Kudzu

Overview

Kudzu is a creeping, climbing invasive type of herb. Introduced to the US from Japan in 1876 as a way to control soil erosion. In 1997 kudzu made the “Federal Noxious Weed List.” Kudzu has been used in Chinise medicine since 200 BC.

Botanical Names

 Pueraria lobata

 Pueraria mirifica (Kwao Kruea Khao)

 Pueraria montana

 Pueraria thomsonii

 Pueraria tuberosa (Indian Kudzu)

 Kudzu is from the Fabaceae family. 

Part Used

 Root

Cardiovascular System

 Kudzu has been utilized in China as a treatment for Angina.  ^[1]

Immune System

 Kudzu may help to prevent Cancer - Colon due to the Puerarin content of Kudzu.  ^[2]

Metabolism

 Kudzu may lower elevated Blood Sugar levels.  ^[3]

 Kudzu may help to prevent/treat Cirrhosis caused by Carbon Tetrachloride or Alcohol due to the Puerarin content of Kudzu.  ^[4]

 Kudzu may inhibit Cross-Linking due to the Coumestrol and Puerariafuran content of Kudzu.  ^[5]

Musculoskeletal System

 Kudzu may help to prevent Osteoporosis.  ^[6] 

Nervous System

 Kudzu may help to prevent Alzheimer's Disease due to the Puerarin content of Kudzu counteracting the toxicity of Amyloid-Beta Protein.  ^[7]

 Kudzu may help to prevent/treat (cluster) Headache.  ^[8]

 Kudzu may improve Memory due to the Daidzein content of Kudzu stimulating the activity of Choline Acetylase.  ^[9]