Pueraria Mirifica May Benefit Breast Cancer

HAUPPAUGE, N.Y.Preliminary results from a recent study using Bio-Botanicas patent-pending Puresterol® were indicative of a potential anti-cancer action of Pueraria mirifica (PM) that may be of use in the treatment of breast cancer (Proc Nutr Soc. 2009;68(OCE), E93). The aim of the study was to evaluate the possible role of phytoestrogens, in particular those present in PM, in the management of breast cancer. The investigation was carried out using an in vitro model that included: powdered extract of PM (concentrations ranging from 0.1 mg/ml to 1000 mg/ml); beta-oestradiol (bE); genistein (GEN); daidzein (DAI); and MCF-7 oestrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer cell line.

Initial results indicated that ERa:ERb mRNA expression appeared to change over time, suggesting a possible modulation of the receptors occurring at the level of the mRNA. This effect was particularly notable over the range of PM concentrations. GEN also produced similar effects on mRNA levels. Cell-growth studies over four days, as examined using the CyQuant assay, indicated low growth rates for the PM-treated cells (especially at 10 mg/ml) with an increasing effect over time that appeared to reach significance (n 4; ANOVA; P = 0.038) by day three or four when compared with untreated cells.