What Are the Effects and Benefits of Kudzu Root Powder?

Pueraria lobata, a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine, is also a type of food. It plays a significant role in both treating diseases and regulating the body. When ground into powder and consumed moderately, pueraria lobata powder can exert certain medicinal and dietary effects. In particular, it is beneficial for middle-aged and elderly individuals in preventing cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, as well as regulating gastrointestinal functions. Let's delve into the functions and benefits of pueraria lobata powder.

Pueraria lobata, known for its high medicinal value and recognized by the National Health and Wellness Commission as a "dual-use" herb for both medicinal and food purposes, is widely used in healthcare. Pueraria lobata powder is obtained by grinding the tuberous roots of the plant and extracting the starch. It contains essential trace elements such as calcium, iron, zinc, and vitamins, as well as abundant starch, dietary fiber, minerals, and various amino acids. It possesses the effects of clearing heat, detoxifying, quenching thirst, lifting yang, stopping diarrhea, and protecting the stomach.

1. Improvement of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Circulation, Blood Pressure, and Lipid Reduction: Modern pharmacological studies have shown that puerarin, a component of pueraria lobata, can reduce plasma endothelin and platelet surface activity, inhibiting platelet aggregation and adhesion. This helps to lower blood lipids, cholesterol, blood viscosity, and prevent thrombosis. It also protects vascular endothelial cells, promotes vascular softening, and prevents the occurrence of atherosclerosis. Clinically, it is often used to treat coronary heart disease, angina pectoris, hypertension, and other conditions.

2. Blood Sugar Reduction: In ancient medicine, pueraria lobata was often combined with radix trichosanthis and radix ophiopogonis to treat diabetes, or xiaoke in traditional terminology. It effectively quenches thirst and lowers blood sugar levels.

3. Antioxidation and Immunity Enhancement: The isoflavones in pueraria lobata, known as phytoestrogens, play a crucial role in supplementing hormonal deficiencies and regulating endocrine function in the human body. They also enhance immunity, improve memory, and possess anticancer and antioxidant properties.