The isoflavone puerarin is the most abundant antioxidant compound in the kudzu vine (6). People often eat different parts of the plant raw, sautéed, deep-fried, baked, or jellied. Kudzu root is the edible part of a trailing vine native to several Asian countries. People have used it for many years in traditional Chinese medicine, and it resembles other root tubers, like yams. You may be wondering how people use kudzu root and what to know when considering whether to give it a try. Dizziness A feeling of dizziness or lightheadedness may occur in some cases.
- A growing number of double-blind, peer-reviewed studies have confirmed the effectiveness of using kudzu for alcoholism.
- The study found the treatment with the kudzu extract resulted in a significant reduction in the number of beers consumed.
- Where a patient does not want to consider prescription drugs, natural Chinese medicines such as this one can be used alongside behavioural alcohol rehab treatments and peer-led groups to help in recovery.
- These resources can be instrumental in guiding you toward effective strategies for overcoming alcoholism.
- No side effects or changes in vital signs, blood, renal or liver function were recorded.
- In a (double-blind) study carried out by David M Penetar and his colleagues4, the influence of kudzu on alcohol usage was tested in 20 men.
The Effects of Alcohol Consumption on Hormones and Neurotransmitter Systems
Although scientific evidence demonstrates the efficacy of kudzu for quitting drinking or smoking, results in wider populations still need to be confirmed. Some research specifically on the kudzu species Pueraria mirifica suggests that doses of 50–100 mg per day appear to kudzu and alcohol have a low risk of adverse side effects (18). Kudzu root is rich in antioxidants, compounds that protect cells from oxidative stress that can lead to disease.
1 Participants
Participants were instructed to always keep the beer glass on the table except when taking a sip. The scale was connected to a computer in an adjacent room that ran a customized program that sampled the scale at 5 Hz and detected any weight changes that exceeded 1 gm. Additional details and photos of the device drug addiction treatment can be found in Lukas et al. (2005). A 2015 placebo-controlled study, published in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence, demonstrated that a single dose of kudzu extract significantly reduced alcohol consumption among binge drinkers.
- This compound has a positive effect on the central nervous system and the brain.
- As with most other herbs and herbal supplements, it is best to cycle kudzu and take a break from it for about two days per week to reset your tolerance back to baseline.
- Herbal extracts also tend to be cheaper than unextracted powders in many cases.
- Anecdotal sources say it may also be harmful to take with medications for diabetes or blood clotting.
Kudzu and withdrawal symptoms
- Extracts of kudzu root have been used in Asia since around 600 AD to curb addiction and to improve the body’s overall wellbeing.
- Kudzu won’t help alcohol withdrawal symptoms, which can ultimately be deadly.
- McLean Hospital has licensed the production of kudzu extract (NPI-031) to Natural Pharmacia International (NPI), Inc. that markets it as Alkontrol-Herbal™.
- These changes affect parts of the brain related to emotional regulation, memory, and decision-making.
Curiously, kudzu appears to have this effect AND prevent people from becoming intoxicated with alcohol or nicotine more quickly. This aspect also requires more research into its use as a supplement, as the fact that symptoms of intoxication emerge faster offers an effective way of controlling alcohol and nicotine consumption. One theory for kudzu’s effectiveness is the high concentration of isoflavones it contains.
Does microwaving food make it less healthy?
Isoflavones increase blood flow to the brain, causing alcohol or nicotine to reach the nervous system faster. This may cause the person may feel they have reached their limit faster, making them slow down and drink or smoke less. Pueraria lobata, also known as kudzu, is an adaptogenic herb with a long history of use for reducing the intensity of migraines and hangovers. This article is about the main benefits of kudzu, its potential side effects, the best time to take it, and more. 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.
One such resource is AlcoholAwareness.org, which offers a wealth of information, support, and guidance for individuals and their families dealing with alcoholism. Because of this effect, it might also be helpful for people who have quit drinking and want to make sure that a potential slip doesn’t become a full-blown relapse. Taking this plant would decrease the chance that a drink would turn into an endless parade of drinks. Of course, it’s up to the individual to ensure that he or she doesn’t use this as an excuse to fall off the wagon.
Again, we calculated the total units consumed for each group, and then compared the total units consumed after placebo vs those consumed after kudzu. Scientific research has been analysing the properties of kudzu since 1993 and has concluded that after treatment with kudzu, the percentage of alcohol or tobacco intake reduced by 50% 3. As with other adaptogenic herbs, there is a sweet-spot dose that allows you to get most of the benefits without causing meaningful side effects or tolerance buildup in the body. You can find kudzu root for purchase in many supplement stores or online. Stores typically sell it as a powdered drink mix, an oral capsule or tablet, liquid drops, or as a food-grade starch to use in cooking. Scientists need to do more research on the safe and effective dosages of kudzu root for various uses.