Scientific interest in Pueraria mirifica began in the 1930’s when physicians in Thailand discussed the therapeutic applications of this sub-species root in the treatment of various conditions in their patients. In 1932, the first known discussions of this botanical in a Thai journal appeared. For the next two decades, discussions about P. mirifica were held at scientific meetings convened in several Asian countries, including Thailand and Japan. (Sukhavachana, D. The method of action of white Krua Kwau (Butea superba), proceedings of the Second Session of the East Asia Medical Congress, Tokyo, April, 1943; and, Sukhavachana, D. Investigation of androgenic qualities of Butea Superba.

      [Author’s Note: Until 1960, reference to “white Krua Kwau” as “Butea superba” refers to the Pueraria subspecies, Pueraria candollei var. mirifica. Due to taxonomical misidentification of the species until 1960 this confusion with Butea superba persisted for many years. Butea superba is a distinctively different plant. Its root is tuberous, while that of P. mirifica is bulbous.]