Trust Me, I’m a Doctor, Series 4, Episode 4 Will kudzu supplement pills make me drink less alcohol?

As a result of these effects, it may also help treat binge drinking patterns. One of the most commonly known uses of kudzu is treating alcoholism (this is what it was originally used for in ancient China). Although it doesn’t help in reducing the craving https://ecosoberhouse.com/ for a drink or maintaining sobriety, small studies have found that when taking kudzu root extract, heavy drinkers consumed less booze than usual. One small study looked at the effects of kudzu in 17 men ages 21–33 who reported drinking approximately 22–35 drinks per week. The researchers gave participants either kudzu extract or a placebo every day for 4 weeks (2). Kudzu extract was administered in gelatin capsules containing 500 mg of extract (Alkontrol-Herbal™; NPI-031) prepared by Natural Pharmacia International, Inc., Burlington, MA.

Development and initial validation of a measure of drinking urges in abstinent alcoholics

In fact, traditional Chinese medicine has used the plant for over 2,500 years. The information we provide while responding to comments is not intended to provide and does not constitute medical, legal, or other professional advice. The responses to comments on fitrecovery.com are designed to support, not replace, medical or psychiatric treatment. My standards for categorizing an herb or drug as a “miracle” supplement are quite high. 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.

6 Alcohol Consumption—Follow-up Phase

• We previously demonstrated that this kudzu extract significantly reduced alcohol drinking in a group of heavy drinkers during one night of access to preferred brand of beer in a simulated natural environment (Lukas et al., 2005).
• In China, the kudzu or gégēn is found growing in shaded areas along mountains, in the fields and along roadsides, in thickets and thin forests all over the country.
• Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
• Curiously, kudzu appears to have this effect AND prevent people from becoming intoxicated with alcohol or nicotine more quickly.

In addition, the natural tendency of the spheres is to adhere to the walls of the small intestine for an extended period of time. As the mixture of varying nutrients are arranged into a more uniform particle size within the transport sphere, there is a stronger tendency for these nutrients to move across the walls of the small intestine together. This phenomenon therefore can create a strong synergy of action as complementary nutrients are made available in a timely fashion for ongoing bodily processes. Comprised of 100% food grade material, these spheres, upon releasing their payload of nutrients, are broken down and utilized by kudzu to stop drinking the system to improve overall well-being. Studies using both animal and human models have demonstrated that this type of technology can increase nutrient absorption from 50–400% 52–54. Recently, unique discoveries have been made pertaining to the actions of bitters, and a family of 30 specific bitter flavor receptors in the GI Tract.

• But before you rush out to buy kudzu extract, there’s a sting in this particular tale.
• Other limitations of the present study are the use of a rather narrow aged male population who drink only at moderate levels.
• There is also good evidence that drinking clear spirits reduces the severity of hangovers.
• Studies using both animal and human models have demonstrated that this type of technology can increase nutrient absorption from 50–400% 52–54.
• However, kudzu extract significantly reduced the number of drinks consumed each week by 34-57%.

Potent suppression of HIV-1 cell attachment by Kudzu root extract

I recall feeling a very slight prickly feeling in my skin after I’d had a few drinks, and a mild head rush. Kudzu root is a rich source of antioxidants, which can help protect the body against damage from free radicals. Free radicals are molecules that can damage cells, leading to a range of health issues. The volunteers were all friends, and so were likely to enjoy a relaxed evening’s drinking. Information and shareable resources to help others choose to drink less alcohol and be their best. None of them had noticed any side effects from the kudzu, indeed none of them were aware when they had taken it.

The big experiment: could I lose fat just by changing my meal times?

Studies have found that the isoflavones in kudzu can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce blood pressure. Kudzu may also interact with certain medications, such as disulfiram (Antabuse) and methotrexate. It is important to talk to a healthcare professional before taking kudzu, especially if you have liver disease or are taking prescription medication. Kudzu is also known for its flower, which is used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat fever, headache, and other ailments. The arrowroot starch derived from the Kudzu plant is also used in cooking as a thickener.

• Morning and evening sets of capsules also contained a 25 mg tablet of riboflavin (vitamin B2) and the afternoon sets contained an additional placebo capsule, in addition to the two kudzu extract capsules, in order to maintain a uniform number (3) of capsules.
• The ability of puerarin and related isoflavones to facilitate alcohol’s entry into the brain has not been systematically studied.
• The aforementioned isoflavones are what help regulate hormones and in turn help combat the pesky symptoms that come along with PMS, perimenopause, and menopause.
• Next, Dr. Lee contacted researchers at the Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies.
• The fact that kudzu extract nearly doubled the number of consecutive days that individuals maintained abstinence suggests that it may be a useful adjunct during the early weeks of treatment.

Any product carrying a THR mark can be relied upon to contain the amounts of herb/active ingredient as stated on the bottle. However, these studies were conducted on lone individuals drinking within highly controlled laboratory conditions. Alcohol can irritate the gastrointestinal tract, and kudzu can also have potential effects on the digestive system. A combination of alcohol while taking kudzu could increase your risk of side effects or GI discomfort. If you take medicines, there’s an increased risk if you combine alcohol, kudzu and these substances.

Kudzu works somewhat similarly to acamprosate in many ways, but since it is an approved prescription medication, there’s more clinical evidence to show the benefits of acamprosate. Some studies have found that the puerarin in kudzu does, in fact, influence dopamine release in some areas of the brain. Over time, chronic alcoholism leads to structural and functional changes in the brain. These changes affect parts of the brain related to emotional regulation, memory, and decision-making. But before you rush out to buy kudzu extract, there’s a sting in this particular tale.

In fact our laboratory hypothesized 58 that one such genetic factor that influences behavior including drug and food seeking is a predisposition to glucose craving and the overall effect of dopaminergic activity in the reward center of the brain. This defect drives individuals to engage in activities of behavioral excess, which will increase brain dopamine function, for which we created the term Reward Deficiency Syndrome (RDS) 59 to categorize such biological influences on behavior. Consuming large quantities of alcohol or carbohydrates (carbohydrate bingeing) stimulates the brain’s production and utilization of dopamine.

Kudzu is thought to modulate the dopaminergic system, and by influencing dopamine release and receptor activity, it may reduce the rewarding effects of alcohol. When the rewarding effects of alcohol aren’t present, it can diminish the motivation to drink more. Alcohol cravings are influenced by a combination of factors, which are often physiological, psychological and environmental. Understanding the underlying mechanisms is also essential in the discussion of using kudzu for alcohol cravings.