Pueraria mirifica

Health Benefits and uses of Pueraria Mirifica are

• Menopausal Symptoms : Several small studies indicate that Pueraria mirifica may help alleviate some menopausal symptoms. In a study published in the Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand in 2004, for instance, Pueraria mirifica appeared to improve vasomotor symptoms (such as hot flashes and night sweats) in women going through menopause. For the study, 48 women received either 50 mg or 100 mg of Pueraria mirifica once daily for six months. In evaluating the 37 women who completed the study, researchers found that both groups experienced a decrease in vasomotor symptoms. In addition, a study published in the journal Menopause in 2007 found that Pueraria mirifica may help treat vaginal dryness (another common menopausal symptom). In their analysis of 71 healthy postmenopausal women given Pueraria mirifica or a placebo for 24 weeks, the study's authors observed that those who received Pueraria mirifica experienced relief of vaginal dryness.
• Bone Health : Estrogen plays a key role in regulating bone turnover (a biological process in which old bone is broken down and replaced with new bone). In a study published in Menopause in 2008, researchers found that Pueraria mirifica may help preserve bone health in postmenopausal women by producing an estrogen-like effect on bone turnover rate. The study included 71 women (ages 45 to 60), each of whom was given either Pueraria mirifica or a placebo for 24 weeks.
• Heart Health : Preliminary research suggests that Pueraria mirifica may help improve cardiovascular health and reduce heart disease risk in postmenopausal women. In a study published in the Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand in 2005, for example, tests on rabbits revealed that treatment with Pueraria mirifica helped improve function in the endothelium (the layer of cells lining the inside of blood vessels). Although impaired endothelial function is associated with increased risk for high blood pressure, further research is needed before Pueraria mirifica can be recommended for blood pressure control.