The authors concluded that kudzu may be a useful adjunct in reducing alcohol intake, although the exact mechanism by which kudzu suppresses ethanol intake remains to be clarified. The complete lack of side effects would favor the conduct of such studies. Other limitations of the present study are the use of a rather narrow aged male population who drink only at moderate levels.
- A computerized Continuous Performance Test II (CPT II) (Conners, 2000) was used to assess sustained attention and concentration abilities.
- Compounds called isoflavones are thought to be responsible for its potential effects.
- It works similar to the drug varenicline (Chantix) and has been available in Eastern Europe since the 1960s.
- “Therefore, the next step in the research was to assess the effects of kudzu extract on different physical, behavioral and cognitive features in humans.”
- This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take this product.
- By contrast, kudzu creates a mild flushed feeling at most and leaves the drinker craving alcohol a bit less.
A single dose of kudzu extract reduces alcohol consumption in a binge drinking paradigm
- 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).
- One component of such a strategy would be the development of a drug to decrease ethanol craving.
- Acute alcohol administration resulted in expected, dose-related alterations in subjective, psychomotor, cognitive, and physiological effects.
- Participants continued to take their medication through the morning of day 9 prior to the alcohol drink challenge.
- Quantitative analysis of ethanol levels was performed by gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC/FID) (Hewlett-Packard model 5890 series II equipped with a model 18593B autosampler) (Penetar et al., 2008).
The significance of the effects on the early plasma ethanol levels and the effects on heart rate and skin temperature offer some insight to the potential mechanism of action of kudzu extract in that study. During the present study we have gathered evidence that kudzu extract may alter blood ethanol levels and that this change in pharmacokinetics may result in an increased rate of entry into the central nervous system. Such an effect might increase the rewarding effects of the first drink consumed, especially when higher doses are consumed, and the desire for subsequent drinks might be delayed. Thus, the net effect of kudzu extract would not be to eliminate drinking completely, but to reduce binge drinking to a more manageable number of drinks from which complete withdrawal (via complementary methods) might be possible.
Side effects of kudzu root
Qian Lin (Beijing University of Chinese Medicine) presented evidence from individual cases, randomized clinical trials and meta-analyses suggesting a complementary role of TCM in the management of chronic heart failure (Li et al., 2013). The plant Cytisus laburnum from which cytisine is derived is traditionally used as an emetic and purgative, so nausea and vomiting is the main side effect. In a study comparing cytisine to nicotine replacement, 40% quit on cytisine compared to 31% on nicotine replacement. Cytisine is a plant-based alkaloid found in the seeds of the golden rain tree (Cytisus laburnum).
Effect of provision of non-alcoholic beverages on alcohol consumption: a randomized controlled study
The arrowroot starch derived from the Kudzu plant is also used in cooking as a thickener. The plant contains phytoestrogens, which are compounds that mimic the effects of estrogen in the body. Because human and animal studies suggest some estrogenic effects (5) (10) (11), individuals with hormone-sensitive cancers and those taking tamoxifen should avoid kudzu.
Kudzu Extract Treatment Does Not Increase the Intoxicating Effects of Acute Alcohol in Human Volunteers
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. Overconsumption of alcohol has significant negative effects on an individual’s health and contributes to an enormous economic impact on society as a whole. Pharmacotherapies to curb excessive drinking are important for treating alcohol use disorders. Two hours before the first visit, we gave both sub-groups a pill – neither group knew whether they were getting the supplement or the placebo. When they visited the bar, beer, spirits and white wine were freely available.
Kudzu for Alcoholism: The Ultimate Dosage Guide
It works similar to the drug varenicline (Chantix) and has been available in Eastern Europe since the 1960s. The leaves of this plant were smoked by Russian soldiers during kudzu to stop drinking World War II when there was a shortage of tobacco. Kudzu is considered safe, with few side effects other than the potential for an allergic reaction to the plant.
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. Because my drinking levels were so stupendously high in the first place, kudzu did not turn me into a moderate drinker https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/writing-a-goodbye-letter-to-alcohol/ by any stretch of the imagination. Although I’m sure it would have helped me detoxify, I did not use it after I quit drinking. My experience was limited to an experiment that I did years ago to see if taking the herb would reduce my drinking levels.
