‎Diet Science: Common Kudzu Root has Many Culinary Uses and also Reduces Alcohol Cravings on Apple Podcasts

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism funded the study. One study co-author is a member of the scientific advisory board at Natural Pharmacia International. The lab-turned-apartment had a reclining chair, TV, DVD player, and a refrigerator stocked with each person’s favorite beer. Shen XL, Witt MR, Nielsen M, Sterner O. Inhibition of flunitrazepam binding to rat brain membranes in vitro by puerearin and daidzein. The room contained a small sink with an under-the-counter refrigerator where the beverages were kept.

The people who received a dose of kudzu extract drank significantly less beer than they usually did. While scientists need to do more research on the health effects of kudzu, some studies suggest that kudzu root may have other health benefits worth considering. Another study found that people who took puerarin, an isoflavone extract from the kudzu plant, prior to drinking took longer to consume alcoholic beverages . Furthermore, the men who took kudzu had fewer heavy drinking days per week and had significantly more consecutive days with no kudzu root alcohol cravings alcohol consumption . When alcohol is consumed, kudzu may reduce the time it takes for it to travel to the brain. A slightly increased concentration of alcohol in the brain results in a quicker reward, which in turn reduces a person’s desire to drink more alcohol. The use of kudzu for alcoholism originated in China around 600 A.D. The Chinese noticed that people who consumed the plant started to drink less. According to traditional Chinese medicine, kudzu has cooling properties that balance the heat and false energy created by alcohol.

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We’re separating fact from fiction on this homeopathic remedy. On blood pressure, fibrinolysis and oxidative stress in patients with stage 1 hypertension. Comparison of Pueraria mirifica gel and conjugated equine estrogen cream effects on vaginal health in postmenopausal women. Protective effect of puerarin against burn-induced heart injury in rats. Kudzu root is the edible root of a vine plant that’s native to several Asian countries. Other research suggests that kudzu supplements may also play a role in preventing migraine attacks. These are exciting findings, but much more research is needed before we can be sure. For centuries, ginseng has been used in traditional Chinese medicine. Fortunately, these 11 vitamins and supplements can boost your energy levels when you need it most. Before you turn your nose up, check out the incredible health benefits of these and seven more unusual ingredients.

The remains of a medieval skeleton has shown the first physical evidence that a fern plant could have been used for medicinal purposes in cases such as alopecia, dandruff and kidney … Rysuly MR, Azhibekova RJ Treatment of the Rennaissance-Iodine containing drug on patients with Hepatitis C. Amaty, Astana, Kazakhstan. Due to the lack of data on the pre-intervention, it cannot be said statistically whether the results were affected by the intervention. A further clinical study with a larger sample size is required to confirm the results.

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We read the research to find out what science has to say about this plant. Scientists need to do more research on the safe and effective dosages of kudzu root for various uses. It’s best to speak with your healthcare provider to determine whether kudzu root could interact with any medications you’re taking. You may be wondering how people use kudzu root and what to know when considering whether to give it a try. Kudzu can be purchased with ease online and it won’t break the bank. However, there are a lot of supplements that claim to contain kudzu that are mostly cheap fillers. Kudzu is known to be extremely safe, with very few reported adverse side effects.

In the second, participants who were treated for 4 weeks with kudzu extract significantly reduced their alcohol consumption during weeks 2 through 4 of the study (Lukas et al., 2013). We have subsequently shown that puerarin is the major active isoflavone because 7 days treatment with this compound alone (1,200 mg/day) produced a similar reduction of binge drinking as the extract (Penetar et al., 2012). The present study provides further evidence that extracts of the kudzu root are effective in reducing alcohol consumption but unlike any other medication it does so after a single dose was taken shortly before a binge drinking opportunity. And, contrary to disulfiram treatment, the drinking that did occur after kudzu administration did not result in any noxious side effects, increases in subjective ratings of nausea, uncomfortable, or feeling terrible. The reduction in drinking was evident rather quickly as it was apparent for the second through sixth beers and no kudzu-treated participant drank five or six beers, which suggests that binge drinking was curtailed. In spite of the compelling preclinical and clinical evidence of its efficacy, the precise mechanism of action of kudzu in reducing alcohol consumption is not currently known. Prior studies of its antidipsotropic effect have focused on taste-aversion, alterations in alcohol metabolism or effects on neurotransmitters. Overstreet et al.’s study provides cursory evidence that a taste aversion mechanism is not likely.

Throughout the gut and endocrine system, digestive secretions are promoted in the stomach, pancreas, gall bladder, liver, and small and large intestine. Bitters have been used to help relief symptoms of constipation, flatulence, appetite loss, vomiting, heartburn, abdominal pain and nausea . Bitter herbs have a long and successful tradition of use for a number of health purposes . Bitters have been used for centuries to improve digestion, and are still commonly used in many cuisines to be taken before meals to stimulate digestive powers. It used to be assumed that bitters only stimulated receptors in the mouth, and then somewhat in the digestive tract. It has been demonstrated however, that bitter receptors exist throughout the entire gastro-intestinal tract . When triggered by bitter compounds, these receptors then stimulate a myriad of bodily functions [19-21]. In addition to digestion, these receptors promote absorption of nutrients, blood sugar homeostasis, and can even help with weight control. Moreover, specific bitter receptors seem to promote the elimination of absorbed toxins from the gut [22-24].

• Overall, my drinking during that month declined by around 30-40%.
• A growing number of double-blind, peer reviewed studies have confirmed the effectiveness of using kudzu for alcoholism.
• Kudzu vine is now widely distributed in the United States, including all the southeast, north to Massachusetts and Illinois, and west to Texas and Oklahoma.
• About 3 million acres of kudzu had been planted on farms by 1946.”

Any natural means to balance blood sugar can therefore be of great cessation benefit to alcohol programs. For targeting alcohol dependence, studies have used dosages of 1.2 grams of kudzu root extract per day over 1 week, or a single dose of 2 grams before drinking alcohol, without noted side effects . In some instances, even a single dose of kudzu extract reduced alcohol consumption and prevented binge drinking . The study found the treatment with the kudzu extract resulted in a significant reduction in the number of beers consumed. Kudzu treatment also resulted in the number of sips and length of time for consuming each beer, as well as a decrease in the volume of each sip. Individuals treated with kudzu extract drank less beer, and they drank more slowly. There were no reported side effects from treatment with the kudzu extract.

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In studies with alcohol-addicted mice, ashwagandha seemed to relieve anxiety. More studies would be needed to see if it works the same way in humans. Kudzu extract has shown some promise in helping people avoid binge drinking. Binge drinking is when someone has more than four or five drinks in two hours. The alcohol-targeted acupuncture cut down on cravings and withdrawal symptoms better than the sham treatment. A small 2009 case report involving 16 people with regular cluster headaches provides some anecdotal evidence.

The compound puerarin is always found in the highest concentration among all the isoflavones, second is daidzin, followed by daidzein. A standardized kudzu extract (NPI-031) reduces alcohol consumption in nontreatment-seeking male heavy drinkers. While kudzu root has a long history in traditional Chinese medicine, people most often use it to help treat alcohol dependence. Sober House It may also have other benefits, such as for menopausal symptoms. There is some evidence that kudzu root dietary supplements may cause liver injury. One study in mice found that taking 10 mg per day of kudzu root extract for 4 weeks caused liver toxicity . The participants reported their desire for and consumption of alcohol for the duration of the study.