A standardized kudzu extract NPI-031 reduces alcohol consumption in nontreatment-seeking male heavy drinkers

During the baseline session, the placebo-randomized group consumed 2.7 ± 0.78 beers before treatment and increased consumption to 3.4 ± 1.1 beers after treatment. The kudzu group significantly reduced consumption from 3.0 ± 1.7 at baseline to 1.9 ± 1.3 beers after treatment. 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.

In contemporary settings, it has gained recognition among healthcare professionals and addiction recovery programs as a natural ally for those with a history of substance abuse. Its benefits extend beyond detoxification; by enhancing liver function, milk thistle contributes to improved metabolic processes and overall health. The participants reported their desire for and consumption of alcohol for the duration of the study. Researchers found that the kudzu extract had no effect on alcohol cravings, but it reduced the number of weekly alcoholic drinks by 34–57% (2). Estimates of blood alcohol levels were obtained during each study visit using a breathalyzer device (AlcoSensor®, Intoximeter, St Louis, MO). They were required to come to the lab twice a week to provide urine, breath and blood samples to monitor drug use, alcohol drinking and liver function, respectively.

Side Effects and Safety

Additionally, kudzu may help reduce inflammation, which is often a contributing factor to the development of type 2 diabetes. Kudzu is also known for its flower, which is used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat kudzu root for alcohol cravings fever, headache, and other ailments. The arrowroot starch derived from the Kudzu plant is also used in cooking as a thickener. The plant contains phytoestrogens, which are compounds that mimic the effects of estrogen in the body.

The importance of personalized addiction treatment plans

This herb is widely recognized for its ability to enhance resilience, particularly in the context of recovery from addiction. By modulating the body’s stress response, Rhodiola encourages balance in hormonal fluctuations, particularly cortisol levels, promoting a state of calm even in stressful situations. Kudzu may have potential health benefits, but some claims are based on anecdotal evidence or unverified theories. The kudzu vine’s wide range of benefits makes it a promising plant for improving heart health and supporting overall wellness. This effect of kudzu improves circulation, reduces resistance in blood flow, and lowers overall blood pressure levels. In addition to reducing cravings, kudzu may help lower the physical impact of alcohol, such as liver injury, by offering antioxidant and protective benefits.

Kudzu, the medicinal plant for combating withdrawal symptoms.

As drinking behavior was measured using a wrist actigraphy device, we were able to monitor alcohol consumption continuously, 24 hours a day and 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. In addition, the two treatments greatly differed in the percent of days abstinent as Substance abuse well as the number of consecutive days of abstinence.

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Historically, it also alleviated symptoms such as thirst, headaches, and stiff necks, especially those linked to high blood pressure. A notable traditional application has been its use in managing alcohol consumption and as a remedy for hangovers. While kudzu root has a long history in traditional Chinese medicine, people most often use it to help treat alcohol dependence. An industry standard adverse event reporting form was used to collect information on potential adverse and serious adverse events during each laboratory visit.

Benefits

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. The NIAAA and NCCAM had no further role in the study design; in the collection, analysis and interpretation of data; in the writing of the report; or in the decision to submit the paper for publication. The room contained a small sink with an under-the-counter refrigerator where the beverages (beer, juice, and water) were kept. None of them had noticed any side effects from the kudzu, indeed none of them were aware when they had taken it. When our volunteers partied after having had a placebo they drank an average of seven units per person. When, however, they had taken the kudzu beforehand, they drank an average of 5.5 units, which meant that overall they had drunk about 20% less.

• This balance can play a critical role in the recovery process, offering a natural alternative to manage urges without chemical interventions.
• Additionally, milk thistle’s detoxifying effects can alleviate withdrawal symptoms, as a healthy liver can more efficiently process and eliminate residual toxins from the body.
• None of them had noticed any side effects from the kudzu, indeed none of them were aware when they had taken it.
• Isoflavones increase blood flow to the brain, causing alcohol or nicotine to reach the nervous system faster.
• We had kudzu extracts laboratory tested – and they didn’t contain anything like the amount they said on the packet.
• It modulates the dopamine, GABA and serotonin systems, diminishing the rewarding and reinforcing effects of alcohol and reducing the desire to drink.

Kudzu Recovery For Alcoholics: How It Works

Adjust the steeping time and amount of kudzu root https://ecosoberhouse.com/ to suit your taste and desired strength. Always be cautious of potential side effects and consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice. Kudzu root is a fascinating herbal remedy with numerous potential benefits for health and wellness. It has shown promise in reducing alcohol dependence, supporting liver health, stimulating collagen in the skin, and potentially aiding in weight loss. Research suggests that compounds found in kudzu may help control alcohol cravings.

Time of Day

Scientists need to do more research to investigate the potential of kudzu root to cause liver injury in humans. One study in mice found that kudzu vine extract was highly beneficial in treating alcohol-induced liver damage by scavenging harmful free radicals and boosting the natural antioxidant system (6). For over 2,000 years, people have used kudzu root in traditional Chinese medicine for purposes like treating fevers, diarrhea, and even diabetes and heart disease (1). Celine Xu is a botanist with over 15 years of experience researching and developing plant extracts for nutritional and pharmaceutical applications. She leads an R&D team focused on identification, cultivation and extraction of medicinal plants.

Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with KUDZU

• Yellow kudzu root, derived from the vigorous kudzu vine, is recognized for its potential applications beyond its reputation as an invasive species.
• Scientists need to do more research on the effects of kudzu root in humans to investigate these effects in the liver.
• Long-term use is frequently necessary to achieve the full therapeutic potential of herbs.
• Some compounds in kudzu, particularly daidzin and puerarin, are thought to affect enzymes involved in alcohol metabolism.

This information does not endorse this product as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. It does NOT include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to this product. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. You should talk with your health care provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of using this product. Lobata, is the edible, starchy part of a trailing vine native to East Asia, including China, Japan, and Korea. This perennial vine is known for its rapid growth, sometimes extending up to a foot per day.