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Kudzu
Kudzu/Drug Interactions:
Alcohol
Alcohol: Kudzu extracts or individual isoflavones suppressed voluntary alcohol intake in animal models of alcoholism (
99
;
100
;
101
;
102
) and, according to reviews, may cause a disulfiram-like reaction (
39
). In human research, puerarin decreased alcohol consumption (
37
). Repeated use of Pueraria lobata combined with alcohol use may elevate the risk of acetaldehyde-related neoplasm (
31
).
Antiandrogens
Antiandrogens: In laboratory and animal research, kudzu isoflavones had antiestrogenic activity (
40
;
41
;
42
;
43
;
44
;
45
;
46
;
47
).
Antiarrhythmics
Antiarrhythmics: According to animal research, the kudzu constituent daidzein may have antiarrhythmic properties (
48
;
49
;
50
;
51
).
Anticoagulants/anti-platelet agents
Anticoagulants/anti-platelet agents: In laboratory, clinical, and animal research, kudzu isoflavones and Pueraria lobata were reported to have antiplatelet activity (
52
;
53
;
54
;
55
;
56
;
57
;
58
;
59
;
60
). In addition, kudzu may inhibit the increase of platelet aggregation and blood viscosity (
55
;
57
;
59
;
60
).
Antidiabetics
Antidiabetics: According to animal research, kudzu and its constituents may have hypoglycemic effects (
61
;
62
;
63
) and may lower blood glucose levels (
64
). In human research, puerarin decreased fasting plasma insulin and increased insulin sensitivity index (
58
), and puerarin plus control treatment (metformin and captopril) and Avandia? decreased blood glucose (
81
).
Antihypertensives
Antihypertensives: In animal research, kudzu had vasodilatory and hypotensive effects (
71
;
96
;
28
;
103
;
104
;
45
;
105
;
93
). In human research and review, puerarin injection decreased heart rate and myocardial oxygen consumption (
70
) and improved blood pressure and mean arterial pressure (
71
).
Anti-inflammatories
Anti-inflammatories: In laboratory research, kudzu decreased prostaglandin E2 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha release (
5
). In human research, puerarin injection decreased TNF-alpha, IL-6, and IL-8, and increased IL-10 (
106
) and, when combined with acupuncture, improved anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels (
107
).
Antilipemics
Antilipemics: In animal research, kudzu decreased serum cholesterol and HDL cholesterol and increased serum triglyceride levels (
92
;
108
). In human research, Pueraria mirifica increased HDL, decreased LDL, decreased the ratio of LDL-C to HDL-C, increased apo A1, decreased apo B, decreased the ratio of apo B to apo A1 (
82
) and increased triglyceride levels (
34
;
35
;
36
). In a review and human research, puerarin reduced triglyceride and total cholesterol levels, plasminogen inhibitor-1, and LDL, and increased HDL (
58
;
68
).
Antineoplastics
Antineoplastics: In laboratory research, genistein, biochanin A, and daidzein had cytotoxic activity (
109
;
110
), and the constituent tectorigenin demonstrated antiproliferative activity against human cancer (HL-60) cells (
110
). Pueraria mirifica has been researched on tumor cell lines for its antiproliferative effect (
10
).
Anxiolytics
Anxiolytics: According to animal research, theoretically, puerarin may cause anxiety, and may have an antagonistic effect with benzodiazepines (
65
).
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines: According to animal research, theoretically, puerarin may cause anxiety and may have an antagonistic effect with benzodiazepines (
65
).
Bisphosphonates
Bisphosphonates: In vitro, puerarin suppressed bone resorption and promoted bone formation in rats (
66
). In a review and human research, kudzu suppressed bone resorption (
67
) and stimulated bone formation (
68
).
Cardiovascular agents
Cardiovascular agents: In human research and a review, puerarin injection decreased heart rate and myocardial oxygen consumption (
70
) and improved blood pressure and mean arterial pressure (
71
). In human research and a review, puerarin injection induced acute intravascular hemolysis (
72
). In individuals receiving Pueraria mirifica, palpitations and chest discomfort were reported (
38
;
34
). Pueraria mirifica has been shown to increase triglyceride levels in human research (
34
;
35
;
36
).
