Kudzu can be taken in conjunction with other medications for alcoholism, but it is important to consult with a kudzu and alcohol healthcare professional before combining treatments. Kudzu may interact with certain medications, such as benzodiazepines, and can cause adverse effects. A growing number of double-blind, peer-reviewed studies have confirmed the effectiveness of using kudzu for alcoholism.
Side Effects
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 (15). It’s important to note that these studies used kudzu extract, which may have contained other parts of the kudzu plant besides the root. Thus, scientists need to do more research in this area on the effects of kudzu root specifically.
What’s actually in sports drinks?
- Various studies have used single, one-time doses or daily doses for a week without reported adverse effects.
- In its raw form, kudzu root resembles other root tubers, such as potatoes or yams.
- In the first round of the study half of the subjects were given placebo and half the kudzu root.
- Today, the most popular ways to use kudzu root are as an herbal supplement or a root tea.
- What’s more, the kudzu plant leaves, vine tips, and purple flower blossoms are also edible.
- Kudzu may also help reduce the risk of blood clots, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes.
The absence of standardized dosages and recommended administration methods for kudzu necessitates expert guidance. Your healthcare provider can help determine the most suitable approach based on your unique circumstances. Various studies have used single, one-time doses or daily doses for a week without reported adverse effects. Another study found that people who took puerarin, an isoflavone extract from the kudzu plant, prior to drinking took longer to consume alcoholic beverages (3). Furthermore, the men who took kudzu had fewer heavy drinking days per week and had significantly more consecutive days with no alcohol consumption (2). Even if moderate drinking is considered safe, in reality it doesn’t always remain moderate or safe.
What are the recommended dosages of kudzu for alcoholism treatment?
Our laboratory has been involved in assessing an extract of the kudzu root (Pueraria lobata) for its ability to reduce alcohol consumption in humans. In the first, kudzu extract was administered for 7 days and acute binge drinking was suppressed (Lukas et al., 2005). 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 Sobriety 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).
Kudzu, also known as Pueraria Montana, is a climbing vine that belongs to the pea family. This invasive weed is native to East Asia, particularly China, Japan, and Korea, where it has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine. Kudzu is a natural medicine that is extracted from the root of the plant. Giving a Kudzu root extract twice daily failed https://ecosoberhouse.com/ to reduce craving and sobriety scores. In terms of what I felt when I took this plant, my experience supports the observations of others who note that it might act like a much gentler form of disulfiram or Antabuse. Even a tiny amount of alcohol can cause violent illness while on these drugs.
Moreover, kudzu might assist with the prevention of relapses by supporting the stabilization of neurotransmitter levels in the brain. However, it is essential to remember that kudzu alone is not a panacea for alcoholism. Scientists need to do more research on the safe and effective dosages of kudzu root for various uses.
- Alcoholism is a complex condition, and its treatment should not be taken lightly.
- If you’re looking for a natural, research-backed solution to reduce alcohol intake or slow down your drinking habits, Kudzu Extract is worth trying.
- However, some people may experience mild side effects such as nausea, dizziness, and headache.
Does microwaving food make it less healthy?
However, subjects who received kudzu root merely slowed their rate of drinking and consumed less total alcohol per drinking session than they did when receiving a placebo. Kudzu is a plant that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. In recent years, it has gained attention for its potential use in treating alcoholism. Kudzu contains compounds that are believed to reduce alcohol cravings and help with withdrawal symptoms. 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 (3, 19).