Pueraria mirifica is a member of the genus collectively known as kudzu, a grouping of leguminous plants that grow in temperate and tropical climates. Pueraria species are used for food and for their purported medicinal value. Pueraria mirifica's use dates back to ancient times, though little is known about it because of its limited areas of growth. Some menopause symptoms may respond well to supplementation with Pueraria mirifica.
Isoflavones
Pueraria mirifica contains isoflavone compounds that may alleviate hot flashes and night sweats in some perimenopausal women. The herb is also thought to improve cognitive function in postmenopausal women, according to Barrie Cassileth, Ph.D., author of the book "Herb-Drug Interactions in Oncology." Some isoflavones in Pueraria species exert anti-cancer activity in human cancer cells and may decrease postmenopausal cancer risk, says Cassileth. As a caution, if you have a history of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer or are taking the cancer drug tamoxifen, you should not take Pueraria mirifica. Also, this herb can enhance the effects of diabetes drugs. Consult your doctor before using Pueraria mirifica.
Hot Flashes
Miroestrol, an estrogenic compound found in the tuberous and fibrous roots of Pueraria mirifica, decreases the frequency and severity of hot flashes in some menopausal women, according to Wing Ming Keung, editor of the book "Pueraria: The Genus Puerara." Breast enlargement may also occur with use of this herb. As evidence of its strong estrogenic effects, some women experience bleeding after they discontinue Pueraria mirifica.
Menopausal Symptoms
Menopausal symptoms, postmenopausal osteoporosis and elevated cholesterol may respond well to treatment with Pueraria mirfica, according to Atta-ur Rahaman, editor of the book "Studies in Natural Products Chemistry, Volume 35." A double-blind study published in the August 2011 issue of the journal "Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics" found that doses of 25 and 50 mg of Pueraria mirifica for six months improved scores on a menopause rating scale. The herb did not cause significant side effects in this study. Researchers concluded that Pueraria mirifica was safe and effective at these doses and this duration of supplementation.
Side Effects
Some authorities assert that side effects are frequent and problematic for many women who take Pueararia mirifica. Doses of 1 mg or less have caused malaise, headache, nausea and vomiting. Additionally, deoxymriosterol, one of the herb's active components, has been found more effective than estradiol at promoting growth of certain types of breast cancer cells, increasing cancer risk for menopausal and postmenopausal women. Consult your doctor for supervision and guidance in the use of this herb.
