Research
Kudzu Root (Pueraria lobata)
19 peer-reviewed studies curated from PubMed and Semantic Scholar.
Studies
Sorted by quality and recency
Effect of pueraria on left ventricular remodelling in HFrEF: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the impact of pueraria on left ventricular remodelling in HFrEF patients. It included 19 RCTs with 1,911 patients, showing that pueraria combined with conventional medicine improved cardiac function and reversed left ventricular remodeling compared to conventional medicine alone, without increasing adverse events.
Pueraria lobata Targeted Preparation Improves the Clinical Symptoms of Cervical Spondylosis by Regulating the Balance of Gut Microbiota.
RCT of 200 patients with cervical spondylosis comparing nano-Pueraria targeted preparation + Tuina therapy to Tuina therapy alone. The observation group showed higher treatment efficacy and improved clinical symptoms, with significant differences in gut microbiota composition.
Protective effect of puerarin in diabetic nephropathy: A systematic review and meta-analysis of animal studies.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of 26 animal studies assessing puerarin's effects on diabetic nephropathy. Puerarin significantly improved fasting blood glucose, serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, proteinuria, and kidney index, and enhanced oxidative stress and inflammatory markers.
Effects of Silybum marianum, Pueraria lobate, combined with Salvia miltiorrhiza tablets on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in adults: A triple-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial.
Triple-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial investigating the effects of tablets containing Silybum marianum, Pueraria lobata, and Salvia miltiorrhiza on NAFLD progression in 121 Chinese adults. The SPS group showed a trend toward reduction in liver fat content and significant decreases in hypersensitive C-reactive protein levels and increased aldehyde dehydrogenase activity, though changes in liver fat content did not reach statistical significance.
Gelanxinning capsule improves coronary microvascular dysfunction by inhibiting inflammation and restoring endothelial function.
This randomized control trial studied the effects of Gelanxinning capsule (GXSC) on coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) in 78 CAD patients. GXSC significantly decreased inflammation biomarkers and improved endothelial function, suggesting its potential as an effective treatment for CMD in CAD patients.
An evidence-based systematic review of kudzu (Pueraria lobata) by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration.
An evidence-based systematic review of kudzu (Pueraria lobata) consolidating safety and efficacy data from scientific literature. Includes analysis of clinical trials, expert opinion, history, pharmacology, interactions, adverse effects, and dosing.
Consumption of Pueraria flower extract reduces body mass index via a decrease in the visceral fat area in obese humans.
RCT of 81 obese Japanese subjects consuming Pueraria thomsonii flower extract (PFE) at doses of 300 mg and 200 mg compared to placebo over 12 weeks. PFE intake reduced BMI and decreased visceral fat area, with no effect on subcutaneous fat area.
Pharmacokinetic profile of the isoflavone puerarin after acute and repeated administration of a novel kudzu extract to human volunteers.
The study assessed the pharmacokinetic profile of puerarin, the major isoflavone in kudzu extract, after acute and repeated administration to human volunteers. Puerarin was rapidly absorbed, reaching peak levels at 2 hours with a half-life of approximately 4.3 hours. Repeated administration did not significantly alter the elimination half-life.
An extract of the Chinese herbal root kudzu reduces alcohol drinking by heavy drinkers in a naturalistic setting.
RCT testing the efficacy of a kudzu extract in reducing alcohol consumption among heavy drinkers. Kudzu treatment significantly reduced the number of beers consumed, increased the number of sips, and extended the time to consume each beer without affecting the urge to drink alcohol. No side effects were reported.
Comparison of Pueraria lobata with hormone replacement therapy in treating the adverse health consequences of menopause.
RCT comparing Pueraria lobata (PL) with hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in 127 postmenopausal women. The study found no significant changes in lipid profile or hormone levels in the PL group compared to controls. Both HRT and PL improved cognitive function, with HRT enhancing delayed recall and PL improving flexible thinking.
A single dose of kudzu extract reduces alcohol consumption in a binge drinking paradigm.
RCT with 20 men testing the effects of kudzu extract on alcohol consumption. A single dose of kudzu extract reduced beer consumption in a binge drinking paradigm compared to placebo, suggesting potential as a pharmacotherapy for alcohol abuse.
A standardized kudzu extract (NPI-031) reduces alcohol consumption in nontreatment-seeking male heavy drinkers.
This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study assessed the safety and efficacy of 4 weeks of kudzu extract in nontreatment-seeking heavy drinkers. The study found that kudzu extract significantly reduced the number of drinks consumed each week by 34-57%, reduced the number of heavy drinking days, and increased the percent of days abstinent and the number of consecutive days of abstinence, with minimal side effects.
The isoflavone puerarin reduces alcohol intake in heavy drinkers: a pilot study.
Pilot study assessing the effects of puerarin, an isoflavone from kudzu root, on alcohol intake in 10 healthy adults. Participants consumed fewer beers and altered drinking patterns when treated with puerarin compared to placebo, suggesting potential use in treating excessive alcohol intake.
Kudzu extract treatment does not increase the intoxicating effects of acute alcohol in human volunteers.
Double-blinded, placebo-controlled crossover study with 12 healthy adults testing kudzu extract's effect on alcohol intoxication. Kudzu extract did not alter subjective responses to alcohol or its effects on stance stability or vigilance/reaction time, but slightly increased plasma ethanol levels transiently after a higher alcohol dose. Kudzu pretreatment enhanced alcohol's effects on heart rate and skin temperature.
A pilot study exploring the effect of kudzu root on the drinking habits of patients with chronic alcoholism.
RCT assessing the effect of kudzu root extract on drinking habits in veterans with alcoholism. No significant difference in craving and sobriety scores was found between kudzu and placebo groups after 1 month.
Puerarin ameliorates depression-like behaviors of with chronic unpredictable mild stress mice by remodeling their gut microbiota.
The study investigated the effects of puerarin on depression-like behaviors in mice subjected to chronic unpredictable mild stress. Puerarin treatment alleviated depression-like behaviors and reversed stress-induced changes in gut microbiota, suggesting its antidepressant mechanism may involve restoring beneficial microflora.
Puerarin—A Promising Flavonoid: Biosynthesis, Extraction Methods, Analytical Techniques, and Biological Effects
This narrative review explores the biosynthesis, extraction methods, analytical techniques, and biological effects of puerarin, an isoflavone found in Kudzu root and Pueraria genus. Puerarin is used in alternative Chinese medicine and has been researched for its potential in treating various chronic conditions.
Absolute oral bioavailability and disposition kinetics of puerarin in female rats
The study investigated the pharmacokinetics of puerarin in female rats, focusing on its absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination. Puerarin showed an absolute oral bioavailability of approximately 7% and was widely distributed in tissues such as the hippocampus, femur, tibia, and mammary gland. Glucuronides were identified as the major metabolites, primarily excreted in the urine.
Pharmacokinetics and drug delivery systems for puerarin, a bioactive flavone from traditional Chinese medicine
This narrative review summarizes the pharmacokinetics and drug delivery systems of puerarin, a bioactive flavone from Pueraria lobata. It discusses the challenges in puerarin's bioavailability due to its poor solubility and the various nanotechnologies being researched to improve its delivery.