Family: Papilonidae

Thai names: Kwao krua kao, Suvatabandhu

Botanical description:
A tuberous root, which looks like a row of near spherical bulbs of different sizes interconnected by a small root throughout the entire length of the root. Nine species of the genus Pueraria exist in Thailand which look alike, but Pueraria mirifica can be clearly identified from the distinct characteristics of the stamen of the flower and its hairy pod.

This plant grows exclusively in Thailand, and only in a very limited area of several hundred square kilometres at an altitude of 300 m to 600 m above sea level. Recent research has shown that there are vast differences in quality of active substances between the plants which grow uncultivated in the north and north-east of the country. As little as 60 km (40 miles) is sufficient to produce a difference of up to 50% in the phytohormones contained in the parenchyma (flesh) of the bulbous roots. To ensure the high quality that is required for medicinal purposes a far more selective harvesting has to be carried out by experts than for almost any other curative herbs. Cultivation takes place on a commercial scale and the three best varieties were selected and are known as Pueraria-I, II and III.

Export Quality Control:
Since October 2001 the export of pueraria has been subjected to stringent regulations which were laid down by the Ministry of Commerce in collaboration with the author’s research group. The export of the raw product can now only take place through government agencies which ensure that only products in their marketable form for medicinal purposes and not the whole roots can be exported.

There is nevertheless, as is only to be expected, a lively black market which is driven by the high demand; even in the West there are products on sale, particularly in the cosmetic industry, which supposedly contain pueraria and which are accompanied with the wildest claims for their beneficial effect on health. Government agencies have already instigated appropriate investigations.

Uses in Ethnic Medicine:
For generations known only to the members of a population group in northern Thailand (Laana Tribe), the knowledge of this plant has become more widespread in the last 80 years due to the development of modern communications. Pueraria is strictly used as an ‘elixir of youth’. As the child bearing age of women is extended, pueraria has in certain doses been used as a contraceptive product long before oral contraception - the ‘Pill’ - was developed in laboratories in the West. However, in other doses, pueraria can actually increase fertility. The plant is taken for breast enlargement and improvement, for disorders in mood and well being, and menstruation problems. The plant also has positive effects against loss of hair, greying, and wrinkles in the skin.

Traditional Thai Prescriptions:
The parchenym, or woody flesh of pueraria mirifica is grated into a powder and is mixed with water and drunk. The dosage is best calculated according to a therapists diagnosis. Most healers are however unaware, in spite of their long experience and success with this plant (see empirical medicine), of its diversity.

Note: Although a higher dose is possible without danger, it should only be prescribed by a doctor.

Ingredients:
Phyto-estrogene: miroestrol, 3, 14, 17, 18, ß-tetrahydroxymireostrol, deoxymireostrol, iso-insosoflavonoid groups such as kwakhurin, daidzein, genistin, B-sitosterol, stigmasterol, coumestrol, pueraria, compesterol, mirificoumestan, and mirificin.
Pueraria (and Butea) are the only plants in the world which contain mireostrol which is the most powerful phytohormone with estrogen and androgen effects.

Toxicity:
Countless trials, even on strong doses, have revealed no carcinogenic side effects. These long-term trials were carried out at a dose of 5 mg per kg body weight. Although there is no dangerous high dose, the German federal health ministry recommends not exceeding a daily dose of pueraria powder extract of 100 mg per 50 kg body weight per day. However as the dose cannot be determined by body weight alone, but rather by type (slim, well built, plump, etc.) our research group based its study on a maximum 500 mg per day of crude powder (grated parenchym - not extract).

Pharmacognostic action and trials:
Mireostrol was identified in the 1940’s by German scientists. The principle current research is led here in Thailand where the plant is native by Prof. Wichai at Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok. Further recent research is being carried out in the USA and Japan. Other research worldwide has served to confirm and substantiate the Chulalongkorn results.

Cardiovascular effects:
The importance of estrogen in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular conditions has been demonstrated in women during and after the menopause. estrogen has a stimulating effect on the endothelia through its production of nitric oxide (NO) and acts against ischemia (localised tissue anemia) due to endothel dysfunction. (endothelium = an epthithelium of mesodermic origin composed of a single layer of thin flat cells which lines heart, blood, and lymph cavities.

Mesothel, on the contrary, is an epithelium derived from mesoderm which covers the serous membranes - those which secrete fluids - of the peritoneum, pericardium, pleurae, etc ).

It would be too lenghty in this handbook to list all the scientific research which has proved the positive effects of pueraria on the cardiovascular system. For further information on which defence systems are triggered by hormone substitution in disorders of the heart and circulation, I suggest the reader refers to publications by Prof. Huber.

Effects of PMS (pre-menstrual syndrome):
Unlike synthetically produced hormones, pueraria mirifica has demonstrated that it is able to successfully remove menstrual complaints and symptoms without producing any side effects. It is therefore the most appropriate remedy. Pueraria stimulates production of the endometrium (lining of the uterus) and acts against endometriosis (growth of endometrial tissue in an abnormal location). Pueraria is used in the treatment of menopausal complaints which are caused by a change in the composition of female sex hormones. The hormones in pueraria also stimulate improvements in the skin by reducing wrinkles (anti-aging).

Breast reinforcement and enlargement after puberty:
As many women would like to possess larger, or at least firmer breasts as a clear indication of their sex and to heighten their self esteem, well formed breasts have always been a paragon of femininity. Deeply rooted in all cultures throughout anthropology, they are also a sign of optimal care for children, and according to polls, most men would appear to prefer larger breasts as a part of female aesthetics. It is perhaps no coincidence that pueraria is exclusively indigenous to Thailand, where an ethnic physical aspect is towards extremely small breasts. It is well known in the USA and the western world that pueraria is able to increase size and firmness of the breasts.

This is however a side effect of a treatment with pueraria and only takes place in cases of relatively high doses according to the stature of the patient. A general rule which could be applied is that the smaller the person, the higher the dose needs to be. There are however exceptions to this rule.

In all cases of hormone disorders pueraria can be prescribed as a preventative or as a cure and as previously mentioned has - unlike synthetic hormones for the treatment of mutagens (cancer) - no contraindications and far from being a carcinogen, has a preventative and curative action on cancer. In these cases a competent therapist (not necessarily a specialist in a particular branch of medicine) should always be consulted.