Kudzu Pueraria lobata for alcohol addiction: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials The 26th Cochrane Colloquium

Red root has been touted as a treatment for things from respiratory issues to UTIs. We’re separating fact from fiction on this homeopathic remedy. But promising as it is for rats, it remains to be seen whether the drug is safe and effective for people. So lowering the levels of that brain chemical dopamine should help control an alcoholic’s cravings. “All addicting drugs activate that part of the brain,” he says. “And a key player in the response to alcohol and addicting drugs is an increase in dopamine in that brain region.”

The researchers gave participants either kudzu extract or a placebo every day for 4 weeks . Kudzu root is linked to a wide range of potential health benefits from easing menopausal symptoms to treating alcohol dependence. Still, more research needs to be done to prove whether it’s truly effective. Participants were randomized on a blind basis to receive either 4 capsules of the extract or placebo 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 elimination (Penetar et al., 2006). The participants reported their desire for and consumption of alcohol for the duration of the study.

Potential downsides

https://ecosoberhouse.com/‘s alteration of alcohol consumption may be through direct effects at brain benzodiazepine receptors on the GABAA complex. 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.

While kudzu root may offer a few specific benefits, there are also some potential downsides to consider. Kudzu root offered kudzu extract for alcoholism heart-protective benefits to mice with burn-induced heart injuries. People have also used it in traditional Chinese medicine for heart disease, but scientists need to do more research on this . People often eat different parts of the plant raw, sautéed, deep-fried, baked, or jellied. According to some studies, kudzu root may help manage some symptoms of metabolic syndrome.

May ease menopause symptoms

And those kudzu for alcohol cravings are rooted in a specific part of the brain that’s activated whenever we feel pleasure. We invite you to share your thoughts with others, but remember that our comment section is a public forum. Please do not use your full first and last name if you want to keep details of your medical history anonymous. Advice from other commenters on this website is not a substitute for medical attention. Do not stop any medicine without checking with the prescriber. By commenting, you agree to abide by our commenting policy and website terms & conditions.

Kawahata et al. recently reported on the enhancement properties of Tangerine Peel extracts to facilitate potently- mediated transcription linked to the upstream cAMP/PKA/ERK/CREB pathway in hippocampal neurons. This may have important anti-alcohol relapse benefits based on dopaminergic genetics and its relationship to executive function and good decision making necessary for appropriate relapse prevention . Compared to weeks in which the participants took no pill or a placebo, individuals with kudzu in their system consumed almost half as much alcohol—and showed no side effects or awareness of the drug.