Kudzu

Description

Kudzu, Pueraria montana, is a climbing herbaceous plant in the Fabaceae family. Used in Ayurvedic medicine, kudzu is mainly used to fight addictions, and more particularly addictions to tobacco and alcohol. It thus provides support for smoking and alcohol cessation.
Indeed, it contains a molecule, daïdzin, a flavonoid, which inhibits the enzyme responsible for alcohol metabolism: ALDH2 (aldehyde dehydrogenase). This mechanism of action leads to an “antabuse” effect, sought to combat alcoholism and lead to the deterrence of alcohol consumption. This herb can also be taken for anxiety and stress.
The roots and leaves of kudzu used in herbal medicine contain other flavonoids including puerarin, an active ingredient helping to fight oxidative stress, as do the coumarins that the plant contains.
In addition, kudzu phytoestrogens including genistein and puerarin participate in the estrogen-mimetic action of this plant, thus allowing its use against hot flashes during menopause.
Furthermore, this plant also exerts a hepatoprotective action. Indeed, the presence of saponosides contributes to supporting liver function and participates in liver detoxification.
The other molecules of kudzu, such as sterols, are known for their hypocholesterolemic action by competing with the absorption of cholesterol. Finally, kudzu is involved in reducing blood glucose levels.

Benefits

The presence of phytoestrogens in kudzu helps reduce the discomforts associated with menopause such as hot flashes, restlessness, excessive sweating and irritability. Thus, kudzu helps maintain a calm and comfortable menopause.

Scientific publications

Kudzu is the subject of more than 349 scientific publications.

The selection of our active ingredients is constantly guided by numerous scientific publications, based on double-blind randomized clinical studies versus placebo, in humans, guarantees of real scientific value. The doctors, pharmacists and engineers of the THERASCIENCE Laboratory have selected some of these publications for you.

• Lukas, Scott E et al. “A standardized kudzu extract (NPI-031) reduces alcohol consumption in nontreatment-seeking male heavy drinkers.” Psychopharmacology vol. 226,1 (2013): 65-73.
• Penetar, David M et al. “The isoflavone puerarin reduces alcohol intake in heavy drinkers: a pilot study.” Drug and alcohol dependence vol. 126,1-2 (2012): 251-6.