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Does Pueraria Mirifica have any Side Effect (Is it Safe)?

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Does Pueraria Mirifica have any Side Effect?

Pueraria Mirifica has some possible side effects which include the following:

  • Bloating
  • Headaches
  • Menstrual cycle irregularities
  • Tenderness in the breasts
  • Changes in weight

This is believed to be a result of Pueraria Mirifica’s effect on estrogen levels inside the body. Pregnant and breastfeeding women and people with liver disease should avoid using Pueraria Mirifica supplements. 

Additionally, it’s important to consult your doctor first before using it so that they can weigh the risks and benefits of using this herbal supplement for you.

Is Pueraria Mirifica Safe?

Pueraria Mirifica is safe for short-term use only. So far, these are some known health risks associated with Pueraria Mirifica:

  • Increased dementia in the elderly (older than 65 years old)
  • Worsening incontinence
  • Inflammation in internal organs
  • High blood sugar levels
  • Irritability
  • Fluid retention
  • Liver diseases
  • Inducing cancer

A study published in the journal of Toxins in 2016 revealed that the long-term administration of Pueraria Mirifica in lab rats resulted in an increased risk of cancer, which makes it unsafe to use for prolonged periods. 

Nevertheless, there’s a need for further investigations to determine the safety of Pueraria Mirifica on a human scale.

In the video below, the Youtube channel “AlexisPure Herbal Skin Care” shows the possible Side Effects of Pueraria Mirifica:

This is our recommended Pueraria Mirifica supplement (Amazon’s Choice):

Nature’s Answer Pueraria Mirifica Vegetarian Capsules, 60-Count

Does Pueraria Mirifica Cause Cancer?

Pueraria Mirifica can cause cancer as a result of its phytoestrogen components. These include types that are hormone-sensitive like breast, ovarian, and endometrial cancers.

Although there’s no research done on humans to determine cancer risk, there have been some studies done on lab animals that reveal that a dose of 200 mg of Pueraria Mirifica for 36 weeks induces cancer.  

Contrary to the previous claims, another study in the Journal of Restorative Medicine in 2013, shows that there’s no association between Pueraria Mirifica and increased cancer risk.

Can you Overdose on Pueraria Mirifica?

Exceeding a daily dose of 400g of Pueraria Mirifica can result in an Overdose, and cause side effects such as the following:

  • Pains in the breast
  • Prolonged breast tenderness
  • Fatigue or tiredness
  • Loss of sex drive (low libido)
  • Abnormal appetite (either increased or reduced appetite)
  • Bowel irritability
  • Nausea
  • Bloating
  • Vomiting
  • Moodiness
  • Insomnia
  • Hot flashes

Even though there is no consensus or guideline when it comes to Pueraria Mirifica, a dose of 200-400g is to be taken daily orally or applied topically on the breasts from 2-5 minutes twice a day.

Can Pueraria Mirifica cause Bleeding Side Effects?

Pueraria Mirifica can cause bleeding side effects between periods. This is due to containing 17 phytoestrogens and chemicals that mimic the effects of estrogen in the body which can significantly increase bleeding.

Thus, it’s important to follow up with your healthcare provider and report any adverse event occurring like profuse bleeding.

A study was done in 2004 to determine the appropriate dosage of Pueraria Mirifica and its effect on the menstrual cycle and revealed that a dose of 1000 mg of P. Mirifica can disrupt the function of ovaries and normal menstrual cycle in lab monkeys.

Can I Take Pueraria Mirifica During My Period?

It’s not recommended to take Pueraria Mirifica during your period because it affects your hormones which in turn increases blood flow and results in heavy periods causing the following symptoms:

  • Extreme tiredness and fatigue
  • Lack of energy
  • Irritability
  • Moodiness

Thus, it’s better to take Pueraria Mirifica before or after your periods instead of during.

Can Pueraria Mirifica cause Blood Clots?

Conventional hormone replacement therapies for women (such as oral estrogen) can increase the risk of blood clots, stroke, and heart attacks. Phytoestrogens such as Pueraria Mirifica don’t increase the risk of blood clots. This means phytoestrogens are a safer alternative to conventional hormone replacement therapy.

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Sources

This article makes use of information from the U.S. National Library of Medicine under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

  1. Kakehashi A, Yoshida M, Tago Y, Ishii N, Okuno T, Gi M, Wanibuchi H. Pueraria mirifica Exerts Estrogenic Effects in the Mammary Gland and Uterus and Promotes Mammary Carcinogenesis in Donryu Rats. Toxins (Basel). 2016 Nov 4;8(11):275. doi: 10.3390/toxins8110275. PMID: 27827907; PMCID: PMC5127102.
  2. Stansbury, Jill & Saunders, Paul & Winston, David. (2013). The Safety of Phytoestrogens in Menopause, Prostate and Breast Cancer. Journal of Restorative Medicine. 2. 101-108. 10.14200/jrm.2013.2.0110. 
  3. Trisomboon H, Malaivijitnond S, Watanabe G, Taya K. Estrogenic effects of Pueraria Mirifica on the menstrual cycle and hormone-related ovarian functions in cyclic female cynomolgus monkeys. J Pharmacol Sci. 2004 Jan;94(1):51-9. doi: 10.1254/jphs.94.51. PMID: 14745118.
Does Pueraria Mirifica have any Side Effect (Is it Safe)?
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