How much kudzu root

Kudzu root is rich in antioxidants , compounds that protect cells from oxidative stress that can lead to disease. The isoflavone puerarin is the most abundant antioxidant compound in the kudzu vine 6.

One study in mice found that kudzu vine extract was highly beneficial in treating alcohol-induced liver damage by scavenging harmful free radicals and boosting the natural antioxidant system 6. Some health companies sell the kudzu root species Pueraria mirifica as a supplement for menopausal and postmenopausal women. Kudzu root contains phytoestrogens , plant compounds that scientists have found act similarly to estrogen in the human body 7 , 8.

Kudzu root may help treat some of the most common menopausal complaints, including hot flashes and night sweats. Small studies in people have observed noteworthy improvements in these menopausal symptoms, among others, like vaginal dryness 9 , However, other research has found inconclusive evidence for this use While scientists need to do more research on the health effects of kudzu, some studies suggest that kudzu root may have other health benefits worth considering.

Kudzu root may help treat alcohol dependence, liver damage, and menopausal symptoms. Scientists need to do more human studies to determine its effectiveness in other areas, like inflammation, heart health, and headaches.

While kudzu root may offer a few specific benefits, there are also some potential downsides to consider. There is some evidence that kudzu root dietary supplements may cause liver injury.

One study in mice found that taking 10 mg per day of kudzu root extract for 4 weeks caused liver toxicity In one human case study, a previously healthy year-old man went to the hospital with liver injury after taking mistletoe extract for 1 month and kudzu root extract for 10 days Scientists need to do more research to investigate the potential of kudzu root to cause liver injury in humans.

Kudzu root may also interact with certain medications. For instance, it may reduce the effectiveness of birth control due to its estrogenic effects 8 , Anecdotal sources also note that kudzu root may lower blood sugar too much or slow down blood clotting.

However, there is no available scientific evidence for this. Nevertheless, it may be a good idea to avoid if you use blood thinning or diabetes medications. Kudzu root may increase the risk of liver injury or interact with certain medications, like birth control. Anecdotal sources say it may also be harmful to take with medications for diabetes or blood clotting. Speak with a healthcare provider before taking it. Some research specifically on the kudzu species Pueraria mirifica suggests that doses of 50— mg per day appear to have a low risk of adverse side effects For targeting alcohol dependence, studies have used dosages of 1.

Scientists need to do more research on the safe and effective dosages of kudzu root for various uses. There is no standard dosing for kudzu root. Various studies have used single, one-time doses or daily doses for a week without reported adverse effects.

You can find kudzu root supplements easily online and in a variety of natural food or supplement stores. The most popular forms available appear to be powdered drink mixes, capsules, disintegrating tablets, and liquid extract drops.

In heavy drinkers, data suggest kudzu may be a useful adjunct to reduce alcohol intake 9 19 In another small study, a single dose of kudzu extract reduced alcohol consumption Other preliminary studies suggest kudzu may improve symptoms such as hot flushes and night sweats in perimenopausal women 5 10 21 , and cognitive function in postmenopausal women 6. Although a topical P. A recent systematic review of P. In addition, another systematic review determined that evidence on benefits for any condition with various species of kudzu are limited and unclear Because human and animal studies suggest some estrogenic effects 5 10 11 , individuals with hormone-sensitive cancers and those taking tamoxifen should avoid kudzu.

Anti-inflammatory properties are attributed to decreased prostaglandin E2 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha release, both of which are involved in inflammatory processes 3.

The isoflavone tectorigenin demonstrated antiproliferative activity via cell differentiation and reduced expression of Bcl-2, an antiapoptotic protein 1. In animal studies, peurarin may alleviate chronic alcoholic liver injury via inhibition of endotoxin gut-leakage, activation of Kupffer cells, and expression of lipopolysaccharide receptors In humans, benefits from kudzu on hot flashes, night sweats, and cognitive function are also attributed to isoflavones 5 6.

