One limitation of this study is the lack of a dose-response assessment. Although the dose used in the present study has been vetted in prior studies, testing multiple doses would be helpful to fully explore the magnitude of effects of the kudzu root extract and determine if an even greater reduction in drinking is possible with a higher dose. 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 kudzu for alcohol cravings drink only at moderate levels. The present study provides further evidence that extracts of the kudzu root are effective in reducing alcohol consumption but unlike any other medication (other than disulfiram) it does so after a single dose was taken shortly before a binge drinking opportunity. And, contrary to disulfiram treatment, the drinking that did occur after kudzu administration did not result in any noxious side effects, increases in subjective ratings of nausea, uncomfortable, or feeling terrible.
Can kudzu be taken in conjunction with other medications for alcoholism?
One animal study showed that ashwagandha helps control mood changes, anxiety and seizures from alcohol withdrawal, but this effect has not yet been studied in humans. L-glutamine can help during alcohol withdrawal by improving symptoms like nausea, vomiting and diarrhea that can occur during the detox process. Experts think it might work by protecting the gut by preventing gut permeability from deteriorating. B-vitamin deficiencies are common in those who struggle with alcohol.
Are there any side effects associated with taking kudzu for alcoholism?
Along with easing uncomfortable symptoms, estrogen can help prevent bone loss after menopause. Kudzu root is an edible part of a climbing vine that’s native to many Asian countries. It’s been used for health purposes in Traditional Chinese Medicine for a really long time. As with any herbal supplement, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional before incorporating kudzu into one’s regimen, especially if taking medications or dealing with specific health conditions. Kudzu may also interact with certain medications, such as disulfiram (Antabuse) and methotrexate.
A Standardized Kudzu Extract (NPI- Reduces Alcohol Consumption in Non Treatment-Seeking Male Heavy Drinkers
A total of 21 adult males (17 Caucasian, 1 African American, 2 Hispanic, 1 Middle Eastern; mean age 23.8 ± 3.46 years, range 21–33) were recruited through advertisements in local and college newspapers and flyers posted in the Boston area. Persons who responded to these advertisements were given a brief telephone screen, and invited to the laboratory for further evaluations. Persons of Asian descent were excluded because of their known increased flushing reaction to alcohol. Individuals with a body mass index (BMI) outside the range of 18–25 kg/m2 were also excluded. Drinking was recorded using a custom built end table that contained a digital scale beneath a ceramic tile insert in the tabletop (Ohaus model #B10P with I5S controller).
If you experience any adverse reactions while using kudzu, consult your healthcare provider promptly. Metabolic syndrome is a condition notorious for its cluster of health issues like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and/or abnormal triglyceride levels. If left unchecked, metabolic syndrome can increase your risk of developing heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. Data from the actiwatch device was the primary source for all analyses while the daily diary served as a back up to verify daily totals and in case of equipment failure. In addition, the diaries permitted the participants to enter additional data that could not be recorded on the watch.
- Some studies have been done on d-phenylalanine, finding it improves alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
- The major dependent variable was self-reported alcohol consumption as measured via the wrist actigraphy device.
- Can a plant most often used as a cooking ingredient really make you want to drink less?
- Puerarin (Fig. 1C) represents the most concentrated isoflavonoid in kudzu, although it is not as potent as daidzin.
- These resources can be instrumental in guiding you toward effective strategies for overcoming alcoholism.
Nor will it drastically enhance your quality of life after the first dose. However, if you want to cut down on drinking or detoxify your body during alcohol withdrawal, this plant may be able to help. Because those who struggle with alcohol often have nutritional deficiencies, a zinc deficiency is possible, and supplementation can be helpful. Zinc may also help reset some of the glutamate https://ecosoberhouse.com/ brain pathways that are overly active during alcohol withdrawal, thus possibly helping alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Some studies have been done on d-phenylalanine, finding it improves alcohol withdrawal symptoms. This product may adversely interact with certain health and medical conditions, other prescription and over-the-counter drugs, foods, or other dietary supplements.
- For those seeking help with alcohol addiction, valuable resources are available online.
- Jukić, Tomislav; Rojc, Bojan; Boben-Bardutzky, Darja; et al. “The use of a food supplementation with D[…] withdrawal symptoms.” Collegium Antropologicum, December 2011.
- Findings show that subjects who took kudzu drank an average of 1.8 beers per session, compared with the 3.5 beers consumed by those who took a placebo.
- Zinc may also help reset some of the glutamate brain pathways that are overly active during alcohol withdrawal, thus possibly helping alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
- In addition, the two treatments greatly differed in the percent of days abstinent as well as the number of consecutive days of abstinence.
Your healthcare provider can help determine the most suitable approach based on your unique circumstances. He worked for many years in mental health and substance abuse facilities in Florida, as well as in home health (medical and psychiatric), and took care of people with medical and addictions problems at The Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. He has a nursing and business/technology degrees from The Johns Hopkins University. If you’re not sure whether kudzu root is right for you, talk with your doctor. They can give you personalized advice that takes into account any other supplements or medications you may be taking. A small 2009 case report involving 16 people with regular cluster headaches provides some anecdotal evidence.
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). 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 is a natural remedy that has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine.
