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. In fact, we reported that kudzu extract did just that and interrupted binge drinking (Lukas et al., 2005). This profile differs somewhat from that of kudzu extract and may represent a novel herbal compound that may be a therapeutic candidate. The present study explored possible mechanisms to explain how kudzu extract reduces alcohol consumption in humans. The results imply that a reduction in consumption exhibited in previous studies is not likely due to an increase in the subjective intoxicating effects of alcohol or to an increase in alcohol’s effect on psychomotor performance or cognitive processing.
J. Med. Food
There is some scientific evidence suggesting acupuncture provided by a qualified practitioner can help cut alcohol consumption and lessen alcohol withdrawal symptoms (11). Acamprosate is prescribed to people after they’ve quit drinking alcohol to help them maintain abstinence. The drug helps ease alcohol withdrawal symptoms like insomnia, anxiety, and depression.
Kudzu and Alcohol: Is It Effective or Dangerous?
Today, the most popular ways to use kudzu root are as an herbal supplement or a root tea. Reach out to healthcare providers, counselors, and support groups to develop a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your needs. 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.
Kudzu for Alcoholism: The Ultimate Dosage Guide
Even a tiny amount of alcohol can cause violent illness while on these drugs. By contrast, kudzu creates a mild flushed feeling at most and leaves the drinker craving alcohol a bit less. I will discuss how it works, my experience with using powdered kudzu root for alcoholism, and recommendations. A prior study of kudzu to treat alcohol use in an outpatient setting reported that kudzu had no effect on maintaining sobriety or altering alcohol craving (Shebek and Rindone, 2000).
Furthermore, it’s likely that the suggested doses for kudzu root will vary depending on the manufacturer and the type of supplement you may be considering. There isn’t much scientific evidence available on the dosing for kudzu root as a supplement. For this reason, it’s difficult to make recommendations for various uses.
Researchers selected people who said they regularly consumed three to four drinks per day. Lukas was not certain why but speculated that kudzu increases blood alcohol levels and speeds up its effects. It’s best to speak https://ecosoberhouse.com/ 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.
- The reductions in drinking by kudzu extract were observed by the second week of treatment and persisted through the 4th week of treatment.
- However, these studies were conducted on lone individuals drinking within highly controlled laboratory conditions.
- During the baseline session, the placebo-randomized group consumed 2.7 ± 0.78 beers before treatment and increased consumption to 3.4 ± 1.1 beers after treatment.
- Side/adverse effects also were tracked on a daily basis by entries in their diaries; items addressed a wide range of somatic complaints.
Puerarin (Fig. 1C) represents the most concentrated isoflavonoid in kudzu, although it is not as potent as daidzin. The beneficial effects of puerarin on alcohol intake in alcohol-preferring rats reported in the literature also suggest the potential utility of puerarin as an anti-craving agent (Overstreet et al. 2003; Rezvani et al. 2003). According kudzu for alcohol cravings to the animal data, a preliminary clinical study explored the effect of kudzu root extract on 38 patients affected by alcohol dependence and were randomly assigned to receive either kudzu root extract (1.2 g twice daily) or placebo (Shebek and Rindone 2000). Sobriety level and a visual analogic scale to assess alcohol craving were assessed.
- In addition to reducing daily drinking, naltrexone has been shown to reduce alcohol cravings as a measurable symptom (3).
- The present study revealed that kudzu extract is also effective in heavy drinkers in their home, work and/or school environment.
- The ActiWatch® Score device contains an accelerometer that was used to record sleep/wake activity.
- Kudzu roots can be dried and ground into a powder, which some people use as breading for fried foods or as a thickener for soups and sauces.
We previously demonstrated that this kudzu extract significantly reduced alcohol drinking in a group of heavy drinkers during one night of access to preferred brand of beer in a simulated natural environment (Lukas et al., 2005). The present study revealed that kudzu extract is also effective in heavy drinkers in their home, work and/or school environment. In spite of the compelling preclinical and clinical evidence of its efficacy, the precise mechanism of action of kudzu in reducing alcohol consumption is not currently known.
1 Alcohol Consumption
Studies have shown that kudzu may work by increasing blood flow to the brain, reducing the desire to drink, and reducing the severity of hangovers. My standards for categorizing an herb or drug as a “miracle” supplement are quite high. Something has to create a massive increase in sense of well-being to fit into this category. While it does not quite make the cut, it is definitely worth trying if you’re looking to cut down on or quit drinking. Because my drinking levels were so stupendously high in the first place, kudzu did not turn me into a moderate drinker 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.