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 Gen, Japanese arrowroot, Kakka, Kakkon, Kakkonto, Kudzu, Kudzu vine, XJL (NPI-028)

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jul 22, 2021.

Clinical Overview

Use

Kudzu is being investigated for its potential use as a therapy for alcoholism; however, sufficient and consistent clinical trials are lacking. The estrogenic activity of kudzu and the cardioprotective effects of its constituent puerarin are also under investigation, but clinical trials are limited.

Dosing

Alcohol abuse: 3 g daily of kudzu extract (25% isoflavone content) has been studied in adults diagnosed with alcohol abuse/dependence. In another study, 2.4 g of kudzu root was given daily. Unstable angina: Intravenous (IV) puerarin has been used in studies of unstable angina at dosages of 200 to 500 mg daily for up to 28 days.

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. Because kudzu may decrease blood glucose, additive effects are possible with use of antihyperglycemic agents.

Adverse Reactions

A few case reports of hypersensitivity reactions (ie, maculopapular drug eruption, Stevens-Johnson syndrome–type reaction) exist.

Toxicology

No data.

Scientific Family

• Fabaceae (pea)

Botany

Kudzu is a fast-growing vine native to the subtropical regions of China and Japan, as well as some other Pacific islands.1, 2 The plant consists of leaves (containing 3 broad oval leaflets), purple flowers, and curling tendril spikes.3, 4 Because the stem grows up to 20 m in length and due to its extensive root system, kudzu has been used to control soil erosion. 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.

History

Kudzu was introduced to the United States in the late 1800s to control soil erosion.5 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.4, 6

Chemistry

Numerous reports have identified chemical constituents in various plant parts of kudzu.7, 8, 9 Flavonoid, isoflavonoid, and isoflavone content (including puerarin) has been identified in kudzu roots and flowers.10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 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.20, 21

Oleanene triterpene glycosides, also known as kudzu saponins, have been isolated from the pl...