Pueraria Mirifica

Last Updated: September 28 2022

Pueraria Candollei var. Mirifica (White Kwao Krua) is a highly estrogenic herb (main bioactive, Deoxymiroestrol, being more potent than estrogen itself) which is used as herbal estrogen replacement therapy. It appears effective, but lacks blinded studies.

Pueraria Mirifica is most often used for

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 else is Pueraria Mirifica known as?
Note that Pueraria Mirifica is also known as:
  • White Kwao Krua
Pueraria Mirifica should not be confused with:
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.

Join our supplement information course

Examine Database: Pueraria Mirifica
What works and what doesn't?

Unlock the full potential of Examine

Get started

Don't miss out on the latest research

References
2.^Udomsuk L, Jarukamjorn K, Tanaka H, Putalun WProduction of isoflavonoids in callus cultures of Pueraria candollei var. mirificaZ Naturforsch C.(2009 Mar-Apr)
5.^Burana-Osot J, Pattanapanyasat K, Soonthornchareonnon N, Sukapirom K, Toida TCharacterisation and immuno-stimulating activity of polysaccharides from Thai medicinal plantsNat Prod Res.(2010 Sep)
8.^Udomsuk L, Chatuphonprasert W, Monthakantirat O, Churikhit Y, Jarukamjorn KImpact of Pueraria candollei var. mirifica and its potent phytoestrogen miroestrol on expression of bone-specific genes in ovariectomized miceFitoterapia.(2012 Dec)
10.^Chansakaow S, Ishikawa T, Seki H, Sekine (née Yoshizawa) K, Okada M, Chaichantipyuth CIdentification of deoxymiroestrol as the actual rejuvenating principle of "Kwao Keur", Pueraria mirifica. The known miroestrol may be an artifactJ Nat Prod.(2000 Feb)
12.^Chansakaow S, Ishikawa T, Sekine K, Okada M, Higuchi Y, Kudo M, Chaichantipyuth CIsoflavonoids from Pueraria mirifica and their estrogenic activityPlanta Med.(2000 Aug)
17.^Jeon GC, Park MS, Yoon DY, Shin CH, Sin HS, Um SJAntitumor activity of spinasterol isolated from Pueraria rootsExp Mol Med.(2005 Apr 30)
19.^Yusakul G, Putalun W, Udomsin O, Juengwatanatrakul T, Chaichantipyuth CComparative analysis of the chemical constituents of two varieties of Pueraria candolleiFitoterapia.(2011 Mar)
20.^Cherdshewasart W, Sriwatcharakul SMajor isoflavonoid contents of the 1-year-cultivated phytoestrogen-rich herb, Pueraria mirificaBiosci Biotechnol Biochem.(2007 Oct)
21.^Cherdshewasart W, Sriwatcharakul S, Malaivijitnond SVariance of estrogenic activity of the phytoestrogen-rich plantMaturitas.(2008 Dec 20)
22.^Lee YS, Park JS, Cho SD, Son JK, Cherdshewasart W, Kang KSRequirement of metabolic activation for estrogenic activity of Pueraria mirificaJ Vet Sci.(2002 Dec)
23.^Cherdshewasart W, Sriwatcharakul SMetabolic activation promotes estrogenic activity of the phytoestrogen-rich plantMaturitas.(2008 Feb 20)
24.^Boonchird C, Mahapanichkul T, Cherdshewasart WDifferential binding with ERalpha and ERbeta of the phytoestrogen-rich plant Pueraria mirificaBraz J Med Biol Res.(2010 Feb)
25.^Chindewa R, Lapanantasin S, Sanvarinda Y, Chongthammakun SPueraria mirifica, phytoestrogen-induced change in synaptophysin expression via estrogen receptor in rat hippocampal neuronJ Med Assoc Thai.(2008 Feb)
28.^Virojchaiwong P, Suvithayasiri V, Itharat AComparison of Pueraria mirifica 25 and 50 mg for menopausal symptomsArch Gynecol Obstet.(2011 Aug)
30.^Wattanapitayakul SK, Chularojmontri L, Srichirat SEffects of Pueraria mirifica on vascular function of ovariectomized rabbitsJ Med Assoc Thai.(2005 Jun)
31.^Gangula PR, Dong YL, Al-Hendy A, Richard-Davis G, Montgomery-Rice V, Haddad G, Millis R, Nicholas SB, Moseberry DProtective cardiovascular and renal actions of vitamin D and estrogen Front Biosci (Schol Ed).(2013 Jan 1)
32.^Rosenfeld CR, Cox BE, Roy T, Magness RRNitric oxide contributes to estrogen-induced vasodilation of the ovine uterine circulationJ Clin Invest.(1996 Nov 1)
33.^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)
34.^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)
36.^Tiyasatkulkovit W, Malaivijitnond S, Charoenphandhu N, Havill LM, Ford AL, VandeBerg JLPueraria mirifica extract and puerarin enhance proliferation and expression of alkaline phosphatase and type I collagen in primary baboon osteoblastsPhytomedicine.(2014 Oct 15)
