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. However, it is interesting kudzu to stop drinking to note that two measures of physiological responses – heart rate and skin temperature – were accentuated by kudzu pretreatment. As these effects were seen only after the high alcohol dose, it would appear that this is evidence for a dose-response type of relationship.
- The complete lack of side effects would favor the conduct of such studies.
- The results showed pre-treatment with kudzu extract had little to no effect on the participant’s behavioral, physical or cognitive performance.
- “It is also possible that there is another, as yet undiscovered compound in the mixture that accounts for the effects. Thus, the mechanism of action of the kudzu extract remains unknown.”
- Side/adverse effects also were tracked on a daily basis by entries in their diaries; items addressed a wide range of somatic complaints.
- The significance and application of this finding to other isoflavone compounds (e.g., puerarin) and to the human mitochondrial pathway system remains unknown.
- When it’s raw, kudzu root looks like other root tubers (think yams or ginger).
4 Alcohol Consumption—Baseline Phase
Kudzu root is an edible part of a climbing vine that’s native to many Asian countries. It’s been used for health purposes in Traditional Chinese Medicine for a really long time. 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). However, these authors noted that there was a large dropout rate, subjects were not supervised while they completed the questionnaires, and there was only a single assessment each month. All of the above factors may have contributed to the negative findings of this study.
Kudzu and Menopausal Symptoms
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 https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/psychological-dependence-on-alcohol-physiological-addiction-symptoms/ elimination (Penetar et al., 2006). 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. The kudzu group significantly reduced consumption from 3.0 ± 1.7 at baseline to 1.9 ± 1.3 beers after treatment.
6 Data Analysis
- Other oral uses include treatment of polio myelitis, encephalitis, migraine, deafness, diabetes, and traumatic injuries.
- McLean Hospital has licensed the production of kudzu extract (NPI-031) to Natural Pharmacia International (NPI), Inc. that markets it as Alkontrol-Herbal™.
- For those seeking help with alcohol addiction, valuable resources are available online.
- Participants weighed on the average 165.5±11.1 pounds and had an average body mass index of 25.3±1.3.
“It is also possible that there is another, as yet undiscovered compound in the mixture that accounts for the effects. Thus, the mechanism of action of the kudzu extract remains unknown.” Pharmacokinetic results were obtained using PK Solutions 2.0 (Summit Research Services, Montrose, CO; ). A linear mixed model analysis of variance (SPSS 13.0 for MAC OS X) was performed for dependent variables using the main factors of dose, pretreatment condition, and time, as appropriate. However, some people may experience mild side effects such as nausea, dizziness, and headache.
Regardless of the mechanism of action, the present finding that a modest, single dose of kudzu extract reduces binge drinking has profound implications as it offers a unique opportunity for early intervention for problem drinkers. As an herbal plant extract, kudzu can be made available without a prescription. While it does not completely eliminate drinking, it is clearly effective in significantly reducing intake, which offers individuals an opportunity to engage in more responsible drinking patterns. As a safe, over-the-counter preparation, kudzu may be used alone in initial attempts to curb alcohol consumption, but it may also become a useful adjunct to the currently available prescription medications. This latter scenario might very well permit the use of lower doses of prescription medications and thus reduce the incidence of side effects. Furthermore, because kudzu extract exerts its beneficial effects within hours of the first dose, it could be administered along with a prescription medication and provide “coverage” until the other medication begins to work.
What’s actually in sports drinks?
Still, more research needs to be done to prove whether it’s truly effective. While the blood flow theory of kudzu for alcoholism may be true, there is likely more going on here. It contains several active isoflavones, which are natural plant chemicals with antioxidant effects.