Supported by traditional use and growing scientific research—especially from animal models—it appears capable of reducing voluntary alcohol intake through mechanisms involving enzyme inhibition and neurotransmitter modulation. According to traditional Chinese medicine, this plant has cooling properties that balance the heat and false energy created by alcohol. However, if you want to cut down on drinking or detoxify your body during alcohol withdrawal, this plant may be able to help. Kudzu is sold as a dietary supplement, meaning products are not subject to the same strict quality and standardization regulations as prescription drugs.

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• This modulation can reduce the pleasurable effects of alcohol, making cravings less intense and frequent.
• In fact, we reported that kudzu extract did just that and interrupted binge drinking (Lukas et al., 2005).
• The placebo-treated group opened 33 beers during baseline conditions and 38 following treatment whereas the kudzu-treated group opened 32 beers during baseline conditions and only 21 following treatment.
• Seeking help for alcoholism is a brave and crucial step towards a healthier, more fulfilling life.

Current use was defined as at least one drink in the past 30 days while binge use includes drinking Sobriety five or more drinks per day. Its diuretic properties help flush toxins from the body, while its antioxidants support liver regeneration. A typical dosage is 2–4 grams of dried root in tea form or 500–1,000 mg in capsule form daily.

• Puerarin is believed to modulate specific receptors in the brain, particularly those involved in dopamine and serotonin pathways, which are closely linked to reward and mood regulation.
• They have already proven their effectiveness, such as Avena sativa, more commonly known as oats, St. John’s wort or Griffonia simplicifolia rich in 5-HTP, which increases serotonin levels in the body and therefore considerably improves mood.
• In this recent study, the researchers gave twelve participants different schedules of placebo or kudzu pills, and then observed the effects of drinking a set amount of vodka.

How much water should I be drinking?

The device consisted of a 0.76 m square plywood platform mounted on 4 pressure sensitive load cells. Output from the cells was collected on a dedicated computer running software that computed a single point in Cartesian coordinate system at a rate of 20 Hz. Stability/sway was defined as an area measurement of the total points collected in a 30-second period. As this was one of the initial uses kudzu and alcohol of the device, 4 different stance positions were evaluated. The subjects stood erect on the platform with feet together with their eyes either open or closed, and with their arms either by their side or extended to the side with their palms facing upward. Participants were told to relax between each 30-second collection period, but did not move their feet.

Pharmacokinetic measures

Kudzu, a vine native to Asia, has gained attention for its potential to reduce alcohol cravings https://moonaki.com/2023/02/24/cannabis-tolerance-what-it-is-and-how-to-reset/ and withdrawal symptoms. The active compound, puerarin, is believed to modulate dopamine levels in the brain, curbing the urge to drink. Clinical trials have shown that doses of 1,200–2,000 mg of kudzu extract daily can be effective, though results vary among individuals.

Can kudzu be taken in conjunction with other medications for alcoholism?

This allowed the researchers to view each subject under each condition and allowed them to rule out the order of treatment as a factor. In this recent study, the researchers gave twelve participants different schedules of placebo or kudzu pills, and then observed the effects of drinking a set amount of vodka. They tested steadiness of gait, body sway, how well participants could stand upright, and how drunk they said they felt, among other factors. The researchers found that these types of responses were not intensified if participants had taken kudzu, suggesting that the drug does not work by increasing the intensity or duration of alcohol’s effects. Lukas and Lee applied for, and were granted, a patent for kudzu extract to treat alcohol abuse and dependence. McLean Hospital has licensed the production of kudzu extract (NPI-031) to Natural Pharmacia International (NPI), Inc. and they are marketing it as Alkontrol-Herbal®.