Skip to main content

Kudzu

Scientific Name(s): Pueraria lobata (Willd) Ohwi., Pueraria montana (Lour.) Merr., Pueraria thunbergiana (Siebold & Zucc.) Benth., Pueraria tuberosa (Indian kudzu)
Common Name(s): Ge, Ge Gen, Japanese arrowroot, Kakka, Kakkon, Kudzu, Kudzu vine, XJL (NPI-028)

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 1, 2023.

Clinical Overview

Use

Kudzu is being investigated for treatment of alcohol use disorder and cervical spondylosis; the estrogenic activity and cardioprotective effects of kudzu and its constituent puerarin are also under investigation. However, limited clinical studies exist to recommend use for any indication.

Dosing

Clinical trial data are lacking to support specific dosing recommendations.

Contraindications

Contraindications have not been identified.

Pregnancy/Lactation

Avoid use. Information regarding safety and efficacy in pregnancy and lactation is lacking.

Interactions

None well documented.

Adverse Reactions

Information regarding potential adverse reactions is limited. Avoid use in individuals with known hypersensitivity to kudzu.

Toxicology

No data.

Scientific Family

Botany

Kudzu is a fast-growing vine native to the subtropical regions of China and Japan, as well as some Pacific islands.(Kudzu extract 1994, Penso 1980) The plant consists of leaves (containing 3 broad oval leaflets), purple flowers, and curling tendril spikes.(Chevalier 1996, USDA 2022) Kudzu has been used to control soil erosion due to its rapid vine growth and extensive root system. Since its introduction to the United States, kudzu has become well established and proliferates in moist southern regions, where it is now considered an invasive plant.(Gulizia 2019)

History

Kudzu was introduced to the United States in the late 1800s to control soil erosion.(Lukas 2005) Although it is widely recognized as a ground cover and fodder crop in the Western world, kudzu also has a history of medicinal use in Asian cultures. Beginning in the sixth century BC, Chinese herbalists used the plant to prevent intoxication, reduce muscular pain, and treat measles.(Chevalier 1996, Xu 2005)

Chemistry

Numerous reports have identified chemical constituents in various plant parts of kudzu.(Chen 1985, Kurihara 1973, Kurihara 1976) Flavonoid, isoflavonoid, and isoflavone content (including puerarin) has been identified in kudzu roots and flowers.(Boué 2003, Kubo 1975, Kurihara 1975, Ma 2005, Ohshima 1988, Penetar 2006, Saĭiad 1978, Saĭiad 1979a, Xu 1987, Zhao 1985) Kudzu contains a high total isoflavone content compared with other isoflavone-containing herbs, with the dry root containing as much as 5.32 mg/g.(Cherdshewasart 2004, Hayashino 2005)

Oleanene triterpene glycosides, also known as kudzu saponins, have been isolated from the plant.(Arao 1995, Arao 1997a) Analysis of isoflavonoid aglycones and their glycosides has been performed.(Rong 1998) Robinin in kudzu leaf has also been reported.(Saĭiad 1979b) Other constituents evaluated include daidzin, daidzein, genistein, genestin,(Lal 2003) tectoridin,(Park 2006) kakkalide,(Lee 2005) formononetin, biochanin A, and plant sterols.(Bruneton 1999, Chevalier 1996, Keung 1993a, Keung 1993b, Kudzu extract 1994) In addition, morphological and anatomical identification studies of kudzu have been performed.(Kartmazova 1980)

Uses and Pharmacology

Alcohol use disorder

The isoflavones daidzin, daidzein, and puerarin may help to suppress ethanol intake. Although the mechanism of action is not certain, inhibition of alcohol dehydrogenase is thought to be a major factor in kudzu's potential antidipsotropic activity.(Keung 1993a, Keung 1993c, Keung 1998, Keung 2003, Lin 1998, Xie 1994)

Animal data

Available animal studies of the effects of kudzu on alcohol dependence have been reviewed, with plant constituents (daidzin, daidzein, puerarin) showing alcohol-suppressing effects in rats.(Keung 2003, Rezvani 2003, Xu 2005)

