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Dietary supplement

Kudzu Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Herbalist & Alchemist

Liquid Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Kudzu is a dietary supplement by Herbalist & Alchemist with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for alcohol cravings and reduction, menopausal symptoms, heart and blood vessel health.Based on those ingredients, 584 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are dried Kudzu root extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Kudzu by Herbalist & Alchemist

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains a single active ingredient: dried Kudzu root extract. Kudzu is a plant used in traditional medicine, and this liquid form is made with distilled water and ethyl alcohol as inactive ingredients.

Does it work?

Not established
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Not established

The graded evidence we hold for these ingredients covers different conditions than the ones this product is marketed for, so there's no established rating for its stated use — see Kudzu's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: balances muscular discomfort.
  • We looked for evidence on: Back pain, Muscle tension, Musculoskeletal pain, Muscle strain.
  • The closest evidence on file: Kudzu is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Back pain (Natural Medicines).

The data we hold shows that kudzu is possibly effective for alcohol use disorder. For hay fever (allergic rhinitis), angina, and back pain, there is not enough reliable evidence in our data to say whether it works.

If you're considering this for one of those uses, talk with your doctor about what the evidence actually supports and whether it fits your situation.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Kudzu

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Kudzu is generally well tolerated in the short term, but long-term safety hasn't been well studied. Clinical trials have reported nausea, bloating, indigestion, dizziness, and one case of a rash—though these side effects didn't happen more often than placebo.

Because kudzu may have hormone-like effects, the safety data advises against use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. If you are pregnant, nursing, or planning to become pregnant, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this product.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Kudzu

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Kudzu.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 585 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before taking this product, check with your doctor or pharmacist if you use blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs (aspirin, clopidogrel), estrogen therapy, any drug that stresses the liver, caffeine supplements or products, methotrexate, tamoxifen, or diabetes medications. All carry Moderate or Minor interaction risks with kudzu.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Kudzu may help with alcohol use disorder, though the evidence is preliminary. If you take blood thinners, diabetes drugs, estrogen, methotrexate, tamoxifen, or drink caffeine regularly, you'll need to check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting this—the interaction risks are real.

It's generally well tolerated short-term, but long-term safety is unclear, and it's not recommended in pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Sep 22, 2022.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Kudzu, straight from the product label.

Brand Herbalist & Alchemist
Barcode (UPC) 667056118013
Net contents 2 fl. Oz.; 60 mL
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Sep 22, 2022
DSLD ID 272892
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Liquid
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Kosher
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Kudzu by Herbalist & Alchemist, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
2 mL
Maximum serving Sizes:
3 mL
Servings per container
20
UPC/BARCODE
667056118013
IngredientAmount% DV
dried Kudzu root extract3 mL--

Other ingredients: distilled Water, Ethyl Alcohol

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Formula

Pueraria montana

OK (Kosher)

Formulation

Balances Muscular Discomfort

Botanical Preparation Ratio 1:5

FDA Statement of Identity

Herbal Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested use: 40-60 drops (2-3 mL) in juice or water. Take 3 times per day. Shake well before using.

Precautions

Keep out of children's reach

FDA Disclaimer Statement

This statement has not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Seals/Symbols

OK (Kosher)

See for yourself

Kudzu by Herbalist & Alchemist label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Kudzu by Herbalist & Alchemist

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size2 mL Dosage formLiquid Servings per container20 Amounts shown are per serving.

Dried Kudzu root extract

Interacts with
584 drugs
3 mL per serving

Kudzu is a fast-growing vine whose root has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine and is now studied mostly for reducing alcohol intake. Earl...

Dried Kudzu root extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Distilled Water, Ethyl Alcohol. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Kudzu by Herbalist & Alchemist Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Kudzu?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
584Drugs
512 Moderate 72 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Kudzu with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

dried Kudzu root extract7 drug types · 584 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, kudzu may increase the risk of bleeding if used with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs.
Kudzu isoflavones are reported to have antiplatelet activity.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Caffeine

Theoretically, taking kudzu with caffeine might increase levels of caffeine.
In healthy males injected with the kudzu constituent puerarin, caffeine clearance and metabolism is inhibited. This effect has been attributed to inhibition of cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) enzyme, which is involved in caffeine metabolism. It is unclear if taking kudzu orally would have this same effect.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Estrogens

Theoretically, kudzu might alter the effects of estrogen therapy.
Some research suggests that kudzu has estrogenic effects. This may enhance or inhibit the effects of estrogen therapy.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Hepatotoxic Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use might have additive hepatotoxic effects.
There is some concern that kudzu can adversely affect the liver.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Methotrexate (Trexall, Others)

Theoretically, taking kudzu with methotrexate might increase the risk of methotrexate toxicity.
Preclinical research suggests that kudzu extract greatly reduces the elimination and increases the toxicity of methotrexate. Kudzu might inhibit organic anion transporters (OATs) that are responsible for hepatobiliary and renal excretion of anions, similar to the interaction between methotrexate and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Tamoxifen (Nolvadex)

Theoretically, kudzu might interfere with tamoxifen activity.
Some research suggests that kudzu may have estrogenic effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking kudzu with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Kudzu might lower blood glucose levels and have additive effects in patients treated with antidiabetic agents. The dose of diabetes medications might need to be adjusted.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Kudzu, from the product label.

Herbalist & Alchemist

See all Herbalist & Alchemist products
Name
Herbalist & Alchemist, Inc.
City
Washington
State
NJ
ZipCode
07882
Phone Number
800-611-8235
Web Address
www.herbalist-alchemist.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Kudzu by Herbalist & Alchemist: Common Questions

Does Kudzu by Herbalist & Alchemist interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Kudzu has a known interaction with 584 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Kudzu contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Will this help me cut back on drinking?
Kudzu is possibly effective for alcohol use disorder according to our data, meaning there is some evidence it may help—but the research isn't definitive. Talk with your doctor about whether it's a good fit for your situation and how it works alongside other treatments.
Is it safe to take long-term?
Short-term safety looks okay based on clinical trials, but there just isn't enough data on long-term use. If you're thinking of taking it regularly, check with your pharmacist or doctor about what we do and don't know.
Can I take this while pregnant or breastfeeding?
The safety data advises against it. Kudzu may have hormone-like effects, and there isn't enough information to say it's safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor if you're pregnant, nursing, or planning to become pregnant.
What side effects did people have in trials?
Some people reported nausea, bloating, indigestion, dizziness, and in one case a rash. None of these happened more often than placebo, so they're not common—but they're worth knowing about.
Why does this interact with so many medications?
Kudzu contains isoflavones and a compound called puerarin that can slow how your liver breaks down certain drugs, affect hormone signaling, and thin the blood slightly. That's why it touches a broad range of medications—it's not just one narrow interaction.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Kudzu label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Kudzu's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 21 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Kudzu 21 references
  1. Woo J, Lau E, Ho SC, et al. Comparison of Pueraria lobata with hormone replacement therapy in treating the adverse health consequences of menopause. Menopause 2003;10:352-61. PubMed
  2. Akita H, Sowa J, Makiura M, et al. Maculopapular drug eruption due to the Japanese herbal medicine Kakkonto (kudzu or arrowroot decoction). Contact Dermatitis 2003;48:348-9. PubMed
  3. Luo ZR, Zheng B. [Effect of Puerarin on platelet activating factors CD63 and CD62P, plasminogen activator inhibitor and C-reactive protein in patients with unstable angia pectoris]. Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi 2001;21:31-3 .
  4. Lee KT, Sohn IC, Kim DH, et al. Hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of tectorigenin and kaikasaponin III in the streptozotocin-lnduced diabetic rat and their antioxidant activity in vitro. Arch Pharm Res 2000;23:461-6.
  5. Yu Z, Zhang G, Zhao H. [Effects of Puerariae isoflavone on blood viscosity, thrombosis and platelet function]. Zhong Yao Cai 1997;20:468-9.
  6. Hsu FL, Liu IM, Kuo DH, et al. Antihyperglycemic effect of puerarin in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. J Nat Prod 2003;66:788-92. PubMed
  7. Chiang HM, Fang SH, Wen KC, et al. Life-threatening interaction between the root extract of Pueraria lobata and methotrexate in rats. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2005;209:263-8.
  8. Zheng, J., Chen, B., Jiang, B., Zeng, L., Tang, Z. R., Fan, L., and Zhou, H. H. The effects of puerarin on CYP2D6 and CYP1A2 activities in vivo. Arch Pharm Res 2010;33(2):243-246. PubMed
  9. Hsu, H. H., Chang, C. K., Su, H. C., Liu, I. M., and Cheng, J. T. Stimulatory effect of puerarin on alpha1A-adrenoceptor to increase glucose uptake into cultured C2C12 cells of mice. Planta Med 2002;68(11):999-1003.
  10. Zheng, G., Zhang, X., Zheng, J., Meng, Q., and Zheng, D. [Estrogen-like effects of puerarin and total isoflavones from Pueraria lobata]. Zhong.Yao Cai. 2002;25(8):566-568.
  11. Qi, B. L. and Qi, B. M. [Effect of the purariae-isofiavones on estrogen level in normal and ovariectomized rats]. Zhongguo Zhong.Yao Za Zhi. 2002;27(11):850-852.
  12. Akita, H., Sowa, J., Makiura, M., Akamatsu, H., and Matsunaga, K. Maculopapular drug eruption due to the Japanese herbal medicine Kakkonto (kudzu or arrowroot decoction). Contact Dermatitis 2003;48(6):348-349. PubMed
  13. Manonai, J., Chittacharoen, A., Theppisai, U., and Theppisai, H. Effect of Pueraria mirifica on vaginal health. Menopause. 2007;14(5):919-924. PubMed
  14. Chandeying, V. and Sangthawan, M. Efficacy comparison of Pueraria mirifica (PM) against conjugated equine estrogen (CEE) with/without medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) in the treatment of climacteric symptoms in perimenopausal women: phase III study. J M
  15. Virojchaiwong, P., Suvithayasiri, V., and Itharat, A. Comparison of Pueraria mirifica 25 and 50 mg for menopausal symptoms. Arch.Gynecol.Obstet. 2011;284(2):411-419. PubMed
  16. Hou, Q., Ao, X., Li, G., and Zhang, Y. [Puerarin combined with avandia for diabetic nephropathy]. Zhong.Nan.Da.Xue Xue Bao Yi Xue Ban. 2012;37(1):73-77.
  17. 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. PubMed
  18. 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. PubMed
  19. 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. DOI
  20. 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. PubMed
  21. Warinsiriruk P, Tantitham C, Cherdshewasart W, Shobeiri SA, Manonai J. Effects of Pueraria mirifica on vaginal artery vascularization in postmenopausal women with genitourinary syndrome of menopause. Maturitas 2022;160:4-10. PubMed

See these in context on the Kudzu monograph →

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

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