Pueraria
Scientific Name: Kudzu
Other Names: Ge Gen, Japanese Arrowroot, Kwao Kuer Kao, Pueraria lobata, Pueraria mirifica, Pueraria montana, Pueraria thunbergiana, Yege
What interactions should I watch for?
Prescription Drugs
In studies and case reports, kudzu has been shown to increase the time blood needs to clot. When it is taken with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs, the effect of the drug may be increased, resulting in uncontrolled bleeding.
- Antiplatelet agents include clopidogrel and Ticlid
- Anticoagulants include heparin and warfarin
Because it may have a lowering effect on blood sugar, kudzu may increase the effectiveness of medications used for the treatment of diabetes. Individuals using insulin or taking oral medications for diabetes should talk to their doctors or pharmacists before using kudzu.
In animal studies, kudzu has had effects on blood vessel tone, heart rate, and heart rhythm. Potentially, these effects could interfere with drugs used to treat heart conditions including angina, arrhythmias, congestive heart failure, and high blood pressure. Individuals who take any drugs for heart problems or who are not sure whether any of their medications is for a heart condition should discuss the use of kudzu with a doctor or pharmacist before beginning to take it.
One study of laboratory mice found that high doses of kudzu both increased blood levels and decreased the body's elimination of the prescription drug, methotrexate. Used to treat some types of cancer and autoimmune diseases such as Crohn's disease, psoriasis, and rheumatoid arthritis, methotrexate has a higher risk of side effects at high blood levels. Possible side effects include anemia, bruising, diarrhea, nausea, skin rashes, and vomiting. Although no interactions between kudzu and methotrexate have been reported in humans, individuals who use methotrexate are advised to avoid kudzu.
Non-prescription Drugs
Kudzu can affect the ability of blood to clot after an injury. Aspirin can also delay clotting, so kudzu should not be taken at the same time as aspirin.
Herbal Products
Theoretically, if kudzu is used with other herbs that affect blood clotting, bleeding may occur. Some of the most common herbal products that might inhibit blood clotting are:
- Danshen
- Devil's Claw
- Garlic
- Ginger (in large amounts)
- Ginkgo
- Ginseng
- Horse Chestnut
- Papain
- Red Clover
- Saw Palmetto
Some interactions between herbal products and medications can be more severe than others. The best way for you to avoid harmful interactions is to tell your doctor and/or pharmacist what medications you are currently taking, including any over-the-counter products, vitamins, and herbals. For specific information on how kudzu interacts with drugs, other herbals, and foods and the severity of those interactions, please use our Drug Interactions Checker to check for possible interactions.
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What interactions should I watch for?
