Pueraria mirifica, also known as kudzu, is a plant used as a medicinal supplement in Chinese medicine. Traditionally, this herb has been used to reduce menopause symptoms and treat alcoholism. Recently, Pueraria mirifica has also gained popularity as a natural breast enhancer. Additional research is needed to support these purported health benefits of Pueraria mirifica, however. Talk with your medical provider about the safety of Pueraria mirifica before beginning treatment with this supplement.
Contraindications
If you have certain health problems, treatment with Pueraria mirifica may not be appropriate. This herb is rich in isoflavones, a type of phytosterol -- or plant steroid -- that can mimic the effects of estrogen, a sex hormone. For this reason, people with hormone-sensitive health problems, including reproductive cancers, uterine fibroids or endometriosis, shouldn't use Pueraria mirifica. Avoid taking this herbal supplement if you have a heart or bleeding disorder. The safety of Pueraria mirifica during pregnancy has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Consequently, pregnant or breast-feeding women should avoid treatment with this herb.
Medication Interactions
Pueraria mirifica may negatively interact with some medications. Don't use this herb if you are taking hormonal birth control or estrogen therapy, as Pueraria mirifica may reduce the effects of such treatments. This herb also contains caffeine, which your body may have difficulty metabolizing if you also take estrogen therapy. You may experience caffeine side effects including headache and increased heart rate. Other medications that shouldn't be used in combination with Pueraria mirifica include blood thinners, tamoxifen, methotrexate and diabetes medications.
Reduced Blood Sugar
Treatment with this natural herb may lower your blood sugar. People who already have low blood sugar -- a condition called hypoglycemia -- or receive treatment for diabetes may experience a severe drop in their blood sugar after taking Pueraria mirifica. Hypoglycemia may cause dizziness, sweating, tremors, headache, hunger, confusion, difficulty with concentration, fatigue or blurred vision. If you develop hypoglycemia symptoms after taking a dose of this medicinal herb, consult your doctor.
Liver Toxicity
Though additional research to evaluate the safety of Pueraria mirifica is necessary, herbs in this plant family may increase your risk of developing liver toxicity, also called hepatotoxicity. Liver toxicity may result in fatigue, abdominal pain, jaundice, itchy skin, nausea, dark urine or unusually pale stools. Seek prompt care from your doctor is you exhibit liver toxicity symptoms while taking Pueraria mirifica.
