A chewing gum which the makers say can help enhance the size, shape and tone of the breasts has proved to be a big hit in Japan. Maker says its gum, when chewed three or four times a day, can also help improve circulation, reduce stress and fight ageing.

The gum works by slowly releasing compounds contained in an extract from a plant called Pueraria mirifica. In theory, this helps to keep the muscle tissue in good order. Pueraria mirifica, also known as Kwao Krua, is a species found in Thailand and Burma. It has long been used by indigenous hill tribe people as a traditional medicine.

The plant's underground tubers contain a number of chemicals called phytoestrogens - natural compounds which mimic the effects of the female sex hormone oestrogen. These include miroestrol and deoxymiroestrol, which are believed to exert a particularly strong effect, as they are very close in chemical structure to oestradiol, the main human oestrogen.

It cites tests carried out by Thailand's Chulalongkorn University which found Pueraria mirifica therapy was able to enhance breast size by 80%. Further tests carried out in England found that the plant had a beneficial effect on the skin, and hair, as well as the breasts. The gum, which comes in rose flavour, has proved so popular that there are plans to start selling it in convenience stores.

Woman in the rural communities of Thailand have used this tuberous roots effectively as rejuvenating folk medicine for well over a hundreds years before it become well known and received much attention from Thai and foreign scientist, especially the Japanese.

Most of the kwao kreu processed by the Japanese are made into medicines and cosmetics commonly used for improving the skin, hair and firming the breasts.

This herb is known to ...

- Grow hair, strengthen and darken existing ones
- Help improve complexion and remove wrinkles
- Improves eyesight
- Increase energy and vigor leading to more reflexive body movements
- Including breast enhancement.

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