Pueraria mirifica is a plant native to Thailand, known for its phytoestrogen content, particularly miroestrol and deoxymiroestrol, which believed to mimic estrogen's effects.
Mechanisms of Action
The proposed mechanisms through which Pueraria mirifica may promote breast enlargement and body shaping include:
- Estrogenic Activity: Phytoestrogens like miroestrol and deoxymiroestrol bind to estrogen receptors in breast tissue, promoting growth and development similar to endogenous estrogen.
- Collagen Production: Enhanced collagen synthesis may lead to improved skin elasticity and firmness, contributing to breast firmness and overall body shaping.
- Fat Redistribution: Phytoestrogens may influence fat distribution patterns, leading to a more feminine body shape with increased fat deposition in the breast and hip areas.
1. Study on Breast Enlargement:
- Reference: Piyaviriyakul, S., et al. (2012). Clinical trial of Pueraria mirifica for the management of climacteric symptoms in perimenopausal women. Menopause, 19(4), 485-492.
- Summary: This study involved 50 perimenopausal women who were given Pueraria mirifica (PM) at different dosages (50, 100, and 200 mg/day) for 24 weeks. The results showed a significant increase in breast size in the group receiving 100 and 200 mg/day compared to the control group. The study concluded that PM could stimulate breast tissue growth due to its estrogen-like effects.
2. Study on Body Shaping and Menopausal Symptoms:
- Reference: Yothipitak, P., et al. (2008). Effects of Pueraria mirifica on serum lipid profiles and climacteric symptoms in perimenopausal women. Thai Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 16(2), 153-161.
- Summary: This double-blind, placebo-controlled study included 71 perimenopausal women who received 50 mg/day of Pueraria mirifica for six months. The results indicated not only an improvement in menopausal symptoms but also changes in body composition, including reduced waist-to-hip ratio and improved body shaping. The authors attributed these effects to the phytoestrogenic properties of Pueraria mirifica.
3. Study on Breast Firmness and Menopausal Symptoms:
- Reference: Lamlertkittikul, S., & Pongtheerat, T. (2011). The effect of Pueraria mirifica on vaginal health, vaginal cytology, and the uterine endometrium in perimenopausal women: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 17(11), 1147-1152.
- Summary: In this randomized, placebo-controlled trial, 82 perimenopausal women were administered 100 mg/day of Pueraria mirifica for six months. The study found a significant improvement in breast firmness and size, along with relief from menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness. The estrogenic effect of Pueraria mirifica was proposed as the mechanism behind these benefits.
4. Study on Estrogenic Effects and Breast Size:
- Reference: Chansakaow, S., et al. (2000). Identification of deoxymiroestrol as the rejuvenating principle of "Kwao Kreu Kao" (Pueraria mirifica). Journal of Natural Products, 63(2), 173-175.
- Summary: This study identified deoxymiroestrol as one of the potent estrogenic compounds in Pueraria mirifica. Although primarily a biochemical study, it provided insights into the compound's potential to mimic estrogen's effects, supporting its use in enhancing breast size and firmness.