Scientific Name: Kudzu
Other Names: Ge Gen, Japanese Arrowroot, Kwao Kuer Kao, Pueraria, Pueraria lobata, Pueraria mirifica, Pueraria montana, Pueraria thunbergiana, Yege

Who is this for?

Uses

Chemicals extracted from kudzu include isoflavones known as daidzein, daidzin, genistein, and puerarin. Isoflavones are plant chemicals that have estrogenic and antioxidant effects. In the past several years, these chemicals have been studied for their potential ability to treat alcoholism and to reduce the symptoms of hangovers. At least some of them are known to block two of the natural enzymes that break down alcohol in the body. As a result, study animals given alcohol and kudzu had lower blood alcohol levels than animals given comparable amounts of alcohol alone. The kudzu-treated animals showed less interest in drinking alcohol, as well. In other laboratory studies, kudzu also appeared to protect animal brain, liver, and spine cells from damage by alcohol and other toxic chemicals. Whether these effects apply to humans is being investigated intensively.

In traditional Chinese medicine, the types of kudzu that grow in Asia have been used to relieve muscle pain. Some evidence from animal studies and human case reports suggests that kudzu may have an anti-inflammatory effect, but no controlled studies have been carried out in humans to determine how kudzu might exert this effect. It is known that chemicals in kudzu may help to lower heart rate and regulate heart rhythm, in part by widening blood vessels near the heart. Studies in animals show that puerarin and perhaps other components of kudzu may promote the formation of new blood vessels around areas of heart tissue damaged by heart attacks or low blood supply. Kudzu may also relax blood vessels in the brain, which may help to relieve migraine headaches. More research is needed to prove or disprove all of these potential uses.

The isoflavones in kudzu belong to a larger chemical group known as phytoestrogens. In the human body, phytoestrogens may exhibit weak effects like the female hormone, estrogen. The type of kudzu that grows in North America may not have enough phytoestrogens to provide natural hormone replacement, but the types that grow in Asia may more effective. In small studies of menopausal women, Asian kudzu relieved hot flashes and other symptoms of menopause slightly or moderately. They may also have some ability to improve memory and thinking ability in postmenopausal women. Additional early results from animal studies suggest kudzu phytoestrogens may help to protect against bone loss for individuals with osteoporosis. An additional effect of kudzu’s phytoestrogens may help to lower cholesterol levels. For commercial use, phytoestrogens from kudzu may be combined with other herbals such as soy, which are believed to exert estrogen-like effects in different ways. Currently, not enough is understood about kudzu’s possible estrogenic effects to recommend it for use in menopause or other conditions.

In laboratory animals, chemicals derived from kudzu have affected blood sugar levels. For some animals kudzu reduced blood sugar levels, but not by increasing insulin release. Instead, it is thought that these chemicals increase the body’s production of a substance known as beta-endorphin. In turn, glucose tolerance (the ability of body cells to absorb sugar and convert it into energy) also increases. In general, animals with diabetes experienced a bigger reduction in blood sugar while given kudzu than normal animals. However, recent research in laboratory mice shows that kudzu’s main isoflavone, puerarin, may improve glucose tolerance, but another isoflavone that it contains, daidzin, may actually decrease glucose tolerance. Much more study is needed to prove or disprove kudzu’s possible role in managing diabetes.

In animal studies, kudzu has reduced blood sugar levels. Individuals with diabetes should use kudzu with caution and monitor their blood sugar levels carefully while taking it to avoid hypoglycemia (blood sugar that is too low). Symptoms of low blood sugar include shakiness, sweating, confusion, distorted speech, and loss of muscle control. If not corrected, low blood sugar can lead to unconsciousness and even death.

Due to possible mild estrogenic effects, kudzu may aggravate hormone-dependent conditions or interfere with treatment for them. Women with endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and cancers of the breast, ovaries, or uterus should not take kudzu. Men with prostate cancer should also avoid taking it.

Precautions

Not enough is known about how kudzu might affect developing babies or infants to recommend its use while pregnant or breast-feeding. Its effects have not been studied in children, so its use should also be avoided in children.

What side effects should I watch for?

In a small study of menopausal women, taking kudzu was associated with a few reports of mild and temporary anemia (low red blood cell counts) and elevated liver enzymes. No other side effects have been reported from the use of kudzu.