Clinical data

Clinical trials evaluating the effects of kudzu on alcohol consumption provide conflicting results.(Ulbricht 2015) In a study of 38 military veterans, 1.2 g of kudzu root extract administered twice daily for 1 month had no effect on alcohol consumption patterns or cravings.(Shebek 2000) Another small study (N=14) conducted over a period of several weeks demonstrated a reduction in the number of beers and total volume consumed by heavy drinkers.(Herbal treatment 2005, Lukas 2005) The amount of isoflavone present in the extracts used in these 2 trials likely differed, which may account for the inconsistent results.(Lukas 2005)

Several clinical studies available in the literature and conducted by the same pool of researchers demonstrate favorable effects of kudzu on moderate to heavy alcohol consumption.(Bracken 2011, Lukas 2005, Lukas 2013, Penetar 2011, Penetar 2012, Penetar 2015)

Anti-inflammatory effects

Animal and in vitro data

Animal and in vitro studies have demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects of kudzu leaf and root extracts, as well as its active constituents puerarin and robinin. In a colitis mouse model, oral administration of puerarin reversed colonic shortening and spleen weight in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.01 for each) and significantly improved disease severity (P<0.05 at 10 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg doses; P<0.01 at a 50 mg/kg dose). Improvements were noted in antioxidant processes (ie, cyclooxygenase-2 [COX-2], prostaglandin E2) via inhibition of nuclear factor kappa B and activation of necrosis factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 pathways, as well as via reductions in the activity and levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines (ie, tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF-alpha], interleukin [IL]-1beta, IL-6).(Jeon 2020) In mouse peritoneal macrophages, kudzu leaf extract was a more potent inhibitor of the inflammatory proteins inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), COX-2, TNF-alpha, and IL-6. Robinin, found predominantly in kudzu leaves and not the roots, was found to inhibit interferon-gamma and iNOS production but not TNF-alpha, COX-2, or IL-6.(Eom 2018)

Antiviral activity

Animal and in vitro data

Puerarin administered to mice infected with influenza virus strain H1N1 significantly reduced lung inflammatory pathology and pulmonary enterovirus titer compared with untreated controls (P<0.01 each). Inflammatory lesions in the GI tract (ie, ileum, colon) were reduced, as were inflammatory cytokines (ie, TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-7) in the lungs and intestines (P<0.05).(Zeng 2021) Anti-HIV activity of kudzu root extract was also demonstrated in vitro.(Mediouni 2018)

Ataxia

In vitro data

Spinocerebellar ataxia 3 (SCA3), the most common subtype among the autosomal dominant cerebellar ataxias, results in cellular polyglutamine aggregates, which contribute to cellular dysfunction and death. In an SCA3 in vitro model, the constituents puerarin and daidzein derived from P. lobata suppressed this aggregation and the proapoptotic marker BCL-2-associated X protein, as well as restored ubiquitin-proteasome system function and enhanced cellular proteasome activity.(Phang 2021)

Cancer

In vitro data

A kudzu ethanolic extract has been evaluated for antiproliferative activity against breast, ovarian, and cervical cancer cell lines, with some components demonstrating cytotoxic activity.(Jeon 2005)

Cardiovascular effects

Animal and in vitro data

Kudzu has been examined for its effects on vascular smooth muscle tissue.(Wang 1994) The main constituent, puerarin, has been found to inhibit endothelium-dependent contractions in mouse carotid arteries in a dose-dependent manner.(Chen 2020) Kudzu has also been studied for potential effects in arrhythmia, ischemia, and angina pectoris,(Lai 1989, Qicheng 1980, Zhou 1995) and for antioxidant activity.(Sato 1992, Zhang 2013)

Clinical data

A meta-analysis examined patients with unstable angina pectoris who received puerarin injection as an adjunct to conventional therapy. Most of the 41 included studies (N=2,953) were conducted among Chinese populations, with small sample sizes. The meta-analysis reported improvements in angina pectoris incidence, electrocardiogram findings, nitroglycerin consumption, and plasma endothelin levels.(Gao 2015)

A small 12-week study (N=15) reported decreased blood pressure and enhanced plasma fibrinolytic activity with consumption of 1.5 g of P. tuberosa (each capsule contained 0.75 g of powder) twice a day for 12 weeks.(Verma 2012)

