Miroestrol
Encyclopedia
Miroestrol is a phytoestrogen, a plant-derived chemical that mimics the biological activity of the hormone estrogen
. Miroestrol was first reportedly isolated from the Thai herb Pueraria mirifica
in 1960 and thought to be responsible for the supposed rejuvenating properties of the plant. However, more recent studies have suggested that the active ingredient may actually be the closely related chemical compound deoxymiroestrol (shown below), and the reported presence of miroestrol may only have been an artifact of the isolation procedure. When deoxymiroestrol is exposed to the oxygen in air, it is converted to miroestrol.
A comparative study of the estrogenic properties of phytoestrogens found that deoxymiroestrol was similar in activity to other known phytoestrogens, such as coumestrol
, but that miroestrol was significantly less active. Because of their estrogenic activities, miroestrol, deoxymiroestrol, and other related compounds have been the targets of scientific research including total synthesis
.
Extracts of Pueraria mirifica
reportedly containing miroestrol are marketed as dietary supplements intended to lead to breast enhancement in women. However, there is no scientific basis for such claims. The Federal Trade Commission
has taken legal action against marketers for these fraudulent claims.
Estrogen
Estrogens , oestrogens , or œstrogens, are a group of compounds named for their importance in the estrous cycle of humans and other animals. They are the primary female sex hormones. Natural estrogens are steroid hormones, while some synthetic ones are non-steroidal...
. Miroestrol was first reportedly isolated from the Thai herb Pueraria mirifica
Pueraria mirifica
Pueraria mirifica, also known as กวาวเครือ Kwao Krua , is a plant found in northern and north eastern Thailand and Myanmar....
in 1960 and thought to be responsible for the supposed rejuvenating properties of the plant. However, more recent studies have suggested that the active ingredient may actually be the closely related chemical compound deoxymiroestrol (shown below), and the reported presence of miroestrol may only have been an artifact of the isolation procedure. When deoxymiroestrol is exposed to the oxygen in air, it is converted to miroestrol.
A comparative study of the estrogenic properties of phytoestrogens found that deoxymiroestrol was similar in activity to other known phytoestrogens, such as coumestrol
Coumestrol
Coumestrol is a natural organic compound in the class of phytochemicals known as coumestans. It has garnered research interest because of its estrogenic activity and its prevalence in some foods, such as soybeans....
, but that miroestrol was significantly less active. Because of their estrogenic activities, miroestrol, deoxymiroestrol, and other related compounds have been the targets of scientific research including total synthesis
Total synthesis
In organic chemistry, a total synthesis is, in principle, the complete chemical synthesis of complex organic molecules from simpler pieces, usually without the aid of biological processes. In practice, these simpler pieces are commercially available in bulk and semi-bulk quantities, and are often...
.
Extracts of Pueraria mirifica
Pueraria mirifica
Pueraria mirifica, also known as กวาวเครือ Kwao Krua , is a plant found in northern and north eastern Thailand and Myanmar....
reportedly containing miroestrol are marketed as dietary supplements intended to lead to breast enhancement in women. However, there is no scientific basis for such claims. The Federal Trade Commission
Federal Trade Commission
The Federal Trade Commission is an independent agency of the United States government, established in 1914 by the Federal Trade Commission Act...
has taken legal action against marketers for these fraudulent claims.