An extract of the Chinese herbal root kudzu reduces alcohol drinking by heavy drinkers in a naturalistic setting

The extract contained 26% (130 mg) active isoflavones (20% puerarin, 4% daidzin, 2% daidzein; an improved HPLC analysis revealed that the total puerarin content includes both puerarin and 3-methoxypuerarin.). 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 puerarin absorption and elimination (Penetar et al., 2006). In addition to using it to reduce alcohol cravings, some people believe kudzu helps with hangovers.

• AlcoholAwareness.org provides a platform where you can access various free resources, including articles, self-assessment tools, and information about local support groups and treatment centers.
• While the blood flow theory of kudzu for alcoholism may be true, there is likely more going on here.
• The ultimate role that natural preparations play will be complementary and might be useful in treating drug withdrawal and possibly relapse (Lu et al., 2009).
• The investigators found that the compounds reduced the rats’ alcohol intake.
• The study was conducted on 14 men and women, average age 24 years, in a “laboratory” apartment where each person was allowed to drink as many as six beers.

How Does Kudzu Curb Alcohol Cravings?

While it may not be as effective as some prescription medications, it can still be a helpful addition to a comprehensive treatment plan for alcoholism. However, some people may experience mild side effects such as nausea, dizziness, and headache. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before taking kudzu, especially if you are taking other drug addiction treatment medications or have underlying health conditions.

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Participants were provided with a small card that identified unique codes to record use of alcohol, cigarettes, caffeine, and other drugs. Participants were instructed to report when they consumed each drink, which was defined as a 12 oz can of beer, 5 oz glass of wine or 1.5 oz distilled spirits. 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.

Kudzu for Alcohol Cravings & Reducing Alcohol Consumption—Final Thoughts

• This was demonstrated in our previous study (Penetar et al., 2011) where pharmacokinetic parameters such as peak concentration and elimination time were not affected by kudzu.
• This pretreatment time was selected based on our pharmacokinetic study of puerarin absorption and elimination (Penetar et al., 2006).
• 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.
• The anti-inflammatory properties may alleviate some hangover symptoms as well, many of which are due to inflammation related to alcohol use.

If you drink while taking kudzu, it could lead to increased sedation because both have sedative effects on the central nervous system. If you were to combine them, it could cause not only excessive drowsiness but also dizziness and impaired coordination. There’s also evidence to suggest that kudzu extracts may help improve hydration, and dehydration tends to be one of the big contributors to the symptoms of a hangover. The anti-inflammatory properties may alleviate some hangover symptoms as well, many of which are due to inflammation related to alcohol use. Alcohol cravings are influenced by a combination of factors, which are often physiological, psychological and environmental. Understanding the underlying mechanisms is also essential in the discussion of using kudzu for alcohol cravings.

Kudzu root benefits

AlcoholAwareness.org provides a platform where you can access various free kudzu and alcohol resources, including articles, self-assessment tools, and information about local support groups and treatment centers. These resources can be instrumental in guiding you toward effective strategies for overcoming alcoholism. Moreover, kudzu might assist with the prevention of relapses by supporting the stabilization of neurotransmitter levels in the brain.

• Changes in the activity of the D2 receptor pathways can impact the reinforcing effects of addictive substances.
• If you experience any adverse reactions while using kudzu, consult your healthcare provider promptly.
• However, it is important to recognize that one of the major weaknesses of the measure that we used to record desire to drink alcohol was that it was unidimensional.
• Most notably, those who use kudzu over a long-term period may develop liver injury and kidney problems.
• 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).
• This reduction in alcohol consumption can be particularly beneficial during the early stages of recovery when cravings are intense.
• Glutamate is an excitatory neurotransmitter, and kudzu extract treatment is thought to influence the glutamatergic system, reducing the excitatory effects of alcohol withdrawal or cravings.