Cervical spondylosis

Clinical data

In a 15-day observational study enrolling 200 patients with cervical spondylosis, oral administration of a nanoparticle P. lobata targeted preparation (3 g added to 250 mL physiological saline once daily) for 15 days was associated with a significantly better cure rate (41%) and total effective rate (97%), as well as a lower incidence of adverse events (3%) compared with controls (12%, 78%, and 12%, respectively) (P<0.001 for efficacy; P<0.05 for adverse events). Effects were attributed partially to a beneficial shift in the composition and distribution of gut microbiota (P<0.05).(Qin 2022)

CNS effects

Animal data

In an Alzheimer rat model, puerarin alleviated beta-amyloid–induced cognitive dysfunction by maintaining neuroplasticity.(Liu 2021) Puerarin has also demonstrated antidepressant effects in mice subjected to mild unpredictable stress; effects appeared to be due to improved gut microbiota diversity and composition.(Song 2021)

Diabetes

Animal and in vitro data

Isoflavones in P. lobata have demonstrated alpha-glucosidase–inhibitory effects in vitro. Other constituents (eg, puerarin) have resulted in increased glucose utilization in rat models.(Hsu 2003, Wang 2017)

In a study of mice with streptozotocin-induced diabetes, improvements in memory and cognitive function, as well as changes in acetylcholinesterase activity, were observed.(Liu 2015)

Estrogenic activity

In vitro data

The high isoflavone content of kudzu has prompted investigation of the potential estrogenic activity of kudzu extracts. In vitro experiments suggest that daidzein exhibits more potent estrogenic activity than daidzin or puerarin.(Park 2006) In studies comparing estrogenic effects of legume extracts containing phytoestrogens, kudzu was more potent than red clover, soybean, mung, and alfalfa sprouts.(Boué 2003) In another study, P. lobata was less effective than Pueraria mirifica or Mucana collettii, with no proliferation and a mild antiproliferation effect on the growth of MCF-7 cells observed.(Cherdshewasart 2004)

Clinical data

In one trial of 25 menopausal females, a decrease in the number of hot flushes per day occurred when a multiple-ingredient preparation containing kudzu extract was used.(Lukaczer 2005) However, in a larger trial (N=127), a P. lobata extract given daily for 3 months did not demonstrate positive effects on symptoms of menopause.(Woo 2003) In another study in postmenopausal females with pelvic floor dysfunction (N=60), P. lobata root administration (one 0.33 g tablet [including 0.425 mg of isoflavones] per day) for 60 days prior to hysterectomy resulted in increased collagen and elastin content and less blood loss during surgery compared to controls.(Yan 2016)

Hepatoprotective effects

In vitro data

In experimental studies in mouse and human cells investigating the hepatoprotective effects of puerarin and saponins, some antihepatotoxic activity was demonstrated.(Arao 1997b, Arao 1998, Hayashino 2005)

Obesity

In vitro data

In an in vitro experiment, biochanin A demonstrated potential hypolipidemic activity via activation of peroxisome proliferator–activated receptors.(Shen 2006)

Clinical data

The effects of kudzu flower (as Pueraria thomsonii extract) on obesity have been evaluated in a 12-week clinical trial (N=81). Reductions in body mass index and visceral (but not subcutaneous) fat were demonstrated.(Kamiya 2012)

Osteogenic activity

In vitro data

In an in vitro study of a Radix puerariae (kudzu root) extract, an increase in the synthesis of alkaline phosphatase in human osteoblast cells was observed.(Huh 2006)

Ototoxicity

Animal data

Puerarin protected against gentamicin-induced ototoxicity in mice, as demonstrated by significant improvements in the auditory brainstem response thresholds as well as surviving outer and inner cochlear hair cells compared with untreated controls (P<0.01 for each). In vitro experiments indicated the effects were related to improved antioxidant activity, protective effects on the mitochondrial membrane, and reduction in apoptosis.(Niu 2021)

Dosing

In one pharmacokinetic profile study, the isoflavone puerarin was rapidly absorbed after oral administration, reaching peak levels in 2 hours.(Penetar 2006) Isoflavone content varies widely among commercial kudzu preparations, with most containing less than 1%.(Lukas 2005)

Cervical spondylosis

In a 15-day observational study of patients with cervical spondylosis, oral administration of a nanoparticle P. lobata targeted preparation (3 g added to 250 mL physiological saline once daily) for 15 days was evaluated for effects on clinical symptoms.(Qin 2022)

Estrogenic activity

In a small study in postmenopausal females with pelvic floor dysfunction, P. lobata root (one 0.33 g tablet [including 0.425 mg isoflavones] per day) was administered for 60 days prior to hysterectomy to evaluate effects on collagen and elastin content.(Yan 2016)

Pregnancy / Lactation

Avoid use. Information regarding safety and efficacy in pregnancy and lactation is lacking.

