By Leen Randell
Updated: Jul 10, 2024
10 Health Benefits Of Pueraria Mirifica (Kwao Krua)
Pueraria mirifica, also known as kwao krua, has health benefits such as hormone regulation, anti-aging, and improved menopausal symptoms.
Its medicinal properties include isoflavones, plant sterols, and other phytochemicals that support hormone balance and antioxidant activities. For women, these benefits can lead to reduced hot flashes, improved mood, and increased energy levels, allowing them to maintain a better quality of life during menopause.
Additionally, its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects can also support cardiovascular and bone health.
This article explains in details the 10 best health benefits of Pueraria mirifica.
1. Regulates blood sugar
Pueraria mirifica regulates blood sugar because it contains isoflavones and plant sterols that help stimulate insulin production and enhance glucose uptake in cells.
These bioactive compounds also improve insulin sensitivity, allowing glucose to be effectively utilized by the body.
Regular consumption of Pueraria mirifica has been found to reduce blood sugar levels, making it a promising natural remedy for managing diabetes and pre-diabetes conditions.
2. Lowers cholesterol levels
Pueraria mirifica lowers cholesterol levels because it contains isoflavones, particularly daidzein and genistein, which have been shown to inhibit the absorption of dietary cholesterol in the gut.
Additionally, these compounds may also help to reduce the synthesis of cholesterol in the liver, thereby decreasing overall cholesterol levels and potentially improving cardiovascular health.
This makes Pueraria mirifica a promising natural remedy for cholesterol reduction.
3. Reduces inflammation
Pueraria mirifica reduces inflammation because it contains a unique combination of phytoestrogens and anti-inflammatory compounds.
The isoflavones and coumestans present in the plant have been shown to modulate the body's inflammatory response, suppressing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and enzymes.
This results in a decrease in inflammation, which can lead to a range of potential health benefits, including reduced pain and improved skin health.
4. Improves skin tone
Pueraria mirifica improves skin tone because of its high concentration of isoflavones, particularly mirificin and deoxymirificin.
These compounds have potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help protect the skin from environmental stressors and reduce oxidative damage. By promoting collagen production and improving skin elasticity, Pueraria mirifica enhances skin texture and firmness, resulting in a more even and radiant complexion.
This leads to a noticeable improvement in skin tone and appearance.
5. Fades stretch marks
Pueraria mirifica fades stretch marks because it contains isoflavones, a type of phytoestrogen that mimics the effects of estrogen in the body.
Estrogen is known to improve skin elasticity, reduce inflammation, and increase collagen production, all of which are beneficial for fading stretch marks.
Additionally, the antioxidant properties in Pueraria mirifica help protect the skin from damage, promoting a smoother and more even complexion.
6. Strengthens hair growth
Pueraria mirifica strengthens hair growth because it is rich in bioactive compounds such as furostanol saponins, isoflavones, and miroestrol.
These compounds stimulate the scalp's blood flow and nourish hair follicles, promoting healthy hair growth. Additionally, the herb's antioxidant properties help protect hair from damage and promote the growth of stronger, thicker, and more resilient hair.
Regular use of Pueraria mirifica has been associated with reduced hair loss and improved scalp health.
7. Reduces menopausal symptoms
Pueraria mirifica reduces menopausal symptoms because it contains phytoestrogens, compounds that mimic the effects of estrogen in the body.
By regulating estrogen levels, kwao krua alleviates hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness. Additionally, its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis associated with menopause.
These benefits make kwao krua a promising natural remedy for menopausal women seeking to manage their symptoms.
8. Relieves hot flashes
Pueraria mirifica relieves hot flashes because it contains isoflavones, which mimic the effects of estrogen in the body.
These estrogen-like compounds bind to estrogen receptors, reducing the severity of hot flashes and night sweats associated with menopause. The phytoestrogens in Pueraria mirifica help regulate hormonal imbalances, providing natural relief from hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms.
This natural approach has been used in traditional Thai medicine for centuries.
9. Improves bone density
Pueraria mirifica improves bone density because it contains isoflavones, specifically genistein and daidzein.
These compounds have been shown to stimulate osteoblasts, the cells responsible for bone formation, and inhibit osteoclasts, the cells that break down bone tissue. As a result, Pueraria mirifica promotes bone growth and density, potentially reducing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures in individuals who consume it.
This herb has been traditionally used in Thai medicine for its bone health benefits.
10. Boosts immune system
Pueraria mirifica boosts immune system because it contains a rich source of isoflavones, particularly mirificin, deoxymirificin, and daidzein, which are known for their immunomodulatory and antioxidant properties.
These compounds stimulate the production of white blood cells, which helps to fight off infections and diseases.
By enhancing the body's immune function, Pueraria mirifica helps to prevent illnesses and promote overall health and well-being.