Kudzu As A Treatment For Alcoholism?

Since consuming alcohol while taking kudzu extract is not aversive, another explanation is necessary to account for the extremely fast onset of action observed in the present study. This was demonstrated in our previous study (Penetar et al., 2011) where pharmacokinetic parameters such as what is alcoholism peak concentration and elimination time were not affected by kudzu. This interpretation of kudzu’s possible mechanism of action was also suggested by Wong et al. (2011) who postulated that kudzu alters peripheral and cerebral blood flow. Puerarin, one of the most abundant isoflavones in kudzu root extracts, is a known vasodilator and is approved for such use in China following coronary infarction and stroke (Wu et al., 2014). As an herbal plant extract, kudzu can be made available without a prescription.

Healthy digestion and intestinal rhythm through plants

Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on our site. It’s best to speak with your healthcare provider to determine whether kudzu root could interact with any medications you’re taking. Anecdotal sources also note that kudzu root may lower blood sugar too much or slow down blood clotting. Nevertheless, it may be a good idea to avoid if you use blood thinning or diabetes medications. While scientists need to do more research on the health effects of kudzu, some studies suggest that kudzu root may have other health benefits worth considering.

Kudzu and Menopausal Symptoms

In retrospect, my experience demonstrates the utility of kudzu for alcoholism. If I had been committed to using it to wean off of alcohol and then quit, it might have been a very valuable part of my recovery. I did not know at the time that people also use it to treat alcohol withdrawal symptoms; nor did I care, because I did not intend to quit at the time.

Does Kudzu Root Really Work? Here’s What We Know

These are exciting findings, but much more research is needed before we can be sure. Some studies have found that the puerarin in kudzu does, in fact, influence dopamine release in some areas of the brain. Some people have a genetic predisposition to becoming dependent on alcohol and may be more vulnerable to the reinforcing effects it can have. Over time, chronic alcoholism leads to structural and functional changes in the brain. These changes affect parts of the brain related to emotional regulation, memory, and decision-making.

• Historically, it was used to treat various ailments such as fever, muscle pain, and alcohol-related issues.
• For example, an older study published in 2005 found that kudzu extract reduced alcohol consumption in a group of heavy drinkers.
• Anecdotal sources say it may also be harmful to take with medications for diabetes or blood clotting.
• Kudzu root extract is now widely used in the United States as a natural remedy for alcoholism.

How does kudzu extract work?

When it comes to how to take kudzu for alcohol cravings or alcohol abuse, we’ve briefly touched on its mechanism of action. Still, it’s worthwhile to delve more deeply into how it works to help reduce alcohol consumption. In some instances, even a single dose of kudzu extract reduced alcohol consumption and prevented binge drinking (4, 5). Kudzu extract was administered in gelatin capsules containing 500 mg of extract (Alkontrol-Herbal™; NPI-031) prepared by Natural Pharmacia International, Inc., Burlington, MA.

A single dose of kudzu extract reduces alcohol consumption in a binge drinking paradigm

• Harvard researchers first discovered the anti-drinking effects of the kudzu extract in 2005.
• Kudzu may help by reducing the urge to consume alcohol, making it easier to control cravings.
• In that study, participants who took kudzu extract consumed fewer beers and had lower alcohol intake measures compared to the placebo-treated group.
• However, more research is needed to determine its long-term effectiveness in promoting alcoholism recovery.

Excessive alcohol consumption is a leading cause of illness worldwide (Shield et al., 2013) and has a significant impact on the health of millions people. The impact of excessive alcohol consumption results in increased healthcare costs, loss of productivity, alcohol-related crime (including assault and sexual abuse), and motor vehicle accidents. The use of kudzu for alcoholism originated in China around 600 A.D.

The Effects of Alcohol Consumption on Hormones and Neurotransmitter Systems

It works by essentially increasing blood alcohol concentration, meaning people only need to drink a small amount to feel the effects of the alcohol. Changes in the activity of the D2 receptor pathways can impact the reinforcing effects of addictive substances. Cravings are often linked to the rewarding effects of alcohol, so kudzu’s ability to change the dopamine system can impact cravings and their intensity. Dopamine is one of the primary neurotransmitters that play a role in the reinforcing effects of alcohol and other addictive substances.

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• Now kudzu’s popularity is also picking up in the Western world as a wellness supplement.
• One study in mice found that kudzu vine extract was highly beneficial in treating alcohol-induced liver damage by scavenging harmful free radicals and boosting the natural antioxidant system (6).
• If a person wants to reduce their alcohol or tobacco intake, kudzu root is recommended because its active principles (daidzin, daidzein and puerarin) are effective in helping to combat desire to consume alcohol or nicotine.
• The result showed that the group that had received kudzu significantly reduced their consumption of alcoholic drinks during the drinking session.
• Kudzu isn’t a standalone treatment for alcoholism or reducing voluntary alcohol intake, but if your goal is to reduce alcohol cravings or cut back, it may be a helpful natural supplement.

In cases of alcoholism, the doses studied in scientific research were 1.5-3g of kudzu root extract taken in 3 doses per day over 1-4 weeks. A single dose of 2g of kudzu extract has also been used in other studies before a drinking session. The root of kudzu and alcohol the Kudzu plant has been used for centuries in Chinese medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including alcoholism.