Planetary Formulas Kudzu Recovery features the roots and flowers of kudzu (Pueraria lobata), which have long been used in Chinese herbalism to help lessen the desire for alcohol. Studies have shown that kudzu can reduce both hangovers and alcohol cravings. These are combined with coptis, a primary cleansing and liver-supporting herb from Chinese herbalism, and other key botanicals to support balanced blood sugar levels and enhance energy levels.
A person who takes kudzu, will still drink alcohol, however, they will consume less than if they had not taken kudzu. The mechanism for this is not yet established, but it may have to do with both alcohol metabolism and the reward circuits in the brain. The Harvard Medical School is studying kudzu as a possible way to treat alcoholic cravings, by turning an extracted compound from the herb into a medical drug.
Kudzu also contains a number of useful isoflavones, including daidzein (an anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial agent), daidzin (a cancer preventive) and genistein (an antileukemic agent). Kudzu is a unique source of the isoflavone puerarin. Kudzu root compounds can affect neurotransmitters (including serotonin, GABA, and glutamate) and it has shown value in treating migraine and cluster headache. Kudzu leaves are high in vitamins A and C, as well as calcium and protein. Its roots are rich in starch and its flowers are an excellent honey source.
In traditional Chinese medicine, where it is known as gé gen, kudzu is considered one of the 50 fundamental herbs. It is used to treat tinnitus, vertigo, and Wei syndrome (superficial heat close to the surface).
Chemicals extracted from kudzu include isoflavones known as daidzein, daidzin, genistein, and puerarin. Isoflavones are plant chemicals that have estrogenic and antioxidant effects. In the past several years, these chemicals have been studied for their potential ability to treat alcoholism and to reduce the symptoms of hangovers. At least some of them are known to block two of the natural enzymes that break down alcohol in the body. As a result, study animals given alcohol and kudzu had lower blood alcohol levels than animals given comparable amounts of alcohol alone. The kudzu-treated animals showed less interest in drinking alcohol, as well. In other laboratory studies, kudzu also appeared to protect animal brain, liver, and spine cells from damage by alcohol and other toxic chemicals. Whether these effects apply to humans is being investigated intensively.
In traditional Chinese medicine, the type of kudzu that grows in Asia has been used to relieve muscle pain. Some evidence from animal studies and human case reports suggests that kudzu may have an anti-inflammatory effect, but no controlled studies have been carried out in humans to determine how kudzu might exert this effect. It is known that chemicals in kudzu may help to lower heart rate and regulate heart rhythm, in part by widening blood vessels near the heart. Studies in animals show that puerarin and perhaps other components of kudzu may promote the formation of new blood vessels around areas of heart tissue damaged by heart attacks or low blood supply. Kudzu may also relax blood vessels in the brain, which may help to relieve migraine headaches. More research is needed to prove or disprove all of these potential uses.
The isoflavones in kudzu belong to a larger chemical group known as phytoestrogens. In the human body, phytoestrogens may exhibit weak effects like the female hormone, estrogen. The type of kudzu that grows in North America may not have enough phytoestrogens to provide natural hormone replacement. However, small studies of menopausal women, kudzu was mildly effective in relieving hot flashes and other symptoms of menopause. Additional early results from animal studies suggest kudzu phytoestrogens may help to protect against bone loss for individuals with osteoporosis.
They may also have some effectiveness in improving memory and thinking ability in postmenopausal women. An additional effect of kudzu’s phytoestrogens may help to lower cholesterol levels. For commercial use, phytoestrogens from kudzu may be combined with other herbals such as soy, which are believed to exert estrogen-like effects through different methods. Currently, not enough is understood about kudzu’s possible estrogenic effects to recommend it for use in menopause or other conditions.