title: Response of cluster headache to kudzu.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To describe the self-treatment of cluster headache with kudzu.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Many cluster headache patients take over-the-counter (OTC) kudzu extract in the belief that it helps their cluster attacks. Kudzu's actual efficacy has not been studied.
  
  
  METHODS
  A database of cluster headache patients was questioned about their use of various alternative remedies to treat their cluster headache. Of 235 patients identified, 16 had used kudzu, consented to interviews, and provided medical records.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In total, 11 (69%) experienced decreased intensity of attacks, 9 (56%) decreased frequency, and 5 (31%) decreased duration, with minimal side effects.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Anecdotal evidence suggests that a component in OTC products labeled as kudzu may prove useful in managing cluster headache. This hypothesis should be tested with a randomized clinical trial.
authors.affiliation: VA Connecticut Healthcare, Yale University School of Medicine, Psychiatry, West Haven, CT 06516, USA.
authors.forename: R Andrew
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Sewell
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003027:Cluster Headache / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D029908:Pueraria
chemical_list: D010936:Plant Extracts