Interactions

None well documented. Several in vitro and animal studies indicate glucose-lowering effects; therefore, additive effects are possible with use of antihyperglycemic agents.(Hsu 2003, Wang 2017) Puerarin and other compounds from Radix puerariae (kudzu root) affect CYP-450 isoenzymes; study results demonstrate contradictory effects (ie, a complex pattern of CYP modulation was observed, including both induction and inactivation).(Guerra 2000)

Adverse Reactions

Kudzu has historically been used for medicinal purposes, with few reported adverse reactions.(Keung 1993a) There are a few case reports of hypersensitivity reactions (ie, maculopapular drug eruption, Stevens-Johnson syndrome–type reaction) to the kudzu-containing Kakkonto decoction.(Akita 2003)

Toxicology

Although data regarding use in traditional Chinese medicine indicate a lack of toxicity, the safety profile of kudzu and its extracts has not been determined by systematic pharmacologic screens.(Qicheng 1980) Acute toxicity of 4 Pueraria species has been studied comparatively.(Zhou 1995)

Index Terms

References

Disclaimer

This information relates to an herbal, vitamin, mineral or other dietary supplement. This product has not been reviewed by the FDA to determine whether it is safe or effective and is not subject to the quality standards and safety information collection standards that are applicable to most prescription drugs. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take this product. This information does not endorse this product as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about this product. It does NOT include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to this product. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. You should talk with your health care provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of using this product.

This product may adversely interact with certain health and medical conditions, other prescription and over-the-counter drugs, foods, or other dietary supplements. This product may be unsafe when used before surgery or other medical procedures. It is important to fully inform your doctor about the herbal, vitamins, mineral or any other supplements you are taking before any kind of surgery or medical procedure. With the exception of certain products that are generally recognized as safe in normal quantities, including use of folic acid and prenatal vitamins during pregnancy, this product has not been sufficiently studied to determine whether it is safe to use during pregnancy or nursing or by persons younger than 2 years of age.

