Summary
Pueraria Candollei variant Mirifica (shortened to Pueraria Mirifica) is one of three herbs given the title of 'Kwao Krua', and is known as White Kwao Krua. This herb has been traditionally used as a vitality enhancer and rejuvenating agent particularly for older women. It should be considered a different supplement than Kudzu root, Pueraria Lobata.
When looking at the herb, it is a great source of classical phytoestrogens (including the soy isoflavones) but contains a class of phytoestrogens known as Chromenes that rival estrogen itself in potency. The herb is highly estrogenic as a result, and is considered the standard herbal 'estrogen replacement therapy' due to its potencies.
It has been tested numerous times for reducing menopausal symptoms (as estrogen replacement therapy itself is quite effective), and despite the universal promise it shows many studies are not blinded and not run against a placebo; on the topic of menopausal symptoms, this is a significant problem as placebo can be very potent (see Black Cohosh as an example, as the placebo effect in menopause has been reported to reach up to a 50% reduction in symptoms).
Based on the preliminary evidence, it does appear promising and effective for menopausal symptoms, but much more research is needed before it can be considered a main opinion. There is currently no evidence to support the notion that this herb is somehow safer than estrogen replacement therapy, so their benefits and risks should be seen as interchangeable for the time being.
What are other names for Pueraria Mirifica
- White Kwao Krua
- Black Kwao Krua (Mucuna collettii)
- Red Kwao Krua (Butea superba)
- Psoralea Corylifolia
- Pueraria Lobata (Kudzu)
Dosage information
In regards to Pueraria Mirifica (White Kwao Krua), a dose of 20-50mg of root powder (not an extract) is taken daily once in the morning. This appears to be significantly bioactive, and it would be advisable to not exceed this dosage.
And if you are a man who wants to take 'Pueraria' for hangovers, ensure you don't get the estrogen replacement therapy (this supplement) by accident. The herb touted to cure hangovers is Pueraria Lobata (Kudzu), and although it is not a common mistake it is indeed a critical one to make.
Examine Database: Pueraria Mirifica
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Research Breakdown
Examine Database References
- High-density lipoprotein (HDL) - Okamura S, Sawada Y, Satoh T, Sakamoto H, Saito Y, Sumino H, Takizawa T, Kogure T, Chaichantipyuth C, Higuchi Y, Ishikawa T, Sakamaki TPueraria mirifica phytoestrogens improve dyslipidemia in postmenopausal women probably by activating estrogen receptor subtypesTohoku J Exp Med.(2008 Dec)
- Vaginal Dryness - Manonai J, Chittacharoen A, Theppisai U, Theppisai HEffect of Pueraria mirifica on vaginal healthMenopause.(2007 Sep-Oct)
- Bone-specific Alkaline Phosphatase - Manonai J, Chittacharoen A, Udomsubpayakul U, Theppisai H, Theppisai UEffects and safety of Pueraria mirifica on lipid profiles and biochemical markers of bone turnover rates in healthy postmenopausal womenMenopause.(2008 May-Jun)
- Menopausal Symptoms - Chandeying V, Sangthawan MEfficacy 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 studyJ Med Assoc Thai.(2007 Sep)