Kudzu contains compounds that are believed to reduce alcohol cravings and help with withdrawal symptoms. Kudzu contains isoflavones, which is part of why it potentially reduces alcohol consumption. Studies have looked at the benefits of kudzu extracts for managing menopause symptoms like mood swings and hot flashes.
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- While kudzu may help improve symptoms, it also comes with its own set of side effects.
- Kudzu may interact with certain medications, such as benzodiazepines, and can cause adverse effects.
The BDI and BAI scores remained unchanged during the course of treatment with both kudzu extract and placebo. The BDI for the kudzu extract-treated participants was 1.78 ± 2.11 and 2.63 ± 2.50 at baseline and during treatment, respectively. The BDI measures of the placebo-treated participants were 2.0 ± 2.58 and 1.67 ± 1.37 at baseline and during treatment, respectively. The BAI scores were equally stable and ranged from 0.33 to 1.71 during treatment. A survey of academic research on exercise and AUD has generally shown a correlation between physical activity such as cycling, running or other aerobic activity and reduced alcohol cravings or alcohol consumption (9). More specifically, some have claimed kudzu provides great relief from the side effects of cyclical overdrinking.
Who Should Not Take a Kudzu Extract?
- More specifically, some have claimed kudzu provides great relief from the side effects of cyclical overdrinking.
- 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.
- The root of the Kudzu plant has been used for centuries in Chinese medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including alcoholism.
- Missing data points within the treatment weeks in non dropout participants were Missing Completely at Random and so were imputed using multiple regression.
- When taking disulfiram, drinking even a small amount of alcohol can produce effects such as flushing, headache, and nausea.
Kudzu, scientifically known as Pueraria lobata, is renowned in traditional Chinese medicine for its diverse applications, including the treatment of alcohol dependence. While scientific research on kudzu’s effectiveness in addressing alcoholism is limited, some studies have shown promising results. In fact, one study demonstrated that kudzu could reduce alcohol consumption in heavy drinkers by as much as 50%. In cases of alcoholism, the doses studied in scientific research were 1.5-3g of kudzu root extract taken in 3 doses per day over 1-4 weeks.
Kudzu and Menopausal Symptoms
- Acamprosate restores the balance between inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmitters in the brain, and it’s demonstrated in clinical trials that it can help reduce alcohol relapse rates, relieve some of the symptoms of withdrawal, and help maintain abstinence.
- Kudzu may help by reducing the urge to consume alcohol, making it easier to control cravings.
- The reductions in drinking by kudzu extract were observed by the second week of treatment and persisted through the 4th week of treatment.
- Antioxidants help neutralize these molecules, reducing the risk of oxidative stress and related health problems.
- However, kudzu extract significantly reduced the number of drinks consumed each week by 34-57%.
- Kudzu is thought to help with anxiety because of its effects on GABA and its modulation of neurotransmitters.
It is, therefore, thought not to make alcohol more dangerous – merely slow down our rate of drinking. The ability of puerarin and related isoflavones to facilitate alcohol’s entry into the brain has not been systematically studied. For this mechanism to be plausible, the more rapid penetration of alcohol into the brain would have to trigger a satiety mechanism rather quickly such that the desire for the next drink is delayed—thus interrupting a binge episode.
However, it is essential to remember that kudzu alone is not a panacea for alcoholism. Dizziness A feeling of dizziness or lightheadedness may occur in some cases. It’s important to remember that side effects can vary from person to person. If you experience any adverse reactions while using kudzu, consult your healthcare provider promptly. The room contained a small sink with an under-the-counter refrigerator where the beverages (beer, amphetamine addiction treatment juice, and water) were kept. My standards for categorizing an herb or drug as a “miracle” supplement are quite high.
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Its centuries-old use in herbal medicine and modern scientific backing make it a game-changer in the fight against excessive alcohol use. Kudzu root extract is packed with isoflavones, including puerarin, daidzin, and daidzein, which have been the subject of modern research due to their kudzu and alcohol potential to reduce alcohol consumption naturally. One of the most commonly known uses of kudzu is treating alcoholism (this is what it was originally used for in ancient China). Although it doesn’t help in reducing the craving for a drink or maintaining sobriety, small studies have found that when taking kudzu root extract, heavy drinkers consumed less booze than usual. Kudzu is an invasive vine that natively grows in East Asia—especially China and Japan. While it’s primarily known as being an invasive plant, there are also parts of it, especially the root, that have been used for various purposes in traditional Chinese medicine.
- In fact, one study demonstrated that kudzu could reduce alcohol consumption in heavy drinkers by as much as 50%.
- This time, the groups were given the opposite pill from the one they’d previously taken (meaning that they acted as their own control for the experiment).
- Additionally, kudzu may help reduce inflammation, which is often a contributing factor to the development of type 2 diabetes.