Kudzu Extract Treatment Does Not Increase the Intoxicating Effects of Acute Alcohol in Human Volunteers PMC

kudzu for alcohol cravings

DLPA (DL-phenylalanine) is a precursor to several neurotransmitters, including dopamine. In addition to various alcohol detox supplements, the doctor may provide lorazepam for alcohol withdrawal or a Librium detox. Doctors who oversee the medical detox process from excessive alcohol use typically prescribe medication and vitamins.

What Is The Most Popular Program For Recovering Alcoholics?

If you experience any adverse reactions while using kudzu, consult your healthcare provider promptly. One study on 82 postmenopausal women notes that using a Pueraria mirifica (a particular species of kudzu) gel may improve symptoms of vaginal dryness. Another study shows that kudzu flower might be helpful to lessen hot flashes in menopausal women. However, there are no kudzu products on the market in the UK carrying the THR mark. The volunteers were all friends, and so were likely to enjoy a relaxed evening’s drinking.

kudzu for alcohol cravings

Got a drinking problem? Try kudzu

In addition, responses to the audible prompts multiple times a day were used to assess desire to consume alcohol. The main processes of the oxidative pathway are mediated by alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and acetaldehyde herbs to curb alcohol cravings dehydrogenase (ALDH), which transform alcohol into acetaldehyde and then to acetate, respectively [20]. Long-term chronic alcohol consumption reduced hepatic ADH and exacerbated the adverse reactions.

  • Alcohol consumption disturbs the balance between the pro- and anti-oxidant systems of the organism, so as to cause oxidative stress [26].
  • Assessments were performed after completion of the questionnaires at 30, 45, and 60 minutes after start of alcohol administration; after 1 hour, stance stability was assessed every 30 minutes until the end of the session at 3 hours.
  • Still, more research needs to be done to prove whether it’s truly effective.
  • It has property of modulating several neurotransmitter systems, especially in alcohol use disorder.
  • McLean Hospital has licensed the production of kudzu extract (NPI-031) to Natural Pharmacia International (NPI), Inc. that markets it as Alkontrol-Herbal™.

A standardized kudzu extract (NPI- reduces alcohol consumption in nontreatment-seeking male heavy drinkers

kudzu for alcohol cravings

According to some studies, kudzu root may help manage some symptoms of metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is a condition notorious for its cluster of health issues like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and/or abnormal triglyceride levels. If left unchecked, metabolic syndrome can increase your risk of developing heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.

kudzu for alcohol cravings

A small 2009 case report involving 16 people with regular cluster headaches provides some anecdotal evidence. Almost 3 in 4 participants had less intense headaches, more than half had fewer headaches, and 1 in 3 had shorter headaches when taking kudzu root. Along with easing uncomfortable symptoms, estrogen can help prevent bone loss after menopause. Kudzu root is an edible part of a climbing vine that’s native to many Asian countries.

  • In addition, the IDN 5082 possessed the anti-relapse properties in alcohol preferring rats through complete suppressing of the extra amount of alcohol consumed during the first hour of re-access to alcohol after 7 days of deprivation [113].
  • The kudzu extract diadzein has been isolated as an aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH-2) inhibitor, which has been shown in animal models to reduce excessive drinking.
  • However, it is essential to remember that kudzu alone is not a panacea for alcoholism.
  • The overall incidence of side effects (e.g., headaches, shakes, chills, nausea, etc.) in both groups ranged between 1.7 and 3%.
  • People who follow a ketogenic diet have noticed that addictive thoughts and cravings are less of an issue.

Something has to create a massive increase in sense of well-being to fit into this category. While it does not quite make the cut, it is definitely worth trying if you’re looking to cut down on or quit drinking. My problem at the time was a denial of the severity of my drinking problem. But as soon as the capsules ran out, I concluded that it hadn’t totally “cured” my problem and that I would eventually find something better. Zimin Liu (California Nutritionals, San Diego, CA) reported on blended herbal products to treat anxiety and depression and their economic market potential. Also, consider dihydromyricetin (DHM) (Hovenia Dulcis Extract), available as DHM powder, which may help to reduce withdrawal symptoms.

The kudzu extract diadzein has been isolated as an aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH-2) inhibitor, which has been shown in animal models to reduce excessive drinking. Synthetic versions of this selective ALDH-2 inhibitor are being investigated as potential medications to suppress relapse in abstinent alcoholics. More clinical trials will need to be conducted to better understand the efficacy of kudzu extracts or synthetic variants for treatment of alcohol dependence. The leaves of Jodina rhombifolia are utilized to prevention of alcohol use disorder in Argentine folk medicine.

kudzu for alcohol cravings

  • McLean Hospital has licensed the production of kudzu extract (NPI-031) to Natural Pharmacie International (NPI), Inc. and they are marketing it as Alkontrol-Herbal®.
  • The root actually increases the amount of acetaldehyde in the blood, so it may be that it simply brings on the symptoms of hangover early’although no experiments have spotted any such symptoms.
  • Kim et al. [82] analyzed the constituents of the young shoots and the leaves of asparagus, the result showed that the amino acid and inorganic mineral contents were higher in leave than in shoots.
  • 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.

The kudzu root may interact with certain medications or pose other health risks for certain people. Therefore, it’s always best to consult your healthcare provider before taking it. Some evidence suggests kudzu root may help with liver damage, while other preliminary evidence suggests it may cause liver injury in certain cases. Scientists need to do more research on the effects of kudzu root in humans to investigate these effects in the liver. Kudzu root may increase the risk of liver injury or interact with certain medications, like birth control. Anecdotal sources say it may also be harmful to take with medications for diabetes or blood clotting.

The Promise of Kudzu in Alcoholism Treatment

You can eat the root as you would other root vegetables, like potatoes or rutabagas. Kudzu roots can be dried and ground into a powder, which some people use as https://ecosoberhouse.com/ breading for fried foods or as a thickener for soups and sauces. The kudzu plant resembles poison ivy, so it’s important to know how to identify it correctly.

kudzu for alcohol cravings

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