More about kudzu

Related treatment guides

Akita H, Sowa J, Makiura M, Akamatsu H, Matsunaga K. Maculopapular drug eruption due to the Japanese herbal medicine Kakkonto (kudzu or arrowroot decoction). Contact Dermatitis. 2003;48(6):348-349. doi:10.1034/j.1600-0536.2003.00151.x14531887
Arao T, Kinjo J, Nohara T, Isobe R. Oleanene-type triterpene glycosides from Puerariae radix. II. Isolation of saponins and the application of tandem mass spectrometry to their structure determination. Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo). 1995;43(7):1176-1179. doi:10.1248/cpb.43.11767586062
Arao T, Kinjo J, Nohara T, Isobe R. Oleanene-type triterpene glycosides from Puerariae radix. IV. Six new saponins from Pueraria lobata. Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo). 1997;45(2):362-366. doi:10.1248/cpb.45.3629118450
Arao T, Udayama M, Kinjo J, Nohara T. Preventive effects of saponins from the Pueraria lobata root on in vitro immunological liver injury of rat primary hepatocyte cultures. Planta Med. 1998;64(5):413-416. doi:10.1055/s-2006-9574719690342
Arao T, Udayama M, Kinjo J, Nohara T, Funakoshi T, Kojima S. Preventive effects of saponins from Puerariae radix (the root of Pueraria lobata Ohwi) on in vitro immunological injury of rat primary hepatocyte cultures. Biol Pharm Bull. 1997;20(9):988-991. doi:10.1248/bpb.20.9889331982
Boué SM, Wiese TE, Nehls S, et al. Evaluation of the estrogenic effects of legume extracts containing phytoestrogens. J Agric Food Chem. 2003;51(8):2193-2199. doi:10.1021/jf021114s12670155
Bracken BK, Penetar DM, Maclean RR, Lukas SE. Kudzu root extract does not perturb the sleep/wake cycle of moderate drinkers. J Altern Complement Med. 2011;17(10):961-966. doi:10.1089/acm.2010.054022010780
Bruneton J. Pharmacognosy, Phytochemistry, Medicinal Plants. 2nd ed. Lavoisier; 1999.
Chen M, Xiang L, Wu G, Liao Y, Cai Y. Puerarin inhibits endothelium-dependent contractions in mouse carotid arteries. Med Sci Monit. 2020;26:e923163. doi:10.12659/MSM.92316332555127
Chen MH. Studies on the chemical constituents of Pueraria lobata. Article in Chinese. Zhong Yao Tong Bao. 1985;10(6):34-36.2934171
Cherdshewasart W, Cheewasopit W, Picha P. The differential anti-proliferation effect of white (Pueraria mirifica), red (Butea superba), and black (Mucuna collettii) Kwao Krua plants on the growth of MCF-7 cells. J Ethnopharmacol. 2004;93(2-3):255-260. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2004.03.04115234761
Chevalier A. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants: A Practical Reference Guide to Over 550 Key Herbs and Their Medicinal Uses. DK Publishing; 1996.
Eom SH, Jin SJ, Jeong HY, et al. Kudzu leaf extract suppresses the production of inducible nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase-2, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interleukin-6 via inhibition of JNK, TBK1 and STAT1 in inflammatory macrophages. Int J Mol Sci. 2018;19(5):1536. doi:10.3390/ijms1905153629786649
Gao Z, Wei B, Qian C. Puerarin injection for treatment of unstable angina pectoris: a meta-analysis and systematic review. Int J Clin Exp Med. 2015;8(9):14577-14594.26628941
Guerra MC, Speroni E, Broccoli M, et al. Comparison between Chinese medical herb Pueraria lobata crude extract and its main isoflavone puerarin antioxidant properties and effects on rat liver CYP-catalysed drug metabolism. Life Sci. 2000;67(24):2997-3006. doi:10.1016/s0024-3205(00)00885-711133012
Gulizia JP, Downs KM. A review of kudzu's use and characteristics as potential feedstock. Agriculture. 2019;9:220. doi:10.3390/agriculture9100220
Hayashino Y. Is herbal "root" effective for reducing alcohol drinking? Alcohol Clin Exp Res. 2005;29(10):1913-1914. doi:10.1097/01.alc.0000183016.69846.bc16269923
Herbal treatment helps curb urge to drink. Harv Womens Health Watch. 2005;13(1):6-7.16229064
Hsu FL, Liu IM, Kuo DH, Chen WC, Su HC, Cheng JT. Antihyperglycemic effect of puerarin in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. J Nat Prod. 2003;66(6):788-792. doi:10.1021/np020388712828463
Huh JE, Yang HR, Park DS, et al. Puerariae radix promotes differentiation and mineralization in human osteoblast-like SaOS-2 cells. J Ethnopharmacol. 2006;104(3):345-350. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2005.09.04116455216
Jeon GC, Park MS, Yoon DY, Shin CH, Sin HS, Um SJ. Antitumor activity of spinasterol isolated from Pueraria roots. Exp Mol Med. 2005;37(2):111-120. doi:10.1038/emm.2005.1515886524
Jeon YD, Lee JH, Lee YM, Kim DK. Puerarin inhibits inflammation and oxidative stress in dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis mice model. Biomed Pharmacother. 2020;124:109847. doi:10.1016/j.biopha.2020.10984731981944
Kamiya T, Takano A, Matsuzuka Y, et al. Consumption of Pueraria flower extract reduces body mass index via a decrease in the visceral fat area in obese humans. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2012;76(8):1511-1517. doi:10.1271/bbb.12023522878195
Kartmazova DS, Tkachenko NM, Borysov MI, Saĭiad SA. Morphological and anatomical diagnosis of the subterranean vegetative organs of Pueraria lobata. Article in Ukrainian. Farm Zh. 1980;(3):61-63.7409122
Keung WM. Anti-dipsotropic isoflavones: the potential therapeutic agents for alcohol dependence. Med Res Rev. 2003;23(6):669-696. doi:10.1002/med.1004912939789
Keung WM. Biochemical studies of a new class of alcohol dehydrogenase inhibitors from Radix puerariae. Alcohol Clin Exp Res. 1993;17(6):1254-1260. doi:10.1111/j.1530-0277.1993.tb05238.x8116840
Keung WM, Vallee BL. Daidzin: a potent, selective inhibitor of human mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1993;90(4):1247-1251. doi:10.1073/pnas.90.4.12478433985
Keung WM, Vallee BL. Daidzin and daidzein suppress free-choice ethanol intake by Syrian golden hamsters. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1993;90(21):10008-10012. doi:10.1073/pnas.90.21.100088234248
Keung WM, Vallee BL. Kudzu root: an ancient Chinese source of modern antidipsotropic agents. Phytochemistry. 1998;47(4):499-506. doi:10.1016/s0031-9422(97)00723-19461670
Kubo M, Sasaki M, Namba K, Naruto S, Nishimura H. Isolation of a new isoflavone from Chinese Pueraria flowers. Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo). 1975;23(10):2449-2451. doi:10.1248/cpb.23.24491212761
Kudzu extract shows potential for moderating alcohol abuse. Am J Hosp Pharm. 1994;51(6):750.8010311
Kurihara T, Kikuchi M. Studies on the constituents of flowers. V. On the components of flower of Pueraria thunbergiana benth. (2). Isolation of a new isoflavone glycoside. Article in Japanese. Yakugaku Zasshi. 1975;95(11):1283-1285. doi:10.1248/yakushi1947.95.11_12831240926
Kurihara T, Kikuchi M. Studies on the constituents of flowers. VI. On the components of the flower of Pueraria thubergiana Benth. Article in Japanese. Yakugaku Zasshi. 1976;96(12):1486-1488. doi:10.1248/yakushi1947.96.12_14861035632
Kurihara T, Kiruchi M. Studies on the constituents of flowers. I. On the components of flower of Pueraria thunbergiana Benth. Article in Japanese. Yakugaku Zasshi. 1973;93(9):1201-1205. doi:10.1248/yakushi1947.93.9_12014797577
Lai XL, Tang B. Recent advances in the experimental study and clinical application of Pueraria lobata (Willd) Ohwi. Article in Chinese. Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 1989;14(5):308-277.2512952
Lal A, Warber S, Kirakosyan A, Kaufman PB, Duke JA. Upregulation of isoflavonoids and soluble proteins in edible legumes by light and fungal elicitor treatments. J Altern Complement Med. 2003;9(3):371-378. doi:10.1089/10755530376555159812816625
Lee HU, Bae EA, Kim DH. Hepatoprotective effects of irisolidone on tert-butyl hyperoxide-induced liver injury. Biol Pharm Bull. 2005;28(3):531-533. doi:10.1248/bpb.28.53115744084
Lin RC, Li TK. Effects of isoflavones on alcohol pharmacokinetics and alcohol-drinking behavior in rats. Am J Clin Nutr. 1998;68(suppl 6):1512S-1515S. doi:10.1093/ajcn/68.6.1512S9848526
Liu S, Zhou T, Chen D, et al. In silico-determined compound from the root of Pueraria lobate alleviates synaptic plasticity injury induced by Alzheimer's disease via the p38MAPK-CREB signaling pathway. Food Funct. 2021;12(3):1039-1050. doi:10.1039/d0fo02388d33433542
Liu ZH, Chen HG, Wu PF, et al. Flos Puerariae extract ameliorates cognitive impairment in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015;2015:873243. doi:10.1155/2015/87324326060502
