica, also known as kwao krua kao, is likely based on the action of the shrub’s phytoestrogens. Phytoestrogens are plant-based compounds that mimic the action of estrogens—female sex hormones produced in the body. The most important phytoestrogens in Pueraria Mirifica are deoxymiroestrol and various isoflavones.
But why does mimicking estrogen lead to so many health benefits?
The Impact of Estrogens on Women’s Health
Being essential hormones, estrogens control a wide range of metabolic processes that are extremely important for women. Skin health, mental health, fertility, mood, weight management, even physical performance—all of these are just a few of the factors affected by estrogens.
When a woman approaches menopause (on average, that’s the age of 48-55 years) the ovaries start to wither and shrink, and gradually become unable to produce enough estrogens to meet the needs of the body.
This decrease in estrogen levels is the primary cause of many classic symptoms of menopause, such as vaginal dryness and itching, increased risk of infections, and reduced sex drive. During menopause women can also experience metabolic changes like bone weakness (osteoporosis), which are also caused by a drop in estrogens.
Postmenopausal osteoporosis is often called a silent disease for its ability to escape diagnosis in the early stages. Quite often, it takes a fracture to finally notice the issue!
Low estrogen levels can also cause an increase in LDL (“bad” cholesterol) and a decrease in HDL (“good” cholesterol). This imbalance is said to be the reason for the increased risk of heart attacks in postmenopausal women.
Menopause can also cause psychological issues like a loss of focus, increased irritability, and even depression. And, of course, the famous hot flushes and migraines are also tell-tale signs of low estrogen levels.
But enough with the bad news. Let’s see how Pueraria Mirifica helps menopausal women with these nasty issues!
Health Benefits of Pueraria Mirifica
Relieves symptoms of menopause
Phytoestrogens are plant-derived compounds that have a similar structure to the body’s own estrogens. As a result, they act as a natural alternative by interacting with the body’s estrogen receptors—especially when the body’s own production of female hormones goes down.
That’s why clinical trials have shown that Pueraria mirifica extracts are very effective in reducing menopausal symptoms, including hot flushes and vaginal dryness.
Prevents Osteoporosis
Animal studies have shown that extracts from Pueraria Mirifica prevent osteoporosis and reduce the risk of fractures.
By activating estrogen receptors, phytoestrogens like flavonoids increase bone strength by activating cells called osteoblasts, which form new bone tissue.
Fights Aging
Many phytoestrogens are antioxidants—take flavonoids, for example. They reduce the levels of oxidative stress in the body, which is responsible for skin damage and other signs of aging.
Studies reported that flavonoids prevent skin damage caused by exposure to ultraviolet rays. In other words, they prevent skin aging, loss of skin elasticity, and wrinkling of the skin. Furthermore, they also show anti-inflammatory properties that support wound healing.
Phytoestrogens also promote breast tissue growth and reduce stretch marks in the bust area. Now, that’s a rejuvenating effect!
Has Anti-Cancer Potential
While more research is needed to figure out the details, initial studies have shown that some of the flavonoids in Pueraria mirifica have anti-cancer properties.
Having a structure similar to estrogen, flavonoids compete with the body’s more potent estrogens and block its binding to receptors. This inhibiting effect comes to play only when the body has adequate estrogen stores.
Therefore, isoflavones have shown potential in preventing hormone-related cancers like breast and cervical cancer in women, and prostatic cancer in men. Studies have shown that spinasterol isolated from the roots of Pueraria mirifica has anti-cancer effects on certain forms of cancer like cervical and ovarian tumors.
While it has been shown in multiple studies that Pueraria Mirifica may prevent hormone-dependent cancers, there’s research that states otherwise. That’s why Pueraria Mirifica isn’t recommended for women with a known increased risk of such diseases (for example, with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer). More studies are needed to sort out the matter, but the general opinion is that women without an increased risk for hormone-dependent cancers won’t experience any side effects from taking Pueraria Mirifica.
Also, skincare products with Pueraria Mirifica (creams and serums) are likely safe for anyone to use since they act locally and are absorbed into the blood in minuscule doses.
Reduces the Risk of Heart Diseases
As mentioned before, reduced estrogen stores during menopause causes an abnormal rise in LDL (“bad” cholesterol).
Isoflavones mitigate this imbalance between good and bad cholesterol in older women and may help to prevent cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks.
Prevents Cognitive Decline
Decreased estrogen stores are said to be a contributing factor in the development of Alzheimer’s disease. So, taking oestrogen could improve the course of the condition.
Some animal studies suggest that extracts from Pueraria mirifica may prevent cognitive decline when given at the appropriate time and in optimal doses.
These studies bring to light the potential use of kwao krua kao extracts for preventing Alzheimer’s disease.
Side effects
Being completely natural forms of estrogen, phytoestrogens derived from Pueraria mirifica have minimal to no side effects in recommended doses.
Pueraria Mirifica extracts can be considered as a safer alternative to hormone replacement therapy (HRT). After all, HRT may cause severe adverse effects such as stroke, heart disease, and blood clots.
Conclusion
Extracts from Pueraria mirifica have been used from ancient times to promote health in the aging population. They are useful in reducing menopausal symptoms as well as in preventing osteoporosis. In other words, it can help a LOT with the extreme discomfort that women face during this stressful period.
In general, Pueraria mirifica can be taken as a safer natural alternative to aggressive hormone replacement therapy. And still, just to be on the safe side, consider discussing the matter with your doctor before taking Pueraria Mirifca by mouth.
(Topical products are safe at all times, though!)