SYS ONLINE
SUPPLEMENT_SCHOLAR
evidence · mechanism · dose
Supplements/Herb

Kudzu (Pueraria lobata)

Isoflavone-rich root — reduces alcohol craving and intake in human trials.

Pre-Drinking SupportPost-Drinking Recovery

Overview

Isoflavone-rich root — reduces alcohol craving and intake in human trials.

Natural sources
    Common forms

      Forms & variants of Kudzu (Pueraria lobata)

      Different chemical forms of Kudzu (Pueraria lobata) behave differently. Browse each form's mechanism, bioavailability, and best-use context.

      Anti-craving
      Kudzu (Pueraria lobata)

      Isoflavone-rich root that reduces alcohol intake.

      Mechanism of action

      Puerarin and daidzin inhibit mitochondrial ALDH2, increasing acetaldehyde and creating a mild aversion.

      Pathways
      • · ALDH2 inhibition
      • · BAC dynamics

      Effects on the body

      Organ system effects

      Evidence-based benefits

      Reduced alcohol intake in heavy drinkers (Lukas 2013)

      Moderate evidence

      Potential side effects

      Common
      • · Flushing
      Rare
        Serious
        • · Avoid with disulfiram-like reactions

        Drug interactions

        Methotrexate
        Possible additive hepatotoxicity.
        moderate

        Safety & non-supplemental interactions

        Educational summary — always confirm with your clinician or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or combining with prescription therapy.

        Avoid if you are
        • ·Pregnant or breastfeeding (insufficient safety data)
        • ·Children under 18 (unless directed by a clinician)
        Other notes
        • ·Discuss with a clinician if you have active liver disease or take hepatotoxic medications.

        Supplement interactions

        Pairs well with

        None listed.

        Avoid combining with

        No specific avoidances listed.

        Dosing & bioavailability

        Typical dose
        500–1500 mg root extract
        With food?
        Optional

        Where to buy

        Affiliate-style search links to reputable retailers. We don't endorse specific brands — verify third-party testing (USP, NSF, Informed Sport) before purchase.

        Herb
        Kudzu (Puera…
        Amazon
        Wide selection · fast shipping
        Herb
        Kudzu (Puera…
        iHerb
        Global delivery · curated brands
        Herb
        Kudzu (Puera…
        Thorne
        Practitioner-grade · NSF tested

        Scientific evidence (8)

        RCTDrug Alcohol Depend · 2013

        Kudzu (Pueraria lobata) for alcohol consumption

        Lukas SE, et al.

        RCT of kudzu extract on alcohol drinking.

        Key findings

        Reduced number of beers consumed in heavy drinkers.

        Open study
        Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

        PubMed: Kudzu (Pueraria lobata) — Reduced alcohol intake in heavy drinkers

        Live PubMed search

        Live results for "Kudzu (Pueraria lobata) Reduced alcohol intake in heavy drinkers" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

        Key findings

        Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Kudzu (Pueraria lobata) and "Reduced alcohol intake in heavy drinkers". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

        Open study
        Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

        PubMed: Kudzu (Pueraria lobata) — randomized controlled trial

        Live PubMed search

        Live results for "Kudzu (Pueraria lobata) randomized controlled trial" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

        Key findings

        Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Kudzu (Pueraria lobata) and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

        Open study
        Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

        PubMed: Kudzu (Pueraria lobata) — meta-analysis

        Live PubMed search

        Live results for "Kudzu (Pueraria lobata) meta-analysis" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

        Key findings

        Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Kudzu (Pueraria lobata) and "meta-analysis". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

        Open study
        Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

        PubMed: Kudzu (Pueraria lobata) — pharmacokinetics

        Live PubMed search

        Live results for "Kudzu (Pueraria lobata) pharmacokinetics" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

        Key findings

        Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Kudzu (Pueraria lobata) and "pharmacokinetics". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

        Open study
        Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

        PubMed: Kudzu (Pueraria lobata) — safety adverse events

        Live PubMed search

        Live results for "Kudzu (Pueraria lobata) safety adverse events" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

        Key findings

        Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Kudzu (Pueraria lobata) and "safety adverse events". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

        Open study
        Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

        PubMed: Kudzu (Pueraria lobata) — dose response

        Live PubMed search

        Live results for "Kudzu (Pueraria lobata) dose response" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

        Key findings

        Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Kudzu (Pueraria lobata) and "dose response". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

        Open study
        Systematic reviewGoogle Scholar · 1970

        Google Scholar: Kudzu (Pueraria lobata) — clinical evidence

        Live Scholar search

        Cross-database citation index for Kudzu (Pueraria lobata) as it relates to "clinical evidence".

        Key findings

        Includes preprints, theses, and journal articles. Useful for tracking citation counts and follow-on work.

        Open study
        Educational use only. This profile is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement, especially if you take prescription medication or have a chronic condition.