37.^Tiyasatkulkovit W, Charoenphandhu N, Wongdee K, Thongbunchoo J, Krishnamra N, Malaivijitnond SUpregulation of osteoblastic differentiation marker mRNA expression in osteoblast-like UMR106 cells by puerarin and phytoestrogens from Pueraria mirificaPhytomedicine.(2012 Oct 15)
39.^Urasopon N, Hamada Y, Cherdshewasart W, Malaivijitnond SPreventive effects of Pueraria mirifica on bone loss in ovariectomized ratsMaturitas.(2008 Feb 20)
40.^Urasopon N, Hamada Y, Asaoka K, Cherdshewasart W, Malaivijitnond SPueraria mirifica, a phytoestrogen-rich herb, prevents bone loss in orchidectomized ratsMaturitas.(2007 Mar 20)
42.^Sookvanichsilp N, Soonthornchareonnon N, Boonleang CEstrogenic activity of the dichloromethane extract from Pueraria mirificaFitoterapia.(2008 Dec)
43.^Malaivijitnond S, Chansri K, Kijkuokul P, Urasopon N, Cherdshewasart WUsing vaginal cytology to assess the estrogenic activity of phytoestrogen-rich herbJ Ethnopharmacol.(2006 Oct 11)
45.^Trisomboon H, Malaivijitnond S, Watanabe G, Taya KOvulation block by Pueraria mirifica: a study of its endocrinological effect in female monkeysEndocrine.(2005 Feb)
47.^Cherdshewasart W, Kitsamai Y, Malaivijitnond SEvaluation of the estrogenic activity of the wild Pueraria mirifica by vaginal cornification assayJ Reprod Dev.(2007 Apr)
48.^Trisomboon H, Malaivijitnond S, Suzuki J, Hamada Y, Watanabe G, Taya KLong-term treatment effects of Pueraria mirifica phytoestrogens on parathyroid hormone and calcium levels in aged menopausal cynomolgus monkeysJ Reprod Dev.(2004 Dec)
49.^Jaroenporn S, Malaivijitnond S, Wattanasirmkit K, Trisomboon H, Watanabe G, Taya K, Cherdshewasart WEffects of Pueraria mirifica, an herb containing phytoestrogens, on reproductive organs and fertility of adult male miceEndocrine.(2006 Aug)
50.^Malaivijitnond S, Kiatthaipipat P, Cherdshewasart W, Watanabe G, Taya KDifferent effects of Pueraria mirifica, a herb containing phytoestrogens, on LH and FSH secretion in gonadectomized female and male ratsJ Pharmacol Sci.(2004 Dec)
52.^Chatuphonprasert W, Udomsuk L, Monthakantirat O, Churikhit Y, Putalun W, Jarukamjorn KEffects of Pueraria mirifica and miroestrol on the antioxidation-related enzymes in ovariectomized miceJ Pharm Pharmacol.(2013 Mar)
53.^Udomsuk L, Jarukamjorn K, Putalun W, Sakuma T, Kawasaki Y, Nemoto NModified expression of aryl hydrocarbon receptor-related genes by deoxymiroestrol, a phytoestrogen, in mouse hepatocytes in primary cultureJ Ethnopharmacol.(2011 Sep 1)
54.^Udomsuk L, Juengwatanatrakul T, Putalun W, Jarukamjorn KSuppression of BSEP and MRP2 in mouse liver by miroestrol and deoxymiroestrol isolated from Pueraria candolleiPhytomedicine.(2012 Nov 15)
56.^Yu J, Lo JL, Huang L, Zhao A, Metzger E, Adams A, Meinke PT, Wright SD, Cui JLithocholic acid decreases expression of bile salt export pump through farnesoid X receptor antagonist activityJ Biol Chem.(2002 Aug 30)
57.^Manonai J, Seif C, Böhler G, Jünemann KPThe effect of Pueraria mirifica on cytologic and urodynamic findings in ovariectomized ratsMenopause.(2009 Mar-Apr)
58.^Trisomboon H, Malaivijitnond S, Cherdshewasart W, Watanabe G, Taya KEffect of Pueraria mirifica on the sexual skin coloration of aged menopausal cynomolgus monkeysJ Reprod Dev.(2006 Aug)
59.^Trisomboon H, Malaivijitnond S, Cherdshewasart W, Watanabe G, Taya KAssessment of urinary gonadotropin and steroid hormone profiles of female cynomolgus monkeys after treatment with Pueraria mirificaJ Reprod Dev.(2007 Apr)
61.^Jaroenporn S, Malaivijitnond S, Wattanasirmkit K, Watanabe G, Taya K, Cherdshewasart WAssessment of fertility and reproductive toxicity in adult female mice after long-term exposure to Pueraria mirifica herbJ Reprod Dev.(2007 Oct)
62.^Manonai J, Chittacharoen A, Theppisai U, Theppisai HEffect of Pueraria mirifica on vaginal healthMenopause.(2007 Sep-Oct)
63.^Udomsuk L, Juengwatanatrakul T, Putalun W, Jarukamjorn KDown regulation of gene related sex hormone synthesis pathway in mouse testes by miroestrol and deoxymiroestrolFitoterapia.(2011 Dec)
64.^Cherdshewasart W, Sutjit W, Pulcharoen K, Chulasiri MThe mutagenic and antimutagenic effects of the traditional phytoestrogen-rich herbs, Pueraria mirifica and Pueraria lobataBraz J Med Biol Res.(2009 Sep)
65.^Saenphet K, Kantaoop P, Saenphet S, Aritajat SMutagenicity of Pueraria mirifica Airy Shaw & Suvatabandhu and antimutagenicity of Thunbergia laurifolia LinnSoutheast Asian J Trop Med Public Health.(2005)