Lukaczer D, Darland G, Tripp M, et al. Clinical effects of a proprietary combination isoflavone nutritional supplement in menopausal women: a pilot trial. Altern Ther Health Med. 2005;11(5):60-65.16189949
Lukas SE, Penetar D, Berko J, et al. An extract of the Chinese herbal root kudzu reduces alcohol drinking by heavy drinkers in a naturalistic setting. Alcohol Clin Exp Res. 2005;29(5):756-762. doi:10.1097/01.alc.0000163499.64347.9215897719
Lukas SE, Penetar D, Su Z, et al. A standardized kudzu extract (NPI-031) reduces alcohol consumption in nontreatment-seeking male heavy drinkers. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2013;226(1):65-73. doi:10.1007/s00213-012-2884-923070022
Ma Z, Wu Q, Lee DY, Tracy M, Lukas SE. Determination of puerarin in human plasma by high performance liquid chromatography. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci. 2005;823(2):108-114. doi:10.1016/j.jchromb.2005.06.01616009605
Mediouni S, Jablonski JA, Tsuda S, et al. Potent suppression of HIV-1 cell attachment by kudzu root extract. Retrovirology. 2018;15(1):64. doi:10.1186/s12977-018-0446-x30236131
Niu P, Sun Y, Wang S, et al. Puerarin alleviates the ototoxicity of gentamicin by inhibiting the mitochondria-dependent apoptosis pathway. Mol Med Rep. 2021;24(6):851. doi:10.3892/mmr.2021.1249134651662
Ohshima Y, Okuyama T, Takahashi K, Takizawa T, Shibata S. Isolation and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) of isoflavonoids from the Pueraria root. Planta Med. 1988;54(3):250-254. doi:10.1055/s-2006-9624203174862
Park EK, Shin J, Bae EA, Lee YC, Kim DH. Intestinal bacteria activate estrogenic effect of main constituents puerarin and daidzin of Pueraria thunbergiana. Biol Pharm Bull. 2006;29(12):2432-2435. doi:10.1248/bpb.29.243217142977
Penetar DM, Maclean RR, McNeil JF, Lukas SE. Kudzu extract treatment does not increase the intoxicating effects of acute alcohol in human volunteers. Alcohol Clin Exp Res. 2011;35(4):726-734. doi:10.1111/j.1530-0277.2010.01390.x21244439
Penetar DM, Teter CJ, Ma Z, Tracy M, Lee DY, Lukas SE. Pharmacokinetic profile of the isoflavone puerarin after acute and repeated administration of a novel kudzu extract to human volunteers. J Altern Complement Med. 2006;12(6):543-548. doi:10.1089/acm.2006.12.54316884345
Penetar DM, Toto LH, Farmer SL, et al. The isoflavone puerarin reduces alcohol intake in heavy drinkers: a pilot study. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2012;126(1-2):251-256. doi:10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2012.04.01222578529
Penetar DM, Toto LH, Lee DY, Lukas SE. A single dose of kudzu extract reduces alcohol consumption in a binge drinking paradigm. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2015;153:194-200. doi:10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2015.05.02526048637
Penso G. Inventory of Medicinal Plants Used in the Different Countries. World Health Organization; 1980.
Phang MWL, Lew SY, Chung I, Lim WK, Lim LW, Wong KH. Therapeutic roles of natural remedies in combating hereditary ataxia: a systematic review. Chin Med. 2021;16(1):15. doi:10.1186/s13020-020-00414-x33509239
Pueraria montana (Lour.) Merr.USDA, NRCS. 2022. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov, 14 November 2022). National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC 27401-4901 USA.
Qicheng F. Some current study and research approaches relating to the use of plants in the traditional Chinese medicine. J Ethnopharmacol. 1980;2(1):57-63. doi:10.1016/0378-8741(80)90031-87464185
Qin Y. Pueraria lobata targeted preparation improves the clinical symptoms of cervical spondylosis by regulating the balance of gut microbiota. Comput Math Methods Med. 2022;2022:2136807. doi:10.1155/2022/213680735126618
Rezvani AH, Overstreet DH, Perfumi M, Massi M. Plant derivatives in the treatment of alcohol dependency. Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 2003;75(3):593-606. doi:10.1016/s0091-3057(03)00124-212895677
Rong H, De Keukeleire D, De Cooman L, Baeyens WR, Van der Weken G. Narrow-bore HPLC analysis of isoflavonoid aglycones and their O- and C-glycosides from Pueraria lobata. Biomed Chromatogr. 1998;12(3):170-171. doi:10.1002/(SICI)1099-0801(199805/06)12:3<170::AID-BMC799>3.0.CO;2-M9646928
