Pueraria mirifica
Pueraria mirifica
Pueraria mirifica is a traditional Asian medicinal plant primarily used in Thai herbal medicine. It has not been traditionally documented for specific human uses, though it has been utilized in animal husbandry to enhance piglet growth and improve maternal health without adverse effects on reproduction. Scientific studies indicate that puerarin, one of the main bioactive compounds found in Pueraria mirifica, may have benefits such as improving non-alcoholic fatty liver disease by altering the intestinal microenvironment. Additionally, four non-glucan polysaccharides isolated from the plant, particularly PMP-2, show potential antioxidant and immunomodulatory activities. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings across a broader range of applications. Safety data for Pueraria mirifica is currently limited, with no major issues recorded in existing studies. There are also no reported drug interactions associated with the plant, though further investigation would be beneficial to fully understand its potential impacts on human health and interactions with medications.
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- Puerarin supplementation in sow diets increased piglet weight gain and improved sows' immune and antioxidant responses without affecting reproductive performance.
- Four non-glucan polysaccharides were isolated from Pueraria mirifica, with PMP-2 showing potential antioxidant and immunomodulatory activities.
- Puerarin improved non-alcoholic fatty liver disease by remodeling the intestinal microenvironment, promoting mitochondrial fusion and autophagy.
- The study identified four key biomarkers (ADH1B, GHR, NQO1, NR1I2) associated with hepatocellular carcinoma.
Frequently asked questions
What is Pueraria mirifica?
Pueraria mirifica (Pueraria mirifica) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about Pueraria mirifica?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Pueraria mirifica; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Puerarin supplementation in sow diets increased piglet weight gain and improved sows' immune and antioxidant responses without affecting reproductive performance.
How strong is the evidence for Pueraria mirifica?
The strongest finding for Pueraria mirifica carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Pueraria mirifica safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Pueraria mirifica in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Pueraria mirifica interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Pueraria mirifica in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
Is Pueraria mirifica a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 The isolation, characterization and biological activities of the non-glucan polysaccharides from the high-starch-content plant Pueraria mirifica. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Dietary Puerarin Supplementation Improves Immune Response and Antioxidant Capacity of Sows. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Bioinformatics combined with network pharmacology and experimental validation to identify key biomarkers of hepatocellular carcinoma and corresponding compounds in Radix Astragali and Pueraria Mirifica. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Puerarin improves MASLD by remodeling intestinal microenvironment to promote mitochondrial fusion and autophagy. literature abstract metadata