Kudzu - Interferon Alfa-2b Interaction
Herbal: Kudzu
Also Known As: Pueraria montana, Bidarikand, Bilaikanda, Daidzein, Fen Ke, Fenge, Gange, Ge Gen, Gegen, Ghora-bel, Indian Kudzu, Isoflavones, Japanese Arrowroot, Kakkon, Kudsu, Nepalem, Pueraria, Vidarikand, Vigne Kudzu, Wa Yaka, White Indian Kudzu
Drug: Interferon Alfa-2b
Brand names:
Rebetron, Intron A, Viraferon
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
Jul 22, 2023
Interaction Details
Interferon Alfa-2b is classified as belonging to the following category: Hepatotoxic Drugs
Theoretically, concomitant use might have additive hepatotoxic effects.
There is some concern that kudzu can adversely affect the liver.
Interaction Rating
Likelihood of Occurrence
PossibleInteraction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
References
- Kim HJ, Kim H, Ahn JH, Suk JH. Liver injury induced by herbal extracts containing mistletoe and kudzu. J Altern Complement Med 2015;21(3):180-5.
- Santosh N, Mohan K, Royana S, Yamini TB. Hepatotoxicity of tubers of Indian Kudzu (Pueraria tuberosa) in rats. Food Chem Toxicol. 2010 Apr;48(4):1066-71.
- Teschke R, Zhang L, Long H, Schwarzenboeck A, Schmidt-Taenzer W, Genthner A, Wolff A, Frenzel C, Schulze J, Eickhoff A. Traditional Chinese Medicine and herbal hepatotoxicity: a tabular compilation of reported cases. Ann Hepatol. 2015 Jan-Feb;14(1):7-19.
- Wang D, Qiu L, Wu X, Wei H, Xu F. Evaluation of kudzu root extract-induced hepatotoxicity. J Ethnopharmacol. 2015 Dec 24;176:321-6.
Kudzu Overview
Kudzu (Pueraria lobata) is a climbing vine native to Southeast Asia. It is known for its ability to grow rapidly and is considered an invasive species in some areas because it can overtake and smother native vegetation.
Kudzu has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine, where it is known as "ge gen." It is believed to have a number of medicinal properties, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and cholesterol-lowering effects.
Some studies have suggested that it may be helpful in reducing blood pressure and improving blood flow to the brain. Additionally, as a dietary supplement, it is often marketed for liver health and there is some evidence to suggest that kudzu may have potential benefits for people with alcoholism by helping to reduce alcohol cravings.
Interferon Alfa-2b Overview
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Interferon alfa-2b injection is used to treat a number of conditions.
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Interferon alfa-2b injection is used
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alone or in combination with ribavirin (Copegus, Rebetol, Ribasphere) to treat chronic (long-term) hepatitis C infection (swelling of the liver caused by a virus) in people who show signs of liver damage,
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to treat chronic hepatitis B infection (swelling of the liver caused by a virus) in people who show signs of liver damage,
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to treat hairy cell leukemia (a white blood cell cancer),
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to treat genital warts,
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to treat Kaposi's sarcoma (a type of cancer that causes abnormal tissue to grow on different parts of the body) related to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS),
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to treat malignant melanoma (a cancer that begins in certain skin cells) in certain people who have had surgery to remove the cancer,
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along with another medication to treat follicular non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL; a slow-growing blood cancer).
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Interferon alfa-2b is in a class of medications called immunomodulators. Interferon alfa-2b works to treat hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) by decreasing the amount virus in the body. Interferon alfa-2b may not cure hepatitis B or hepatitis C or prevent you from developing complications from these infections such as cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver, liver failure, or liver cancer. It also may not prevent the spread of hepatitis B or C to other people. It is not known exactly how interferon alfa-2b works to treat cancer or genital warts.
Kudzu - More Interactions
Kudzu interacts with 551 drugs
Interaction Rating Key
These severity listings are for informational use only. Never start, stop or otherwise change your therapy before speaking with your provider.
| Major | The combined use of these agents is strongly discouraged as serious side effects or other negative outcomes could occur. |
| Moderate | Use cautiously under the care of a healthcare professional or avoid this combination. A significant interaction or negative outcome could occur. |
| Minor | Be aware that there is a chance of an interaction. Watch for warning signs of a potential interaction. |
| Unknown | No interactions have been reported or no interaction data is currently available. |
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Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.
DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.
© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC
Drug descriptions are provided by MedlinePlus.
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In addition to being a clinical pharmacist specializing in pharmacotherapy, Dr. Brian Staiger is a registered herbalist through the American Herbalist Guild. He has combined his passion for pharmacy practice with the study of medical ethnobotany to improve patient care. Feel free to reach out about any of your herbal or medication questions!
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