Changes in the activity of the D2 receptor pathways can impact the reinforcing effects of addictive substances. Cravings are often linked to the rewarding effects of alcohol, so kudzu’s ability to change the dopamine system can impact cravings and their intensity. Dopamine is one of the primary neurotransmitters that play a role in the reinforcing effects of alcohol and other addictive substances. Kudzu is thought to modulate the dopaminergic system, and by influencing dopamine release and receptor activity, it may reduce the rewarding effects of alcohol. When the rewarding effects of alcohol aren’t present, it can diminish the motivation to drink more.
Animal data
According to a study conducted by Overstreet 6, kudzu extract has a mild anxiolytic that helps to reduce anxiety linked to the withdrawal from alcohol or tobacco. 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). Again, we calculated the total units consumed for each group, and then compared the total units consumed after placebo vs those consumed after kudzu. 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.
How can I stay safe when buying medicines online?
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 Chinese noticed that people who consumed the plant started to drink less. According to traditional Chinese medicine, this plant has cooling properties that balance the heat and false energy created by alcohol. Studies on the effectiveness of kudzu for alcoholism have shown mixed results.
Table of Contents
Most of the information in this guide is based on scientific research that can be found and verified in the PubMed medical library. We highly encourage you to use the library to verify anything you read in this article. We excluded from consideration studies that are either confounded or have a high conflict of interest. And while it did contain the isoflavones that are thought to be the active ingredients, our volunteers had to take five pills each to achieve the desired level of 500mg.
- As mentioned, one of the main reasons people use kudzu is to help with alcohol cravings or to cut back on their use of alcohol.
- Regular, excessive alcohol consumption can have severe adverse health consequences.
- This information relates to an herbal, vitamin, mineral or other dietary supplement.
As drinking behavior was measured using a wrist actigraphy device, we were able to monitor alcohol consumption continuously, 24 hours a day and Halfway house seven days a week. The reductions in drinking during kudzu extract treatment were modest, but were equivalent to a 34–57% reduction over the treatment weeks; reductions in drinking during placebo treatment ranged from 5.8–36%. The reductions in drinking by kudzu extract were observed by the second week of treatment and persisted through the 4th week of treatment.
Blood Sugar Control
- To preserve the double-blind, kudzu and placebo capsules were repacked into #00 opaque capsules (Apothecary Products, Minneapolis, MN).
- Endogenous levels of riboflavin are too low to fluoresce and participants were instructed to avoid multivitamin complexes while participating in the study.
The number of participants who drank each available beer during the 1.5 hour drinking session following administration of placebo or kudzu. While kudzu can help you cut back on your drinking, if you believe that you’re alcohol-dependent or you’re struggling with addiction, you should talk to a professional. Kudzu won’t help alcohol withdrawal symptoms, which can ultimately be deadly. It’s also not a replacement for professional addiction treatment, which includes behavioral therapies and other approaches. This information relates to an herbal, vitamin, mineral or other dietary supplement. This product has not been reviewed by the FDA to determine whether it is safe or effective and is not subject to the quality standards and safety information collection standards that are applicable to most prescription drugs.
The Effects of Alcohol Consumption on Hormones and Neurotransmitter Systems
We have previously reported on the sleep/wake patterns of the participants in this study (Bracken et al., 2011). Needless to say, it is certainly beneficial to remove the “pleasure” part of drinking from the equation. So, if you’re looking for a way to reduce your alcohol intake, and you don’t want to risk the dangerous side effects of prescription drugs, then you may want to add Kudzu supplements to your diet. That is usually a great thing as it allows your body to adapt to specific forms of stress and become more resilient. However, putting too much pressure on the body can be counter-productive and cause multiple side effects, including toxicity.
- Increased consecutive days of abstinence is a desirable outcome of an alcohol treatment program, especially during the initial phases of treatment (Washton and Zweben, 2006).
- High doses can also make you develop tolerance much faster than lower doses so they may be less effective in the long term.
- This product may adversely interact with certain health and medical conditions, other prescription and over-the-counter drugs, foods, or other dietary supplements.
- We previously demonstrated that short-term treatment with a standardized kudzu extract (NPI-031) reduced alcohol drinking by men and women in a natural setting.
- This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider.
A single dose of kudzu extract reduces alcohol consumption in a binge drinking paradigm
Only one breath sample was positive for alcohol during all three phases of the study. A total of 21 adult males (17 Caucasian, 1 African American, 2 Hispanic, 1 Middle Eastern; mean age 23.8 ± 3.46 years, range 21–33) were recruited through advertisements in local and college newspapers and flyers posted in the Boston area. Persons who responded to these advertisements were given a brief telephone screen, and invited to the laboratory for further evaluations.
How To Take Kudzu For Alcoholism?
A standardized formulation of kudzu extract produced minimal side effects, was well-tolerated and resulted in a modest reduction in alcohol consumption in young non treatment-seeking heavy drinkers. Additional studies using treatment-seeking alcohol-dependent persons will be necessary to determine the usefulness of this herbal preparation in reducing alcohol use in other populations. Studies and anecdotal reports suggest kudzu can reduce alcohol cravings and the desire to drink through its effects on the neurotransmitter system. It modulates the dopamine, GABA and serotonin systems, diminishing the rewarding and reinforcing effects of kudzu and alcohol alcohol and reducing the desire to drink.
If you experience any adverse reactions while using kudzu, consult your healthcare provider promptly. Research has found that kudzu can help improve insulin sensitivity, which can help regulate blood sugar levels. Additionally, kudzu may help reduce inflammation, which is often a contributing factor to the development of type 2 diabetes.
