Balancing Estrogen Naturally

Pueraria mirifica is a plant which belongs to the family Papilionaceae (Leguminosae). The root is the part of the plant that has been used in Thailand for more than 500 years. It has also been called Kwao Krua and Thai Kudzu. This plant grows in deep forest regions in northern Thailand. Legend has touted the anti-aging properties of using this plant medicine for centuries. A paper translated from Siamese in 1931, mentions the use of the root, Pueraria Tuberous Root, to "make the skin smooth like a six year old child and allow you to live 1,000 years and prevent suffering from parasites, while also enhancing memory." (Wanadorn, P.W. A Reputed Rejuvenator, J. Siam Society, Natural History Supp., 8, 337 (1931)

Folklore goes on to say that the root is a "fountain of youth" for aged men and women. It helps to smooth wrinkled skin, supports healthy hair growth, improves eye health, sharpens the memory, increases energy and vigor, improves appetite and supports restful sleep. Its no wonder that the Latin name of the plant, "MIRIFICA" means miracle!

To insure the most comprehensive profile of active constituents, it's important to gather the plants that have been grown in the most favorable conditions. The location, age of plant (2-4 years), atmospheric conditions (no rain), drying process and storage conditions must be carefully monitored.

Pueraria Mirifica belongs to the same family as soy, and contains similar estrogen-like compounds, including genistein and daidzein. Modern scientific studies have further elucidated chemical components found in Pueraria, including phytoestrogens which are more potent than those found in soy, such as Miroestrol and Deoxymiroestrol. These natural agents function like estrogen in the body. Thus Pueraria plays a valuable role in helping to maintain a healthy hormone balance in menopausal women, when estrogen levels drop, and women experience changes in mood, hot flashes, lower libido, sleep interruption and other health issues. Pueraria has earned a reputation for its supportive effects for breast health, and has been featured in products that help support breast firmness, as well as protecting breast tissue. In addition to their hormone supporting effects, these substances have a high level of antioxidant activity, probably due to their ability to increase the cell protective substance called superoxide dismutase (SOD). (Arora A et al. Antioxidant activities of isoflavones and their biological metabolites in a liposomal system. Arc Biochem Biophys 1998 Aug 15; 356:133-141)

In Thailand, the Ministry of Public Health is Similar to the National Institute of Health (NIH), in the United States. The Thailand Ministry of Public Health officially endorses Pueraria, due to the long history of safe use, along with modern scientific data that supports its safety and efficacy. Safety studies show that the normal therapeutic dose, provides a wide margin of safety. (Chivapat, S., et. al. , Bull. Dept. Med. Sciences, 42, 202 (2000)) The Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research published a study in September 2009, entitled " The mutagenic and antimutagenic effects of the traditional phytoestrogen-rich herbs, Pueraria mirifica and Pueraria lobata." Their conclusion was, "The tests confirmed the non-mutagenic but reasonably antimutagenic activities of the two plant extracts, supporting their current use as safe dietary supplements and cosmetics."

Nature's Answer Pueraria mirifica vegetarian capsules feature a specific high quality pueraria compound, Bio-Botanica's Puresterol ¨. This exact compound was used in a recent research study, which showed that the phyto-oestrogens in Puresterol¨ were able to inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells, in-vitro.

The study was published in The Proceedings of The Nutrition Society, conducted at Edinburgh's Napier University by Dr Margaret Ritchie and Dr Janis MacCallum. This research helps to validate the breast health supportive use of this herb.

Nature's Answer Pueraria mirifica combines Puresterol¨, along with the cruciferous vegetable extract DIM (Diindolylmethane: extracted from vegetables like kale and broccoli ), and essential vitamins and minerals, including Folic Acid, Vitamin B-12, Biotin and Selenium. In addition, Quick-Sorb¨(Ginger, Amla and Capsicum) is added, to enhance absorption. Pueraria mirifica has been used traditionally for centuries, and modern science has now isolated active phytoestrogens from this plant, that help support female hormonal balance. Cautions: Puearia murifica should not be used by children, women younger than 20 years old, anyone who is currently taking birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy, women with cysts of the breast, ovary or uterus, anyone who has had estrogen related cancers, pregnant women or nursing mothers.