There are data to suggest that many of these effects may be due, at least in part, to the primary alcohol metabolite, acetaldehyde (Kim et al., 2009). 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in a pilot toxicity study we found no change in acetaldehyde levels in kudzu-treated humans after drinking alcohol (unpublished data).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.
Kudzu Treatment not Effective as Remedy for Alcoholism
Digestive AidKudzu root’s anti-inflammatory effects help settle digestive issues like upset stomach, diarrhea, constipation and inflammatory bowel disease. Journalists use Newswise as a source for research news, experts, ready-to-use content and story ideas. Media relations professionals can connect with reporters and share their organization’s news with a wider audience. Public readers discover the latest research news in science, medicine, social sciences, environment, technology, factchecks and business news from the world’s most credible universities and research organizations.
Links to NCBI Databases
- Role of Funding Source Funding for this study was provided by NIAAA grant R01-AA10536 to Dr. Lukas and NCCAM grant P01-AT to Dr. Lee.
- You may have inadvertently exceeded the recommended daily dosage, or you could have experienced a negative drug interaction.
This pretreatment time was selected based on our pharmacokinetic study of puerarin absorption and elimination (Penetar et al., 2006). Kudzu (Pueraria lobata) is a plant native to Asia that belongs to the legume family. It has traditionally been prescribed as a medicinal treatment for flu and colds. Recent scientific studies have indicated that kudzu could be beneficial for reducing alcohol withdrawal symptoms 1.
What to Know Before You Take Herbal Supplements
Repeating administration of Jodina rhombifolia lyophilized extract markedly reduced alcohol voluntary intake in rats in self-administration model of 10 consecutive days, and the treatment was without apparent side-effects 134,135. Excessive alcohol consumption kudzu extract alcohol caused alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD). The ginger essential oil and citral exhibited hepatoprotective activity against AFLD in mice.
- However, it is interesting to note that two measures of physiological responses – heart rate and skin temperature – were accentuated by kudzu pretreatment.
- Attempting to exceed the recommended dosage for a Kudzu root supplement can increase the risk of side effects without amplifying the documented benefits.
- At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for kudzu.
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 what is Oxford House desire for the next drink is delayed—thus interrupting a binge episode. This is precisely what was observed in the present study as kudzu’s effects were evident after a single dose within a few hours of administration. Of course, it is entirely possible that any of the above mechanisms may also develop with repeated administration and complement the immediate altered absorption effect that likely explains kudzu’s rapid onset of action. The main bioactive components of Scutellaria baicalensis are baicalein, baicalin and wogonin. Baicalein possessed anti-hepatocellular carcinoma activity in vitro and in vivo.
Compounds called isoflavones are thought to be responsible for its potential effects. These results provide further evidence that kudzu root extract is likely to be safe for treatment for alcohol dependence. Taken together, the data in this study demonstrate that https://ecosoberhouse.com/ in moderate drinkers, kudzu root extract treatment has no effect on any of the measured parameters of sleep quality or quantity. Sleep latency, sleep efficiency, and waking after sleep onset were all similar during placebo and kudzu root extract treatment periods (Fig. 1).
8 Other Effects
Taking kudzu along with diabetes medications could cause your blood sugar to go too low. There are some known risks of kudzu root that you should be aware of before consuming. Birth control pills may interact with kudzu since kudzu, too, contains estrogen-like effects. Taking kudzu along with birth control pills might decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills.
An important observation was that brain samples obtained from KdR-fed or alcohol + KdR-fed rats did not contain any of the KdR isoflavones. Thus, KdR isoflavones suppressed alcohol drinking and withdrawal symptoms without entering the brain. The present study explored possible mechanisms to explain how kudzu extract reduces alcohol consumption in humans. 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.
Think you have a drinking problem?
- Kudzu’s alteration of alcohol consumption may be through direct effects at brain benzodiazepine receptors on the GABAA complex.
- The results showed that among all groups the plasma alcohol concentrations were the lowest in Fructus evodiae treated groups.
- You should talk with your health care provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of using this product.
- Reactions can vary based on dosage, duration of use, and individual factors.
- Admittedly, the magnitude of the change in plasma ethanol levels in the present study is modest and may not be biologically significant, in spite of the observed statistical significance.
Early research focused on rats with good results, which were later replicated with human subjects. In retrospect, my experience demonstrates the utility of kudzu for alcoholism. If I had been committed to using it to wean off of alcohol and then quit, it might have been a very valuable part of my recovery. 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 Benefits of Kudzu
Always consult a healthcare professional before using Kudzu to ensure it is safe and appropriate for your individual needs. Its bioactive compounds offer antioxidant protection, reduce inflammation, and promote overall wellness. For those looking for natural ways to manage weight, kudzu offers a supportive option. Its ability to improve blood flow to the brain can address vascular causes of headaches. Free radicals contribute to aging and diseases like cancer and diabetes by damaging cells.