Pueraria
Pueraria, commonly known as Kudzu, is a versatile climbing legume celebrated in traditional medicine. Renowned for its potent bioactive compounds, it is widely used to manage various ailments, including menopause symptoms, alcohol cravings, and inflammation. This resilient plant offers significant therapeutic potential for supporting holistic wellness and metabolic health.
- Scientific name: Pueraria
- Family: Fabaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Fabales, it is classified under the family Fabaceae and is identified by the genus Pueraria.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Fabales | WCVP |
| Family | Fabaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Pueraria | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Pueraria, is referred to by several regional names depending on the linguistic context. In simplified Chinese characters used in mainland China and Singapore, it is known as 葛属 (zh-cn, zh-sg) or 葛属 (zh-hans), while in traditional Chinese characters used in Hong Kong and Taiwan, it is called 葛屬 (zh-hk, zh-hant).| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| zh-hans | 葛属 | Wikidata |
| zh-hant | 葛屬 | Wikidata |
| zh-hk | 葛屬 | Wikidata |
| zh-cn | 葛属 | Wikidata |
| zh-sg | 葛属 | Wikidata |
| zh-tw | 葛屬 | Wikidata |
| ja | クズ属 | Wikidata |
| pl | Opornik | Wikidata |
| vi | Chi Sắn dây | Wikidata |
| ka | პუერარია | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a diverse geographical range that spans across several distinct regions. In Southeastern Europe, it can be found growing in Italy as well as throughout the Northwest Balkan Peninsula. Its presence extends into Eastern Europe, specifically within the territories of Crimea and Ukraine. Additionally, the species reaches the Atlantic islands of Macaronesia, notably inhabiting the Azores. Together, these locations highlight the wide distribution of the plant across various European landscapes.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Southeastern Europe | Italy | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | NW. Balkan Pen. | WCVP |
| Eastern Europe | Krym | WCVP |
| Eastern Europe | Ukraine | WCVP |
| Macaronesia | Azores | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Ghana | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Liberia | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Nigeria | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Senegal | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Sierra Leone | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, commonly known as Kudzu, possesses a complex underground structure that is essential to its medicinal properties. It develops thick, starchy tuberous roots that function as a storage organ for nutrients. These specialized structures often take on the appearance of a large tuber, which is harvested for its therapeutic benefits. The entire underground network is comprised of a robust system of roots, including a primary root that anchors the plant firmly into the soil. Above the ground, the climbing stems provide the necessary support for the vines to spread across the landscape.- Total parts
- 6
- Scientific sources
- 9
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| root | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| tuber | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| tuberous roots | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| stems | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| roots | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Root | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Pueraria has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include isoflavones, Puerarin.
- Total chemicals
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| isoflavones | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Puerarin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Pueraria has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antidepressant.
- Total activities
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antidepressant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Pueraria has 3 reported medicinal uses identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Depression, alcohol abuse, cardiovascular diseases.
- Total uses
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Depression | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| alcohol abuse | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cardiovascular diseases | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |