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Overview: Kudzu is a plant called Pueraria lobata that has been traditionally used in Chinese medicine. Kudzu is available as an over-the-counter dietary supplement in various forms. People use kudzu for different reasons, such as reducing alcohol intake or menopause symptoms, but its benefits are not well defined. Kudzu seems to be well tolerated. Check with your health care provider before using kudzu, especially if you have any health conditions or take any medicines.

Uses

What is kudzu used for?

Kudzu (Pueraria lobata) is used for various reasons, although its benefits are not well defined. It is commonly used for the following purposes, among others.

Note: The FDA has not reviewed kudzu for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.

How does kudzu work (mechanism of action)?

Kudzu (Pueraria lobata) is a dietary supplement made from the root of the kudzu plant. It is also sometimes called Gegen, Japanese arrowroot, Pueraria, or other names. Kudzu supplements are usually made using the roots of the plant.

Kudzu root contains natural plant chemicals called isoflavones, including daidzein, daidzin, genistein, and genistin. These isoflavones are thought to be responsible for the effects of kudzu on the body.

Alcohol Use Disorder. Kudzu isoflavones, particularly daidzin and puerarin, may block aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 (ALDH2). ALDH2 is an enzyme that normally helps your body clear away acetaldehyde, a toxic chemical produced when alcohol is broken down. When ALDH2 is blocked, acetaldehyde can build up after drinking alcohol. This buildup may make drinking less pleasant and could help reduce the desire to drink. Some small studies show that kudzu may help people reduce how many drinks they consume, but larger studies are needed to confirm its benefits related to alcohol use.

If you have trouble managing how much you drink, help is available. Talk to your health care provider about treatment options.

Menopause Symptoms. Kudzu isoflavones are somewhat similar to the natural hormone, estrogen, and seem to act as weak plant-based estrogens (phytoestrogens) in the body. This may help ease menopausal symptoms, but there is not enough reliable evidence to know if or how well kudzu works for this use.

Diabetes. Kudzu may lower blood sugar levels, but it is not clear how it works or how well it works.

Heart or Circulation Problems. Puerarin, one of the isoflavones in kudzu, may increase blood flow to the heart and improve circulation. Most heart-related research on puerarin has used an injection that is not available in the U.S.

Other Uses. Kudzu may have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, meaning it may help reduce inflammation and protect cells from damage. This has led to interest in using kudzu for many reasons, but studies of kudzu are often of low quality, and its benefits are not well defined.

Herbal products like kudzu naturally contain many different chemicals. The amount of each chemical in a specific product may vary from product to product. Some, none, or all of these chemicals may have effects on the body. These effects may change depending on how much of each chemical is found in the product you are using.

How should I store kudzu?

You should store kudzu according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of kudzu?

Kudzu seems to be well tolerated. But there is not enough research to know what its common side effects may be. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.

Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of kudzu?

While less common, the most serious side effects of kudzu are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Kudzu may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using kudzu and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension). Kudzu may cause low blood pressure. If you feel faint or dizzy, lie down. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of low blood pressure.

  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Confusion
  • Feeling weak or tired

Liver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, has been linked to using kudzu. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Stomach or belly pain
  • Fever
  • Weakness or unusual tiredness
  • Itching
  • Loss of appetite
  • Light-colored poop
  • Dark-colored urine (pee)
  • Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use kudzu?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use kudzu.

  • Gegen
  • Japanese arrowroot
  • Kudzu root 
  • Pueraria lobata
  • Pueraria montana var. lobata
  • Pueraria root
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific Kudzu products they stock.

What should I know about kudzu before using it?

Kudzu is a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.

Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are using, or use it as recommended by your health care provider.

Keep kudzu out of the reach of children.

Kudzu has been traditionally used in Chinese medicine. Some traditional Chinese medicine herbal products have been linked to safety concerns, including contamination, ingredients not listed on the product label, and harmful substances that may cause serious side effects or drug interactions.

Herbal products, such as kudzu, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amount of each chemical in a specific kudzu product can change for many reasons, including the area where the plant was grown, the weather during growth, the time of year it was harvested, and the way the plant was processed after being harvested. If you switch to a new bottle or a different brand, you may not have the same effects or side effects because of this variability. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.

Kudzu is available in different forms, including capsules, tablets, liquids, powders, and teas. These forms may contain different amounts of the chemicals that are naturally found in the plant.

Use an accurate measuring device to measure your dose if you are using a liquid kudzu product. A household spoon is not an accurate measuring device and may cause you to take the wrong dose. Use the measuring device that comes with the product, or ask your pharmacist what measuring device to use.

If you are using kudzu powder, use an accurate measuring device to measure the powder, such as the device that comes with the product. Read the label carefully and measure the amount stated on the label. Mix the powder with a glass of liquid, such as water or juice.

The FDA has not tested kudzu products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.

What should I tell my health care provider before using kudzu?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if kudzu is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Kudzu may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using kudzu, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Hormone-Sensitive Conditions. Because kudzu isoflavones may have estrogen-like effects, people with hormone-sensitive conditions (for example, some breast cancers) may need to avoid or limit kudzu unless directed otherwise by their health care provider.

Other Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Diabetes
  • Alcohol use disorder or heavy alcohol use
  • Liver problems
  • Kidney problems

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how kudzu could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if kudzu passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does kudzu interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between kudzu and foods or drinks.

Kudzu can affect the way your body breaks down alcohol, causing the buildup of a harmful substance called acetaldehyde. Using kudzu while drinking alcohol may increase the risk of health problems linked to acetaldehyde. Do not use kudzu to prevent or treat hangovers if you continue to drink regularly or heavily.

Does kudzu interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using a medicine for diabetes or any medicine that can lower your blood sugar.

The interactions between kudzu and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with kudzu is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before using kudzu with any medicines.

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much kudzu?

If you or someone else has used too much kudzu, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Kudzu is commonly available as capsules, tablets, liquids, powders, and teas. Speak to a health care provider about how to use kudzu safely. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.