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Kudzu

Introduction

Kudzu is a flowering vine that grows in Asia and North America. The root has been used to ease alcohol use disorder. The flower has been used to lower blood pressure and improve heart health. It can be taken as a pill, powder, or extract. Kudzu root and flower can also be made into a tea.

Dosages

200 to 300 milligrams flower and 2 to 3 grams root once daily

What Research Shows

May Be Effective

Obesity —kudzu flower may lower body mass index (BMI)^C1

Not Enough Data to Assess

Alcohol use disorder ^A1
High blood pressure ^B1

Editorial process and description of evidence categories can be found at EBSCO NAT Editorial Process.

Safety Notes

It is likely safe for most adults to take small doses of kudzu root and flower for a short time. Not enough studies have been done to say whether it is safe to use for a long period or by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Interactions

Talk to your doctor about any supplements or therapy you would like to use. Some can interfere with treatment or make conditions worse.

References►

A. Alcohol Use Disorder

A1. Lukas SE, Penetar D, et al. A standardized kudzu extract (NPI-031) reduces alcohol consumption in nontreatment-seeking male heavy drinkers. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2013 Mar;226(1):65-73.

A2. Penetar DM, Toto LH, et al. A single dose of kudzu extract reduces alcohol consumption in a binge drinking paradigm. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2015 Aug 1;153:194-200.

B. High Blood Pressure

B1. Verma SK, Jain V, et al. 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 Aug 1;15(15):742-747.

C. Obesity

C1. Kamiya T, Takano A, 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.

Last reviewed February 2020 by EBSCO NAT Review Board Eric Hurwitz, DC Last Updated: 5/27/2020

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