Can drinking kudzu root treat gout? Is it effective?

Apr 30, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, Pueraria root (Gegen) has certain auxiliary effects on gout, but it cannot replace standard medical treatment. The anti-inflammatory properties of Pueraria root may help alleviate symptoms such as joint swelling and pain during acute gout attacks. Components such as puerarin may reduce uric acid production by inhibiting xanthine oxidase activity, thereby assisting in lowering blood uric acid levels. Additionally, Pueraria root can dilate blood vessels and improve blood circulation.

Generally speaking, Kudzu root has certain auxiliary effects on gout but cannot replace standard medical treatments. Detailed analysis is as follows:

  

Kudzu root's anti-inflammatory properties can help alleviate joint swelling and pain during acute gout attacks. Components such as puerarin may reduce uric acid production by inhibiting xanthine oxidase activity, thereby assisting in lowering blood uric acid levels. Kudzu root can dilate blood vessels and improve circulation, which benefits cardiovascular complications commonly seen in gout patients, such as hypertension and atherosclerosis.

Kudzu root also helps regulate metabolic indicators like blood lipids and glucose levels, thus reducing the risk of comorbidities in gout patients. However, Kudzu root is not a specific medication for gout and cannot replace uric acid-lowering drugs or anti-inflammatory painkillers. Using Kudzu root alone is insufficient to control recurrent gout attacks; comprehensive treatment combining dietary control and lifestyle modifications is necessary.

Gout patients may use Kudzu root as an adjunctive therapy under a doctor's guidance, alongside medication and dietary management. Self-administering large amounts of Kudzu root should be avoided, especially for individuals with hypoglycemia, spleen-stomach deficiency-cold, or allergic constitutions, as attention should be paid to dosage and contraindications. During gout treatment, patients should maintain a positive and optimistic attitude and cooperate with the treatment plan provided by their doctors to achieve recovery as soon as possible.