The incidence of breast cancer in the United States is 141.1 and the incidence of breast cancer in Northern Thailand (Chiang Mai Province)
is 13.7. Most of the males and females in this province consume a phytoestrogen herbal substance called Pueraria mirifica (Kwao Krua Kao). This plant has a tuberous root which can be eaten. The plant appears identical to other local plants and can only be distinguished from other non Pueraria mirrifica containing plants during the 2 weeks annually when it is flowering. Most of the Pueraria mirifica being sold is misidentified and has none of the benefits of Pueraria Mirifica.

[A native root bulb tuber related to the soy family] Pueraria Mirifica contains a valuable phytoestrogen named miroestrol. Miroestrol is similar to the safest human estrogen estriol. Miroestrol is 3000 times stronger than the estrogenic activity exhibited by soy isoflavones(genistein). Pueraria Mirifica has more than 1000 times the estrogenic activity of red clover. In addition to miroestrol, Pueraria Mirifica contains substantial amounts of other phytoestrogens including daidzein, genistein, puerarin, and mirificin.

When miroestrol enters an estrogen receptor it modulates the effect on the receptor. Pueraria Mirifica supplements when the estrogenic activity is low and dilutes if the receptor estrogenic activity is high. Miroestrol has no effect on estrogen levels in the body as it only influences the estrogen receptor.

In a clinical study on menopausal women in Thailand miroestrol lowered hot flashes 11 fold and night sweats 4 fold within 30 days.
Most women start to notice relief of symptoms within one week.

Approximately 70% of Japanese women taking Pueraria Mirifica noted an increase in breast size. This was more apparent in younger
women than older women. The dosage of Pueraria Mirifica in females was 2 mg. per kilo of body weight. In the first month of therapy for menopausal symptoms 3 mg can be taken. Each pill of Beyond Hormone Replacement Therapy HRT contains about 80 mg. so taking 3 pills would supply this. A U.S. woman weighing 70 kilos should take one pill 80 mg. twice daily. In the clinical studies in Thailand doses no toxicity was noted even in doses 2000 times the usual dosage. Traditional Thai usage has menstruating women skip the therapy during menses.

Therapy With Pueraria Mirifica In Males

The dosage in males is one half that of women (1mg. per kilo of body weight). Males have not noticed any increase in breast size. Both
males and females in this region of Northern Thailand continue to be physically active and retain their black hair into their 80s. Elderly
women have firm breasts and youthful appearing skin. Elderly men continue to be sexually active. Their memories are good and they have
not been ill. One man in his 80s was surprised when asked if he got up to urinate during the night. He replied “No one here wakes up to
do that.”

By Dr. James Howenstine, MD.
March 22, 2007 issue News With Views