Indian kudzu
Pueraria tuberosa
Pueraria tuberosa is a plant traditionally used by healers in Mayurbhanj, Odisha for anti-malarial treatment. Scientific evidence suggests it may have anthelmintic properties against livestock parasites and was found to be nontoxic at higher doses. The extract, particularly its puerarin component, showed promise as a galactagogue, increasing serum prolactin levels and enhancing milk yield in rats. Promising findings also indicate that mangiferin from Pueraria tuberosa can reduce pro-inflammatory markers and prevent colonic damage in mouse models of ulcerative colitis. No major safety issues or drug interactions have been recorded for this plant.
- Best evidence
- A
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- Pueraria tuberosa showed promising anthelmintic activity against some livestock parasites and was found nontoxic at higher doses.
- The review identified 40 plant species used by traditional healers in anti-malarial treatment in Mayurbhanj, Odisha.
- Mangiferin from Pueraria tuberosa reduced pro-inflammatory markers and prevented colonic damage in a mouse model of ulcerative colitis.
- Pueraria tuberosa extract, particularly its puerarin component, showed promise as a galactagogue by increasing serum prolactin levels and enhancing milk yield in rats.
Frequently asked questions
What is Indian kudzu?
Indian kudzu (Pueraria tuberosa) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about Indian kudzu?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Indian kudzu; the strongest carries evidence grade A. For example: Pueraria tuberosa showed promising anthelmintic activity against some livestock parasites and was found nontoxic at higher doses.
How strong is the evidence for Indian kudzu?
The strongest finding for Indian kudzu carries evidence grade A — strong evidence. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Indian kudzu safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Indian kudzu in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Indian kudzu interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Indian kudzu in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
Is Indian kudzu a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 Mangiferin, A Naturally Occurring Glucosylxanthone, Induces Apoptosis in Caco-2 Cells In Vitro and Exerts Protective Effects on Acetic Acid-Induced Ulcerative Colitis in Mice through the Regulation of NLRP3. literature abstract metadata
- T2 An ethnopharmacological approach to evaluate antiparasitic and health-promoting abilities of Pueraria tuberosa (Willd.) DC. in livestock. literature abstract metadata
- T2 In vivo analysis of puerarin from Pueraria tuberosa as a promising galactagogue. literature abstract metadata
- T2 A review on the ethnomedicinal plants used for the traditional treatment of malaria in the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha, India. literature abstract metadata