Dermatological agents
Dermatological agents: In human research, maculopapular drug eruption was reported from a kudzu decoction (
75
), and urticaria, itching of the hand, and skin itching was reported in individuals receiving oral Pueraria mirifica and intravenous puerarin (
38
;
34
;
74
).
Disulfiram
Disulfiram: According to reviews, kudzu root inhibited mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH2) and elevated acetaldehyde (
31
) and may cause a disulfiram-like reaction (
39
).
Drugs metabolized by cytochrome P450
Drugs metabolized by cytochrome P450: In animal research, kudzu inhibited and induced cytochrome P450 isoenzymes; however, it is unclear which cytochrome P450 isoenzymes were affected and to what degree (
69
).
Estrogens
Estrogens: In laboratory and animal research, kudzu isoflavones had antiestrogenic activity (
40
;
41
;
42
;
43
;
44
;
45
;
46
;
47
).
Gastrointestinal agents
Gastrointestinal agents: In human research, gastrointestinal distress, such as nausea, dyspepsia, vomiting, and bloating, was reported following Pueraria mirifica and puerarin administration (
37
;
38
;
35
;
36
;
34
).
Heart rate regulating agents
Heart rate regulating agents: In human research and review, puerarin injection decreased heart rate and myocardial oxygen consumption (
70
).
Hematologics
Hematologics: In reviews and human research, reports of slight bleeding underneath the skin were noted in individuals receiving intravenous puerarin (
87
), and decreased hemoglobin and spotting was reported following Pueraria mirifica administration (
34
).
Hormonal agents
Hormonal agents: In laboratory and animal research, kudzu isoflavones had antiestrogenic activity (
40
;
41
;
42
;
43
;
44
;
45
;
46
;
47
).
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT): In laboratory and animal research, kudzu isoflavones had antiestrogenic activity (
40
;
41
;
42
;
43
;
44
;
45
;
46
;
47
).
Mecamylamine
Mecamylamine: In animal research, kudzu weakened the effects of mecamylamine (
111
).
Methotrexate
Methotrexate: In animal research in rats, kudzu increased blood levels and decreased the elimination of methotrexate (
112
).
Neurologic agents
Neurologic agents: According to animal research, the daidzin in kudzu may inhibit serotonin and dopamine metabolism (
73
). In human research, puerarin and Pueraria mirifica caused headache, tiredness, insomnia, temporary consciousness loss, and dizziness (
37
;
87
;
97
;
35
;
95
).
Nitroglycerine
Nitroglycerine: In a systematic review and meta-analysis assessing the effect of puerarin injection, one trial reported a significant reduction in the total daily dose of nitroglycerine used with puerarin plus Western medicine vs. Western medicine alone and two trials reported that treatment with puerarin plus Western medicine significantly reduced the number of daily doses of nitroglycerine needed vs. Western medicine alone (
87
).
Osteoporosis drugs
Osteoporosis drugs: In animal research, Pueraria lobata increased bone mineral density (
47
), and puerarin suppressed bone resorption and promoted bone formation (
25
;
113
). In a review and human research, kudzu suppressed bone resorption (
67
) and stimulated bone formation (
68
).
Vasodilators
Vasodilators: In laboratory research, puerarin caused vasorelaxant effects (
28
;
45
;
114
).
Vasopressors
Vasopressors: In laboratory research, puerarin caused vasorelaxant effects (
28
;
45
;
114
).
Weight loss agents
Weight loss agents: In human research, Pueraria mirifica increased weight (
36
), while Pueraria thomsonii flower extract significantly reduced mean BMI (kg/m2) and average visceral fat area (cm2) (
78
).
