Participants were randomized on a blind basis to receive either 4 capsules of the extract (for a total of 520 mg isoflavones) or placebo (sugar beet filler) 2.5 hours before the start of an afternoon drinking session. This pretreatment time was selected based on our pharmacokinetic study of kudzu to stop drinking puerarin absorption and elimination (Penetar et al., 2006). The root of the Kudzu plant has been used for centuries in Chinese medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including alcoholism. The root contains isoflavones, a compound that has been shown to reduce alcohol consumption in rats.
8 Other Effects
- The complete lack of side effects would favor the conduct of such studies.
- They were then given the opportunity to drink the beer of their choice in a naturalistic laboratory setting.
- The information we provide while responding to comments is not intended to provide and does not constitute medical, legal, or other professional advice.
- In recent years, various natural alternatives have emerged as potential treatments for controlling alcohol and tobacco addiction.
- Research has found that kudzu can help improve insulin sensitivity, which can help regulate blood sugar levels.
- Those who had had the placebo last time were given kudzu extract this time, and vice versa.
While it does not quite make the cut, it is definitely worth trying if you’re looking to cut down on or quit drinking. In my opinion, the Planetary Herbals brand is a great option for someone who has not yet quit drinking, and who wants to try pure kudzu powder on its own. And while it did contain the isoflavones that are thought to be the active ingredients, our volunteers had to take five pills each to achieve the desired level of 500mg. The volunteers were all friends, and so were likely to enjoy a relaxed evening’s drinking. Kudzu, whose scientific name is Pueraria mirfica, is a vine used in Chinese medicine for a variety of health promoting purposes. Drugs used for other conditions — like smoking, pain, or epilepsy — also may help with alcohol use disorder.
What should I not eat or drink when I’m taking medication?
People have used it for many years in traditional Chinese medicine, and it resembles other root tubers, like yams. In its raw form, kudzu root resembles other root tubers, such as potatoes or yams. Kudzu root, also called Japanese arrowroot, is native to China, Japan, and Korea. Today, kudzu grows in other parts of the world as well, including in the southern United States.
2 Materials and Medication
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). A standardized formulation of kudzu extract produced minimal side effects, was well-tolerated and resulted in a modest reduction in alcohol consumption in young non treatment-seeking heavy drinkers. Although https://ecosoberhouse.com/ the number of sips taken per beer did not significantly increase in this study – contrary to what was found in our previous study (Lukas et al., 2005) – we did observe an increase in the time taken to consume a beer which is consistent with our previous study. This change in drinking topography was not secondary to alterations in the subjective effects of alcohol as kudzu-treated individuals still reported positive feelings (e.g., drunk, floating) without any change in the negative effects (e.g., clumsy, dizzy).
Kudzu Root: Benefits, Uses, and Side Effects
A Standardized Kudzu Extract (NPI- Reduces Alcohol Consumption in Non Treatment-Seeking Male Heavy Drinkers
- The reductions in drinking by kudzu extract were observed by the second week of treatment and persisted through the 4th week of treatment.
- 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.
- Inflammation is not something to be take lightly as it can contribute to more serious issues like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and even cancer.
6 Data Analysis
Traditional Chinese Medicine’s Approach To Alcohol Is All About Finding Balance – The Zoe Report
Traditional Chinese Medicine’s Approach To Alcohol Is All About Finding Balance.
Posted: Thu, 25 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]