Several studies on kudzu have shown that the root helps to reduce alcohol or nicotine intake. This is because the three main isoflavones present in kudzu extracts – daidzin, daidzein and puerarin – are responsible for the beneficial effects of reducing alcohol and nicotine consumption 2. Alcohol consumption is like other food culture; once an individual falls in love with alcohol, its consumption can be difficult to stop. In addition to the involvement of nervous system regulation, the changes in cognition caused by chronic alcohol consumption cannot be ignored.

The Effects of Alcohol Consumption on Hormones and Neurotransmitter Systems

• Attempts have been made to develop effective alcohol metabolic stimulants from natural dietary components and herbs; Kudzu is one of them.
• After observation, there was a “washout” period and treatments were then reversed – those who had been taking kudzu plant were given a placebo and vice versa.
• Syringes were changed every 5 minutes and the blood was put into Vacutainer® tubes containing K3EDTA (12 mg) as anticoagulant and placed on ice.
• However, some people may experience mild side effects such as nausea, dizziness, and headache.

Moreover, kudzu might assist with the prevention of relapses by supporting the stabilization of neurotransmitter levels in the brain. However, it is essential to remember that kudzu alone is not a panacea for alcoholism. However, these studies were conducted on lone individuals drinking within highly controlled laboratory conditions.

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Acamprosate showed efficacy for treating alcohol dependence in European trials, but two large US trials have failed to confirm the efficacy. Another FDA-approved medication, disulfiram, does not diminish craving, and it causes a peripheral neuropathy. Kudzu is the only natural medication mentioned by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, but its mechanisms of action are not yet established. It has been recently shown that dihydromyricetin, a flavonoid purified from Hovenia, has unique effects on GABAA receptors and blocks ethanol intoxication and withdrawal in alcoholic animal models.

Associated data

The amount and formulation of Kudzu extract varied across studies, making it difficult to pinpoint an optimal dosage. The strength of many traditional remedies often lies in their complex molecular composition, a blend that modern pharmacology is still striving to fully comprehend. Kudzu Root, when studied under the lens of contemporary science, reveals an array of compounds, but some stand kudzu and alcohol out more prominently than others. As its reputation as a potent medicinal plant grew, so did the tales of its ability to combat the allure of alcohol. There are folklore stories from various Asian communities that speak of villages turning to Kudzu preparations during local festivities.

In this double blind, placebo-controlled study participants were randomly assigned to receive either the low (0.35 g/kg) or high (0.7 g/kg) dose of alcohol (6 per group). Participants were treated for a total of 9 days with either kudzu extract or placebo. Day 8 https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/hallucinogen-persisting-perception-disorder-hppd-symptoms/ always consisted of a placebo (orange juice only) drink challenge, while day 9 consisted of an alcohol drink challenge of either the high or low dose depending on group randomization. Participants were told only that the drinking sessions could be with placebo, or a low or high dose of alcohol. The drinks were administered between 2 and 2.5 hours after consumption of the morning dose of medication as blood levels of puerarin peak at this time (Penetar et al., 2006).

Moreover, kudzu has been investigated for its effects on the brain’s reward system. Animal studies have shown that kudzu extracts may influence neurotransmitter systems, such as dopamine, which play a crucial role in the reinforcing effects of alcohol. By modulating these neurotransmitter pathways, bulk kudzu powder may impact Sobriety the brain’s response to alcohol, potentially reducing the motivation to consume it. In vitro, kudzu has demonstrated antiproliferative (1), anti-inflammatory (3), and neuroprotective (16) (18) properties. In animal studies, feeding with kudzu root suppressed alcohol intake and withdrawal symptoms (4). Studies of kudzu in humans are limited and have mostly focused on whether it can reduce alcohol intake or menopausal symptoms.

• The data provide strong evidence that heavy drinking triggered by chronic stress and any type of induced anxiety are risk factors for developing alcohol dependence.
• Alcohol cravings and consumption don’t just revolve around liver metabolism.
• This product may adversely interact with certain health and medical conditions, other prescription and over-the-counter drugs, foods, or other dietary supplements.
• “The fact that participants experienced a rapid rise in blood alcohol levels when pre-treated with kudzu has no apparent explanation and therefore requires additional research,” said Penetar.
• As we delve deeper into the botanical intricacies of the Kudzu Root, it becomes abundantly clear that nature is an alchemist of unparalleled prowess.
• The development of an alcohol-metabolizing enzyme stimulant is one of the strategies for developing an alcoholism remedy.

Kudzu – a Plant for alcohol and tobacco detox

Daidzin has been shown to inhibit hamster and rat mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH-2) in vitro and is a mixed inhibitor of the human enzyme (Keung et al., 1997). If isoflavones such as daidzin significantly increase acetaldehyde levels in humans in vivo, then this could be a possible mechanism of action. However, in a pilot toxicity study we found no change in acetaldehyde levels in kudzu-treated humans after drinking alcohol (unpublished data). The transient effects of subjective ratings of dizziness alone are insufficient to suggest the presence of a disulfiram-like effect as a result of kudzu administration. Thus, altered acetaldehyde metabolism is not a likely explanation for kudzu extract effects in humans.