Saĭiad SA, Borysov MI. Flavonoids of the flowers of Pueraria lobata. Article in Ukrainian. Farm Zh. 1978;(6):83-84.729771
Saĭiad SA, Borysov MI. Flavonoids of the rhizomes of Pueraria. Article in Ukrainian. Farm Zh. 1979;(2):76-77.222607
Saĭiad SA, Borysov MI, Koval'ov VM. Isolation, identification and quantitative determination of robinin in the leaves of Pueraria lobata. Article in Ukrainian. Farm Zh. 1979;(4):52-55.225196
Sato T, Kawamoto A, Tamura A, Tatsumi Y, Fujii T. Mechanism of antioxidant action of pueraria glycoside (PG)-1 (an isoflavonoid) and mangiferin (a xanthonoid). Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo). 1992;40(3):721-724. doi:10.1248/cpb.40.7211611684
Shebek J, Rindone JP. A pilot study exploring the effect of kudzu root on the drinking habits of patients with chronic alcoholism. J Altern Complement Med. 2000;6(1):45-48. doi:10.1089/acm.2000.6.4510706235
Shen P, Liu MH, Ng TY, Chan YH, Yong EL. Differential effects of isoflavones, from Astragalus membranaceus and Pueraria thomsonii, on the activation of PPARalpha, PPARgamma, and adipocyte differentiation in vitro. J Nutr. 2006;136(4):899-905. doi:10.1093/jn/136.4.89916549448
Song X, Wang W, Ding S, Liu X, Wang Y, Ma H. Puerarin ameliorates depression-like behaviors of with chronic unpredictable mild stress mice by remodeling their gut microbiota. J Affect Disord. 2021;290:353-363. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2021.04.03734049088
Ulbricht C, Costa D, Dam C, et al. An evidence-based systematic review of kudzu (Pueraria lobata) by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration. J Diet Suppl. 2015;12(1):36-104. doi:10.3109/19390211.2014.90412324848872
Verma SK, Jain V, Singh DP. Effect of Pueraria tuberosa DC. (Indian kudzu) on blood pressure, fibrinolysis and oxidative stress in patients with stage 1 hypertension. Pak J Biol Sci. 2012;15(15):742-747. doi:10.3923/pjbs.2012.742.74724171260
Wang LY, Zhao AP, Chai XS. Effects of puerarin on cat vascular smooth muscle in vitro. Article in Chinese. Zhongguo Yao Li Xue Bao. 1994;15(2):180-182.8010117
Wang XL, Jiao FR, Yu M, et al. Constituents with potent α-glucosidase inhibitory activity from Pueraria lobata (Willd.) ohwi. Bioorg Med Chem Lett. 2017;27(9):1993-1998. doi:10.1016/j.bmcl.2017.03.01328343876
Woo J, Lau E, Ho SC, et al. Comparison of Pueraria lobata with hormone replacement therapy in treating the adverse health consequences of menopause. Menopause. 2003;10(4):352-361. doi:10.1097/01.GME.0000054764.94658.3312851519
Xie CI, Lin RC, Antony V, et al. Daidzin, an antioxidant isoflavonoid, decreases blood alcohol levels and shortens sleep time induced by ethanol intoxication. Alcohol Clin Exp Res. 1994;18(6):1443-1447. doi:10.1111/j.1530-0277.1994.tb01448.x7695042
Xu BJ, Zheng YN, Sung CK. Natural medicines for alcoholism treatment: a review. Drug Alcohol Rev. 2005;24(6):525-536. doi:10.1080/0959523050029379516361209
Xu LX, Liu AR, Zhang XQ. Differential pulse polarographic determination of flavonoids in Pueraria lobata. Article in Chinese. Yao Xue Xue Bao. 1987;22(3):208-211.3661208
Yan B, Ma J, Jiang G, Wang Y, Ma Q. Effects of pueraria root (Pueraria radix) on the content of collagen and elastin in pelvic floor dysfunction patients. Int J Clin Exp Med. 2016;9(11):21988-21995.
Zeng MS, Yu WD, Wang HX, Xu PP, Liu JY. Puerarin reduces impairment of intestinal and adipose immune responses to influenza virus infection in mice. Arch Virol. 2021;166(9):2387-2397. doi:10.1007/s00705-021-05112-z34114139
Zhang Z, Lam TN, Zuo Z. Radix Puerariae: an overview of its chemistry, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and clinical use. J Clin Pharmacol. 2013;53(8):787-811. doi:10.1002/jcph.9623677886
Zhao SP, Zhang YZ. Quantitative TLC-densitometry of isoflavones in Pueraria lobata (Willd.) Ohwi. Article in Chinese. Yao Xue Xue Bao. 1985;20(3):203-208.4072688
Zhou Y, Su X, Cheng B, Jiang J, Chen H. Comparative study on pharmacological effects of various species of Pueraria. Article in Chinese. Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 1995;20(10):619-640.8679082

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.