Puerarin particularly has been credited with influencing alcohol consumption patterns, although the mechanism by which this might occur is unknown In one small study of postmenopausal women, transient negative profiles including anemia and liver profiles 5.

Other small studies reported no significant adverse effects 9 19 20 21 Acute interstitial nephritis: In a middle-aged woman who consumed kudzu root juice to promote health and well-being for 10 days, and without evidence of any other causes Symptoms of appetite loss, nausea, vomiting, and epigastric discomfort, improved within several days after discontinuation and conservative treatment.

These adverse effects were attributed to the ingestion of mistletoe and kudzu extracts which he took to promote general health, although it is uncertain whether either, both, or an interaction between the two caused these adverse effects Developing Your Personal Care Plan.

Integrative Medicine at Home Membership Program. About Mind-Body Therapies. How It Works. Purported Uses. Menopausal symptoms Small clinical studies suggest that kudzu is a phytoestrogen that may help reduce menopausal symptoms, but a systematic review did not find benefit. Alcohol abuse Kudzu may reduce alcohol intake and withdrawal, but these studies enrolled only a small number of patients, and a systematic review did not find benefit.

Diabetes Kudzu is used in traditional medicine to treat diabetes, but evidence is lacking. Fever or common cold Kudzu is used in traditional medicine for these purposes, but human studies are lacking. Neck or eye pain Kudzu is used in traditional medicine for these purposes. Although animal studies suggest kudzu may reduce inflammation and pain in combination with other herbs, human studies are lacking.

Do Not Take If. You have hypersensitivity to kudzu. You have hormone -sensitive cancer: Kudzu has estrogenic activity. You are taking tamoxifen: Isoflavones in kudzu may interfere with the effects of tamoxifen which is used for estrogen-dependent breast cancer.

You are taking methotrexate: In animal studies, taking kudzu at the same time reduced elimination of the drug methotrexate, causing increased levels of the drug. Clinical relevance has yet to be determined. You are taking antidiabetic medication: Animal studies suggest a key component in kudzu may increase the activity of these medications. Side Effects. Case reports Kidney problems: In a middle-aged woman who consumed kudzu root juice to promote health and well-being for 10 days, and without evidence of any other causes.

For Healthcare Professionals. Scientific Name. Pueraria mirifica, Pueraria thunbergiana, Pueraria lobata, Pueraria montana, Radix puerariae. Clinical Summary. Alcoholism Cold, fever Diabetes Pain Menopause.

Mechanism of Action. Adverse Reactions. Case reports Acute interstitial nephritis: In a middle-aged woman who consumed kudzu root juice to promote health and well-being for 10 days, and without evidence of any other causes Herb-Drug Interactions.

Tamoxifen: Human and animal studies suggest that kudzu has some estrogenic activity 5 10 Therefore, it may antagonize the effects of tamoxifen, although clinical relevance has yet to be determined.

Methotrexate: In animal models, coadministration of a root decoction of kudzu reduced the elimination of methotrexate, resulting in increased methotrexate levels But kudzu root may be able to help. A small case report involving 16 people with regular cluster headaches provides some anecdotal evidence.

Almost 3 in 4 participants had less intense headaches, more than half had fewer headaches, and 1 in 3 had shorter headaches when taking kudzu root. Other research suggests that kudzu supplements may also play a role in preventing migraine attacks. These are exciting findings, but much more research is needed before we can be sure. If left unchecked, metabolic syndrome can increase your risk of developing heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.

According to some studies , kudzu root may help manage some symptoms of metabolic syndrome. But this is far from conclusive. We still need more research in this area to be sure. Despite its many potential health perks, there are also some possible side effects to taking kudzu root. They can give you personalized advice that takes into account any other supplements or medications you may be taking.

Kudzu root is available in lots of forms including capsules, liquid extracts, and powder. You can ingest it directly, or mix it with other foods or drinks. Red root has been touted as a treatment for things from respiratory issues to UTIs. We're separating fact from fiction on this homeopathic remedy. Hydrangea root has been used in traditional medicine for treating urinary and bladder infections, lowering inflammation, and more.

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