ABSTRACT
The first detailed description on the use of Paukse, a traditional Burmese drug principally derived from the tuberous roots of kwao keur (P. mirifica), but perhaps also incorporating root material from other Pueraria or non-Pueraria species, appears to be an account of uncertain date, but approximately 7000 words in length, which was published in their own language by two Burmese authors, U Nasada and U Nandiya. Their account, which is now probably lost, incorporates a shorter (about 600 words) and older description of the preparation of Paukse, and its use in the treatment of various specific ailments and for general ill-health, which was copied from a palm leaf manuscript found in a damaged Burmese temple at Pagan (Pukam), a former royal capital in Upper Burma. This palm leaf manuscript gives instructions on the preparation of medicinal products from kwao keur, including its use in mixtures with other plant material, and recommendations on dosage levels. Amongst the properties specifically attributed to these preparations are “rejuvenating effects” on the skin, teeth and eyes, and an improvement in male sexual activity.
