Pueraria dietary supplement (phytoestrogens) for menopause

Pueraria Mirifica is a rejuvenating dietary supplement extracted from the plant of the same name. With its naturally high content of specific phytoestrogens (miroestrol et dioxymiroestrol), it is traditionally used for reducing the effects of the menopause and increasing breast size. However, the scientific literature shows it also offers many additional benefits for health.

What is Pueraria Mirifica?

Also known as ‘kwao krua’, pueraria mirifica is a plant indigenous to Thailand, the benefits of which are largely attributed to its exceptionally high content of phytoestrogens, natural molecules able to mimic the action of oestrogen sex hormones.

Pueraria mirifica contains 3 types of phytoestrogen (1-2): isoflavones (genistin, genistein, daidzein, daidzin, kwakhurin, tuberosin, puerarin, mirificin, and puemiricarpene), coumestans (coumestrol, mirificoumestan, mirificoumestan glycol) and chromenes (miroestrol, dioxymiroestrol, et isomiroestrol). These compounds are all structurally similar to the hormone oestradiol which is necessary for maintaining fertility and secondary sexual characteristics in women. Oestradiol is important for:

• Developing and maintaining the breasts.
• Maintaining bone strength and density.
• Primary feedback in the brain concernig sex hormone production.

Miroestrol is the phytoestrogen with the most significant oestrogenic activity. It is chemically very similar to oestriol, the oestrogen considered to be the safest for men (3-5).

Attention: Pueraria mirifica should not be confused with Kudzu (Pueraria hirsuta) which has different properties and uses.

What benefits can you expect to see from taking Pueraria Mirifica?

In their comprehensive guide, ‘Pueraria mirifica: benefits of the wonder herb‘, Drs Richard Passwater and Margaret Ritchie describe in detail the scientifically-validated properties of this plant.

• Alleviating menopause symptoms. After the menopause, oestradiol levels fall dramatically, and while there’s considerable variation between individuals, this can lead to some very unpleasant symptoms. Some women are fortunate enough to escape altogether, but for others, they’re a significant blight to daily life. While these symptoms tend to lessen over time, a quarter of all women will still be affected a decade on from their last period. Such symptoms include hot flushes, intense sweats, headaches, chronic fatigue, sleep problems, vaginal dryness, urinary problems (urgent need to pass water, cystitis …) and joint pain. Increasing numbers of women, keen to avoid the highly controversial route of hormone replacement therapy, are turning to phytoestrogen supplements to compensate for the sudden loss of oestrogen and to ease its accompanying symptoms. In this regard, supplements should only be taken while symptoms continue.
  Note: when the body produces too much oestrogen, phytoestrogens can block its adverse effects. However, when the body stops producing it, they partly compensate for the sudden shortfall and thus help reduce the associated symptoms.
• Strengthening bones. Oestrogen also plays a role in bone remodelling and osteoporosis. In its absence, bone demineralisation accelerates, increasing the risk of fractures.
• Reducing the risk of cardiovascular problems. Oestrogen has a clear, protective effect on the arteries, particularly during the 10 years following a woman’s last period. In particular, it influences HDL cholesterol levels, inflammation, insulin resistance and weight loss mechanisms.
• Fighting oxidative stress. With its high flavone content, Pueraria mirifica offers significant antioxidant effects.
• Increasing libido. Pueraria mirifica indirectly helps to restore sexual activity which tends to diminish after the menopause due to the acute decline in production of sex hormones.

Last but not least, the scientific literature has also identified very interesting anti-ageing properties for this plant (6).