Botanical Overview
Pueraria montana (lobata) belongs to the Fabaceae family and is commonly known as Kudzu, Japanese arrowroot, or Lobed kudzu. The plant is native to East and Southeast Asia and has naturalized in parts of North America. The parts used medicinally include the root, leaf, and flower.
Energetics
- Temperature: cooling
- Moisture: moistening
- Tastes: bitter, sweet
- Directionality: descending
- Tonicity: tonifying
- Qi/Blood/Fluid: qi, blood
Primary Actions
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antioxidant
- Cardioprotective
- Vasodilator
- Neuroprotective
- Phytoestrogenic
Indications
Western
- Hypertension
- Alcohol intoxication
- Muscle pain
- Diarrhea
- Menopause symptoms
Syndromes
- Cardiovascular disorders
- Alcohol dependence
- Postmenopausal syndrome
- Cerebral ischemia
TCM
- Fever
- Headache
- Stiffness of neck and shoulders
- Diarrhea
- Diabetes
Syndromes
- Wind-heat invasion
- Qi and blood stagnation
- Internal heat
Ayurveda
No well-established traditional indications.
Unani
No well-established traditional indications.
Constituents & Mechanisms
Pueraria montana contains isoflavones including puerarin, daidzein, and genistein, saponins, and starch components; these contribute to its antioxidant, estrogenic, and vascular effects.
Dosage & Preparations
- Decoction: 10-30 g dried root
- Tincture 1:5 in 40% ethanol: 2-5 mL, 1-3 times daily
- Powder: 3-9 g daily
- Standardized extracts rich in puerarin
Safety & Contraindications
Generally safe when used traditionally; limited data in pregnancy and lactation advise caution. May interact with alcohol, anticoagulants, and antihypertensive medications. Monitor for additive hypotensive effects.
Astrological Correspondences
No reliable sources identified for planetary or elemental rulers.
Selected References
- Pueraria lobata (Kudzu) Monograph – PFAF
- Phytochemistry and pharmacological activities of Pueraria lobata – Tang Y et al. (2019)
- WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants, Vol. 2 (2002)
- Chinese Herbal Medicine Materia Medica – Bensky & Gamble (1993)