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

The last study above was designed to test the hypothesis that kudzu accelerates the subjective experience of alcohol intoxication. If this were the primary effect of kudzu increasing blood flow, then subjects should feel more intoxicated with fewer drinks after taking it. 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. Lukas and Lee hold a patent for kudzu extract to treat alcohol abuse and dependence.

• If you experience any adverse reactions while using kudzu, consult your healthcare provider promptly.
• As a result, the researchers gave compounds from Kudzu root to the special lab rats.
• These data add to the mounting clinical evidence that kudzu extract may be a safe and effective adjunctive pharmacotherapy for alcohol abuse and dependence.
• The government runs the voluntary Traditional Herbal Registration (THR) scheme in an effort to combat this problem.
• Drinking data were collected using a small wristwatch-like device (ActiWatch® Score, MiniMitter Co., OR) and daily diaries.
• 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.
• But as soon as the capsules ran out, I concluded that it hadn’t totally “cured” my problem and that I would eventually find something better.

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For this mechanism to be plausible, the more rapid penetration of alcohol into the brain would have to trigger a satiety mechanism rather quickly such that the desire for the next drink is delayed—thus interrupting a binge episode. This is precisely what was observed in the present study as kudzu’s effects were evident after a single dose within a few Alcoholics Anonymous hours of administration. Of course, it is entirely possible that any of the above mechanisms may also develop with repeated administration and complement the immediate altered absorption effect that likely explains kudzu’s rapid onset of action. The BDI and BAI scores remained unchanged during the course of treatment with both kudzu extract and placebo. The BDI for the kudzu extract-treated participants was 1.78 ± 2.11 and 2.63 ± 2.50 at baseline and during treatment, respectively. The BDI measures of the placebo-treated participants were 2.0 ± 2.58 and 1.67 ± 1.37 at baseline and during treatment, respectively.

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• In terms of what I felt when I took this plant, my experience supports the observations of others who note that it might act like a much gentler form of disulfiram or Antabuse.
• It is important to talk to a healthcare professional before taking kudzu, especially if you have liver disease or are taking prescription medication.
• We recently demonstrated that kudzu extract does not potentiate the intoxicating effects of alcohol (Penetar et al., 2010) and it does not interfere with sleep wake activity (Bracken et al., 2011).
• A total of 227 breath samples were possible from all subject visits during the trial and compliance was equally distributed between the two groups; the kudzu extract group provided 131 of a possible 136 samples and the placebo group provided 84 of a possible 91 samples.
• Pharmacotherapies to curb excessive drinking are important for treating alcohol use disorders.

Extracts of the kudzu plant are best known for their ability to suppress alcohol intake or alter alcohol effects by laboratory animals (Heyman et al., 1996; Keung and Vallee, 1993b; Keung, 2003; Overstreet et al., 1996; Rezvani et al., 2003; Benlhabib et al., 2004). The degree of reduction is often as high as 50% and the effects appeared within one to two days of treatment. Regardless of the actual mechanism of action, it is widely accepted that the isoflavones in kudzu are effective in reducing alcohol intake in a number of mammalian species. Kudzu, scientifically known as Pueraria lobata, is renowned in traditional Chinese medicine for its diverse applications, including the treatment of alcohol dependence. While scientific research on kudzu’s effectiveness in addressing alcoholism is limited, some studies have shown promising results.

Are there any side effects associated with taking kudzu for alcoholism?

The lack of side effects after four weeks of treatment with both placebo and kudzu extract is likely one of the major reasons for the high rate of medication adherence. Vital signs, measures of blood chemistry, liver function tests and urinalysis assessments were all normal. One animal study in particular demonstrated that kudzu extract and its major components are very safe, even after relatively large doses (2 g/day) over a 3-month treatment period (Keyler et al., (2002). To preserve the double-blind, https://ecosoberhouse.com/ kudzu and placebo capsules were repacked into #00 opaque capsules (Apothecary Products, Minneapolis, MN).

• The safety of kudzu extract was monitored via a number of methods including twice weekly assessments of vital signs (resting pulse, blood pressure), collecting daily reports of side effects using a daily diary and twice weekly assessments of adverse events by study staff.
• However, it does not make people feel more drunk, or affect their physical abilities or mental agility.
• In addition, responses to the audible prompts multiple times a day were used to assess desire to consume alcohol.
• Capsule sets were individually packaged in small envelopes and marked on the outside with date and time of day to be consumed.

Remember that every individual’s journey to recovery is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. For those seeking help with alcohol addiction, valuable resources are available online. One such resource is AlcoholAwareness.org, which offers a wealth of information, support, and guidance for individuals and their families dealing with alcoholism. Kudzu may help by reducing the urge to consume alcohol, making it easier to control cravings.

Research Studies

NPI-028 contains the extracts of several plants including Puerariae lobata (kudzu) and Citrus reticulata, which have long been used to lower intoxication (Sun, 600). Rooke et al., (2000) has suggested that puerarin may block biogenic amine metabolic pathways, resulting in an alteration in central reward pathways. In our most recent study (Penetar et al., 2011) we provided evidence that kudzu extract may alter blood ethanol levels after an acute drinking episode. We posited that the observed more rapid increase in blood alcohol levels may result in a faster entry of alcohol to the CNS and thus increase either the intensity or duration of the rewarding effects of the first drink resulting in a delay in the time to a subsequent drink. In fact, we reported that kudzu extract did just that and interrupted binge drinking (Lukas et al., 2005).

What are the recommended dosages of kudzu for alcoholism treatment?

This invasive weed is native to East Asia, kudzu for alcohol cravings particularly China, Japan, and Korea, where it has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine. Kudzu is a natural medicine that is extracted from the root of the plant. Before embarking on a journey with kudzu as a potential remedy for alcoholism, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional. The absence of standardized dosages and recommended administration methods for kudzu necessitates expert guidance.