Kudzu/Herb/Supplement Interactions:
Antiandrogens
Antiandrogens: In laboratory and animal research, kudzu isoflavones had antiestrogenic activity (
40
;
41
;
42
;
43
;
44
;
45
;
46
;
47
).
Antiarrhythmics
Antiarrhythmics: According to animal research, the kudzu constituent daidzein may have antiarrhythmic properties (
48
;
49
;
50
;
51
).
Anticoagulants/anti-platelet herbs and supplements
Anticoagulants/anti-platelet herbs and supplements: In laboratory, clinical, and animal research, kudzu isoflavones and Pueraria lobata were reported to have antiplatelet activity (
52
;
53
;
54
;
55
;
56
;
57
;
58
;
59
;
60
). In addition, kudzu may inhibit the increase of platelet aggregation and blood viscosity (
55
;
57
;
59
;
60
).
Antidiabetics
Antidiabetics: According to animal research, kudzu and its constituents may have hypoglycemic effects (
61
;
62
;
63
) and may lower blood glucose levels (
64
). In human research, puerarin decreased fasting plasma insulin and increased insulin sensitivity index (
58
), and puerarin plus control treatment (metformin and captopril) and Avandia? decreased blood glucose (
81
).
Anti-inflammatories
Anti-inflammatories: In laboratory research, kudzu decreased prostaglandin E2 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha release (
5
). In human research, puerarin injection decreased TNF-alpha, IL-6, and IL-8, and increased IL-10 (
106
) and, when combined with acupuncture, improved anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels (
107
).
Antilipemics
Antilipemics: In animal research, kudzu decreased serum cholesterol and HDL cholesterol and increased serum triglyceride levels (
92
;
108
). In human research, Pueraria mirifica increased HDL, decreased LDL, decreased the ratio of LDL-C to HDL-C, increased apo A1, decreased apo B, decreased the ratio of apo B to apo A1 (
82
), and increased triglyceride levels (
34
;
35
;
36
). In a review and human research, puerarin reduced triglyceride and total cholesterol levels, plasminogen inhibitor-1, and LDL, and increased HDL (
58
;
68
).
Antineoplastics
Antineoplastics: In laboratory research, genistein, biochanin A and daidzein had cytotoxic activity (
109
;
110
), and the constituent tectorigenin demonstrated antiproliferative activity against human cancer (HL-60) cells (
110
). Pueraria mirifica has been researched using tumor cell lines for its antiproliferative effect (
10
).
Antioxidants
Antioxidants: In laboratory research, kudzu and its constituents had antioxidant activity (
115
;
69
;
8
;
9
;
10
;
116
;
4
), and puerarin may protect neurons against oxidative stress (
117
). Pueraria lobata has shown more potent antioxidant activity than Pueraria thomsonii, likely due to its higher contents of isoflavonoids (
118
).
Anxiolytics
Anxiolytics: According to animal research, theoretically, puerarin may cause anxiety and may have an antagonistic effect with benzodiazepines (
65
).
Calcium
Calcium: In animal research, kudzu decreased serum calcium levels (
113
).
Cardiovascular agents
Cardiovascular agents: In human research and a review, puerarin injection decreased heart rate and myocardial oxygen consumption (
70
) and improved blood pressure and mean arterial pressure (
71
). In human research and a review, puerarin injection induced acute intravascular hemolysis (
72
). In individuals receiving Pueraria mirifica, palpitations and chest discomfort were reported (
38
;
34
). Pueraria mirifica has been shown to increase triglyceride levels in human research (
34
;
35
;
36
).
Dermatological agents
Dermatological agents: In human research, maculopapular drug eruption was reported from a kudzu decoction (
75
), and urticaria, itching of the hand, and skin itching were reported in individuals receiving oral Pueraria mirifica and intravenous puerarin (
38
;
34
;
74
).
Gastrointestinal agents
Gastrointestinal agents: In human research, gastrointestinal distress, such as nausea, dyspepsia, vomiting, and bloating, was reported following Pueraria mirifica and puerarin administration (
37
;
38
;
35
;
36
;
34
).
