Kudzu - Doxycycline Hyclate 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: Doxycycline Hyclate
Brand names:
Acticlate, Acticlate Cap, Lymepak
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
May 25, 2025
Interaction Details
Doxycycline Hyclate 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.
Doxycycline Hyclate Overview
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Doxycycline is used to treat a variety of infections caused by certain types of bacteria. Doxycycline is also used to treat or prevent anthrax (a serious infection that may be spread on purpose as part of a bioterror attack) in people who may have been exposed to anthrax in the air and to treat plague and tuleramia (serious infections that may be spread on purpose as part of a bioterror attack). It is also used to prevent malaria. Doxycycline is also used along with other medications to treat acne and rosacea (a skin disease that causes redness, flushing, and pimples on the face). Doxycycline (Oracea) is used only to treat pimples and bumps caused by rosacea. Doxycycline is in a class of medications called tetracycline antibiotics. It works to treat infections by preventing the growth and spread of bacteria. It works to treat acne by killing the bacteria that infects pores and decreasing a certain natural oily substance that causes acne. It works to treat rosacea by decreasing the inflammation that causes this condition.
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Antibiotics such as doxycycline will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections. Using antibiotics when they are not needed increases your risk of getting an infection later that resists antibiotic treatment.
Kudzu - More Interactions
Kudzu interacts with 555 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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Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
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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