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 should 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.

Should I take it?

Classified as a noxious weed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, kudzu is actually cultivated in parts of Asia. Named for the Japanese word for “vine”, kudzu is native to China and Japan, where it is used not only for herbal medicine, but also as food. Kudzu was brought to the United States in the late 19th century—primarily to provide shade for homes and animal shelters in the southern states. At various times until about 1950, it was promoted for controlling soil erosion, pasturing livestock, and making hay. Because it contains a high percentage of protein, kudzu is a good animal feed, but its long, woody stems make it hard to harvest and store. Kudzu vines establish themselves quickly, grow rapidly, and have no natural competition in this country. Eventually kudzu became a nuisance over much of the eastern United States.

Kudzu vines, which can grow up to one foot per day, extend as much as 100 feet from huge taproots. One taproot may produce many vines. Although the plants make seeds, they generally spread by sending out rhizomes or by producing new roots where nodes on the vines touch the ground. Rhizomes are shoots that run along or just under the ground’s surface and produce new plants. Very difficult to kill once they are established, kudzu vines overwhelm other vegetation and any other stationary objects in their paths. They bear sets of three dark green leaves and clusters of purple flowers that have a fruity smell attractive to bees and other insects.

In Asia, kudzu leaves sometimes are eaten as vegetables and small leaves from the ends of the vines may be brewed into tea. The flowers may be included in salads or deep fried as a vegetable; the roots may be cooked and served like potatoes or turnips. Kudzu stem fibers have been used to make paper and cloth, the vines have been woven into baskets and furniture, and the dried roots may be powdered for a flour used to thicken cooked foods or to make noodles. For medicinal purposes, small roots from kudzu plants are dug up after the leaves have died in the winter. The roots are chopped and then liquefied. The resulting sludge is dried, powdered, and made into capsules, extracts, or tablets, Kudzu flowers are also used for medicine in some Asian countries.

Dosage and Administration

Kudzu is available in a number of different dosage forms, most commonly as raw fresh root (usually called crude root), as tablets made from dried and powdered root, or as a root extract. Extracts are concentrated liquid preparations usually made by soaking chopped or mashed plant parts in a liquid such as alcohol, and then straining out the solid parts.

For kudzu tablets, 10 mg is the approximate equivalent of about 1,500 mg (1.5 grams) of crude kudzu root.

Commonly recommended daily doses are:

Kudzu root		9,000 mg to 15,000 mg (9 grams to 15 grams)
Kudzu tablets		90 mg to 360 mg divided into two or three doses
Kudzu extract		300 mg to 900 mg divided into three doses

Summary

Kudzu has been promoted for relieving hangovers and lessening the effects of alcohol ingestion. Taken by mouth, it may also treat heart conditions, lower blood sugar levels, alleviate some symptoms of menopause, and lessen the pain associated with migraine headaches.

Risks

Individuals who have conditions, such as endometriosis and reproductive cancers, that may be worsened by estrogen-like effects should not take kudzu. Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding and children who are under 12 years of age should also avoid kudzu. If individuals with diabetes take it, they should also check their blood sugar levels carefully to make sure they do not develop hypoglycemia.

Side Effects

Mild and temporary anemia is the main side effect that has been reported from taking recommended doses of kudzu. No information is available about possible side effects from large or prolonged dosing.

Interactions

Because it may lower blood sugar levels, kudzu may enhance the effectiveness of insulin and oral medications for diabetes. It may also affect the actions of antiplatelet agents, anticoagulants, certain herbal supplements, and drugs used for various heart conditions.

Last Revised September 6, 2007

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Last Revised September 6, 2007

Note: The above information is not intended to replace the advice of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not meant to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.

In general, herbal products are not subject to review or approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They are not required to be standardized, meaning that the amounts of active ingredients or contaminants they contain may vary between brands or between different batches of the same brand. Not all of the risks, side effects, or interactions associated with the use of herbal products are known because few reliable studies of their use in humans have been done.

This information is provided for your education only. Please share this information with your healthcare provider and be sure that you talk to your doctor and pharmacist about all the prescription and non-prescription medicines you take before you begin to use any herbal product.

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