We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Treatments

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What are the Medical Uses of Pueraria Lobata?

By Emma G.
Updated: Mar 03, 2024
Views: 17,317
Share

The pueraria lobata plant has been used in medical treatments for hundreds of years, and the root, flower, and leaf can all be utilized. Some people use it to alcoholism, heart and circulatory problems, upper respiratory problems, and skin problems. It has been used by Chinese medical experts since about 200 B.C., and it is considered one of the 50 fundamental herbs. Since about 600 B.C., the Chinese people have used it as a hangover medicine.

The plant is a member of the pea family, with reddish-purple flower clusters. It is native to southern Japan and southeast China. In Japan, it is known as kudzu, a name that might be more familiar to many people. In China, the plant is called ge-ge.

Following in the tradition of Chinese medicine, scientists at Harvard Medical School have studied pueraria lobata as a treatment for alcoholism. Some research suggests that drinkers who take it for at least a week will drink less per sitting, but it seems to have little effect on the desire to drink. In the United States, many over-the-counter hangover medicines include extracts of the plant.

Those who practice traditional Chinese medicine also use it as a treatment for high blood pressure and circulatory problems. In the U.S., some research has shown that the plant might be useful to treat cardiovascular disease and chest pain, and it also might have uses as a preventative for heart attacks.

Another traditional use for pueraria lobata is as a treatment for women who are undergoing menopause. Enzymes in the plant might act like estrogen, so people who have conditions that might worsen with exposure to estrogen should not use this plant.

In China and Japan, doses are usually consumed in tea, and it is possible to buy such medicinal teas in the U.S. Pueraria lobata also can be administered intravenously. When taken by mouth, it has no known side effects, but intravenously, it might cause itching and nausea.

In 1876, the pueraria lobata was introduced to North America to prevent soil erosion in the southeastern United States. The plant spread more rapidly than expected, though. To compound the problem, seeds might not germinate for years, causing surprise regrowth after the plant is thought to be eradicated.

In addition to its medical uses, this plant also is used as animal feed. Grazing animals enjoy it, and it takes about three to four years of constant grazing to overgraze a stand. The plant is difficult to store, however, because it tends to stay wet and does not bale well.

Share
The Health Board is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Related Articles

Discussion Comments
By SteamLouis — On Sep 07, 2012

@anamur-- It's interesting you asked that because I went to school at the University of Alabama. When I was there, several of my Professors were studying kudzu and its effects on blood pressure, and blood glucose levels. The first study they did showed that kudzu helped keep both of those under control. They published this information but they still need to do more research and lab tests to say anything concrete.

I think a diabetic can try kudzu supplements and measure their blood sugar to see if there is any improvement. Just make sure to get your doctor's approval first because like I said, the complete effects and side effects of the plant on diabetes hasn't been studied.

By serenesurface — On Sep 06, 2012

Does anyone know if pueraria lobata has any benefits for diabetics?

Also, can I get the same benefits of pueraria lobata from pueraria mirifica products? I think these plants are closely related.

By discographer — On Sep 05, 2012

I wish I had known about all these medical uses when I was growing kudzu/pueraria lobata.

I grew it for several years when I had hamsters because hamsters love kudzu and it's a good source of protein for them. But when I moved for my job, I left my hamsters to a family member and stopped growing kudzu altogether.

If I had known that it's so beneficial, I would have used the leaves and made some tea when I had a hangover.

Share
https://www.thehealthboard.com/what-are-the-medical-uses-of-pueraria-lobata.htm
Copy this link
The Health Board, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

The Health Board, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.