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

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• Furthermore, there is a need to develop efficacious medicines from natural products that have a low incidence of side effects or toxicity (Xu et al., 2005).
• Results from these experimental days again showed no effect of the kudzu extract alone on our measures.
• Furthermore, trained larvae are able to learn, and develop cognitive dependence to EtOH107.
• Finally, there is an up-regulation of GABAARs containing α4βγ2 after 1–2 d post-EtOH and increases in α2βγ1 GABAARs68.
• In the first study, kudzu extract was administered for 7 days and acute binge drinking was suppressed (Lukas et al., 2005).

Other potential health benefits

Kudzu is a natural remedy that has been used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat alcoholism. While it may not be as effective as some prescription medications, it can still be a helpful addition to a comprehensive treatment plan for alcoholism. However, some people may experience mild side effects such as nausea, dizziness, and headache.

Kudzu’s Benefits for Health

• Now kudzu’s popularity is also picking up in the Western world as a wellness supplement.
• This information relates to an herbal, vitamin, mineral or other dietary supplement.
• As a CNS depressant, EtOH in a concentration range of 5–10 mmol/L (less than 3 drinks) potentiates GABAARs and decreases excitatory neurotransmission, leading to sedation accompanied by decreased attention, alterations in memory, mood changes, and lethargy37.
• Acamprosate (Campral) is thought to stabilize the chemical balance in the brain that would otherwise be disrupted by alcoholism, possibly by antagonizing glutamatergic N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors and agonizing GABAARs134.
• The correlational analysis of absolute amount of alcohol consumed and breath alcohol levels in this study indicates that the physiological effects and the rate of elimination of ingested alcohol are not altered by kudzu administration.
• 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).

It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before taking kudzu, especially if you are taking other medications or have underlying health conditions. The major dependent variable was self-reported alcohol consumption as measured via the wrist actigraphy device. Using the continuous measure of alcohol consumption, drinking was quantified using a number of different variables as noted above. In addition, responses to the audible prompts multiple times a day were used to assess desire to consume alcohol. Participants filled out a daily diary every morning as soon as possible upon awakening. Three questions asked them to report how many alcoholic drinks, tobacco cigarettes and caffeinated beverages they consumed and two questions asked about bedtime and wake time.

Drug and Alcohol Dependence

Inflammation is not something to be take lightly as it can contribute to more serious issues like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and even cancer. It is usually treated with over-the-counter medications, but kudzu might be a more natural option. If you struggle with metabolic syndrome (which incorporates a bunch of health problems like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and insulin resistance), kudzu might be worth looking into. “Kudzu root extract contains isoflavones, which appear to lower cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar, and insulin levels,” Beckerman says. Kudzu can be taken in conjunction with other medications for alcoholism, but it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before combining treatments.

Comfrey Leaf – A Natural Anti-Inflammatory

Acamprosate (Campral) is thought to stabilize the chemical balance in the brain that would otherwise be disrupted by alcoholism, possibly by antagonizing glutamatergic N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors and agonizing GABAARs134. A study at the molecular and cellular level suggests that acamprosate kudzu root alcohol attenuates hyper-glutamatergic states, which are thought to trigger relapse135. Two large US trials failed to confirm the efficacy of acamprosate, although secondary analyses in one of the studies suggested possible efficacy in patients who had a baseline goal of abstinence136,137.

KUDZU – Uses, Side Effects, and More

Its phytoestrogens, which mimic the effects of estrogen in the body, can help stimulate collagen production, improving skin elasticity and reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Today, kudzu is used to treat alcoholism and to reduce symptoms of alcohol hangover, including headache, upset stomach, dizziness, and vomiting. Furthermore, kudzu root has demonstrated potential benefits for heart health, diabetes management, antioxidant protection, and alleviating menopausal symptoms. However, further research is necessary to fully comprehend the effects of kudzu on the body. Kudzu root may also be helpful for women experiencing menopausal symptoms.

• However, all of these studies enrolled small numbers of patients, and systematic reviews have determined that the evidence of benefit for any condition is unclear.
• Kudzu extract was administered in gelatin capsules containing 500 mg of extract (Alkontrol-Herbal™; NPI-031) prepared by Natural Pharmacia International, Inc., Burlington, MA.
• Studies of kudzu in humans are limited and have mostly focused on whether it can reduce alcohol intake or menopausal symptoms.
• This is precisely what was observed in the present study as kudzu’s effects were evident after a single dose within a few hours of administration.

Tamoxifen (Nolvadex) is used to help treat and prevent these types of cancer. By affecting estrogen in the body, kudzu might decrease the effectiveness of tamoxifen (Nolvadex). Decreasing the breakdown of caffeine can cause jitteriness, headache, fast heartbeat, and other side effects. If you take birth control pills along with kudzu, use an additional form of birth control such as a condom. Some people use kudzu for menopause symptoms, muscle pain, measles, dysentery, stomach pain (gastritis), fever, diarrhea, thirst, neck stiffness, and to promote sweating. Other oral uses include treatment of polio myelitis, encephalitis, migraine, deafness, diabetes, and traumatic injuries.