Heart rate regulating agents
Heart rate regulating agents: In human research and a review, puerarin injection decreased heart rate and myocardial oxygen consumption (
70
).
Hematologics
Hematologics: In reviews and human research, reports of slight bleeding underneath the skin were noted in individuals receiving intravenous puerarin (
87
), and decreased hemoglobin and spotting was reported following Pueraria mirifica administration (
34
).
Herbs and supplements metabolized by cytochrome P450
Herbs and supplements metabolized by cytochrome P450: In animal research, kudzu inhibited and induced cytochrome P450 isoenzymes; however, it is unclear which cytochrome P450 isoenzymes were affected and to what degree (
69
).
Hormonal agents
Hormonal agents: In laboratory and animal research, kudzu isoflavones had antiestrogenic activity (
40
;
41
;
42
;
43
;
44
;
45
;
46
;
47
).
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT): In laboratory and animal research, kudzu isoflavones had antiestrogenic activity (
40
;
41
;
42
;
43
;
44
;
45
;
46
;
47
).
Hypotensives
Hypotensives: In animal research, kudzu had vasodilatory and hypotensive effects (
71
;
96
;
28
;
103
;
104
;
45
;
105
;
93
). In human research and a review, puerarin injection decreased heart rate and myocardial oxygen consumption (
70
) and improved blood pressure and mean arterial pressure (
71
).
Neurologic agents
Neurologic agents: According to animal research, the daidzin in kudzu may inhibit serotonin and dopamine metabolism (
73
). In human research, puerarin and Pueraria mirifica caused headache, tiredness, insomnia, temporary consciousness loss, and dizziness (
37
;
87
;
97
;
35
;
95
).
Phytoestrogens
Phytoestrogens: In laboratory and animal research, kudzu isoflavones had antiestrogenic activity (
40
;
41
;
42
;
43
;
44
;
45
;
46
;
47
).
Osteoporosis agents
Osteoporosis agents: In animal research, Pueraria lobata increased bone mineral density (
47
), and puerarin suppressed bone resorption and promoted bone formation (
25
;
113
). In a review and human research, kudzu suppressed bone resorption (
67
) and stimulated bone formation (
68
).
Vasodilators
Vasodilators: In laboratory research, puerarin caused vasorelaxant effects (
28
;
45
;
114
).
Vasopressors
Vasopressors: In laboratory research, puerarin caused vasorelaxant effects (
28
;
45
;
114
).
Weight loss agents
Weight loss agents: In human research, Pueraria mirifica increased weight (
36
), while Pueraria thomsonii flower extract significantly reduced mean BMI (kg/m2) and average visceral fat area (cm2) (
78
).
Kudzu/Food Interactions:
Liquid foods
Liquid foods: Arrowroot tea (Puerariae radix) inhibited microbial growth of both Gram-negative and Gram-positive foodborne pathogens in various foods, especially liquid foods (
119
).
Kudzu/Lab Interactions:
Albumin
Albumin: In human research, puerarin plus control treatment (metformin and captopril) and Avandia? decreased the urinary albumin excretion rate (
81
).
Alcohol
Alcohol: According to a review, kudzu caused lower peak blood alcohol levels and a flattened dose-response curve (
120
).
Bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BAP) levels
Bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BAP) levels: In human research, Pueraria mirifica decreased BAP levels (
35
).
Blood flow parameters
Blood flow parameters: In human research, intravenous puerarin administration significantly affected blood flow parameters, including the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), peak systolic velocity of arteria centralis retinae (PSV), end-diastolic volume (EDV), acceleration (A), central retinal vein reflux velocity (CRV), erythrocyte aggregation, whole-blood viscosity (high and low shear), plasma viscosity, and fibrinogen (
89
).
Blood pressure
Blood pressure: In animal research, kudzu had vasodilatory and hypotensive effects (
71
;
96
;
28
;
103
;
104
;
45
;
105
;
93
). In human research and a review, puerarin injection improved blood pressure and mean arterial pressure (
71
).
Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
Blood urea nitrogen (BUN): In human research, puerarin plus control treatment (metformin and captopril) and Avandia? decreased BUN (
81
), while in other human research, Pueraria mirifica increased BUN (
84
).
Calcium
Calcium: In animal research, kudzu decreased serum calcium levels (
113
).
Coagulation panel
Coagulation panel: In laboratory, clinical, and animal research, kudzu isoflavones and Pueraria lobata were reported to have antiplatelet activity (
52
;
53
;
54
;
55
;
56
;
57
;
58
;
59
;
60
). In addition, kudzu may inhibit the increase of platelet aggregation and blood viscosity (
55
;
57
;
59
;
60
). According to animal research, kudzu may increase the international normalized rate (INR) (
57
).
C-reactive protein (CRP)
C-reactive protein (CRP): In human research, Pueraria mirifica increased CRP (
82
).
Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E2)
Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E2): In animal research, kudzu increased serum FSH, LH, and E2 (
121
;
122
). In human research, Pueraria mirifica decreased FSH (
82
) and slightly elevated serum estradiol levels (
84
).
HbA1c
HbA1c: In human research, puerarin plus control treatment (metformin and captopril) and Avandia? decreased HbA1c (
81
).
Heart rate
Heart rate: In human research and a review, puerarin injection decreased heart rate (
70
).
Hematocrit
Hematocrit: In human research, Pueraria mirifica increased hematocrit (
36
).
Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)
Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH): In animal research, kudzu decreased LDH levels (
22
), and in human research, puerarin decreased LDH (
91
).
Liver enzyme levels
Liver enzyme levels: In human research, Pueraria mirifica increased AST, ALT, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (
36
). In animal research, kudzu decreased ALT, AST, and LDH levels (
22
).
Nitric oxide
Nitric oxide: In human research, intravenous puerarin increased nitric oxide levels (
85
).
Parathyroid hormone (PTH)
Parathyroid hormone (PTH): In animal research, kudzu decreased serum PTH levels (
113
).
Prolactin (PRL)
Prolactin (PRL): In animal research, kudzu decreased PRL (
122
).
Prothrombin time/INR (international normalized ratio)
Prothrombin time/INR (international normalized ratio): In laboratory, clinical, and animal research, kudzu isoflavones and Pueraria lobata were reported to have antiplatelet activity (
52
;
53
;
54
;
55
;
56
;
57
;
58
;
59
;
60
). In addition, kudzu may inhibit the increase of platelet aggregation and blood viscosity (
55
;
57
;
59
;
60
). According to animal research, kudzu may increase the INR (
57
).
Serum creatinine
Serum creatinine: In human research, puerarin plus control treatment (metformin and captopril) and Avandia? decreased serum creatinine (
81
), while in other human research, creatinine levels were transiently elevated (
84
).
Serum glucose
Serum glucose: According to animal research, kudzu and its constituents may have hypoglycemic effects (
61
;
62
;
63
) and may lower blood glucose levels (
64
). In human research, puerarin decreased fasting plasma insulin and increased insulin sensitivity index (
58
), and puerarin plus control treatment (metformin and captopril) and Avandia? decreased blood glucose (
81
).
Serum lipid profile
Serum lipid profile: In animal research, kudzu decreased serum cholesterol and HDL cholesterol and increased serum triglyceride levels (
92
;
108
). In human research, Pueraria mirifica increased HDL, decreased LDL, decreased the ratio of LDL-C to HDL-C, increased apo A1, decreased apo B, decreased the ratio of apo B to apo A1 (
82
), and increased triglyceride levels (
34
;
35
;
36
). In a review and human research, puerarin reduced triglyceride and total cholesterol levels, plasminogen inhibitor-1, and LDL, and increased HDL (
58
;
68
).
Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)
Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH): According to animal research, kudzu may increase TSH levels (
92
).
Urea nitrogen
Urea nitrogen: According to animal research, kudzu may increase urea nitrogen values (
92
).