Puerarin particularly has been credited with influencing alcohol consumption patterns, although the mechanism by which this might occur is unknown (19). Anti-inflammatory properties are attributed to decreased prostaglandin E2 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha release, both of which are involved in inflammatory processes (3). The isoflavone tectorigenin demonstrated antiproliferative activity via cell differentiation and reduced expression of Bcl-2, an antiapoptotic protein (1). In animal studies, peurarin may alleviate chronic alcoholic liver injury via inhibition of endotoxin gut-leakage, activation of Kupffer cells, and expression of lipopolysaccharide receptors (22). Kudzu, also known as Pueraria Montana, is a climbing vine that belongs to the pea family.

Cardiovascular effects

The complete lack of side effects would favor the conduct of such studies. Other limitations of the present study are the use of a rather narrow aged male population who drink only at moderate levels. We developed a standardized kudzu extract that preserved the ratio of the major isoflavones found in the raw root, except that the concentration of isoflavones was increased to 25%. This randomized between-subject, double-blind, placebo-controlled study involved 2 weeks of baseline, 4 weeks of treatment, and 2 weeks of follow-up. Seventeen men (21–33 years) who reported drinking 27.6 ± 6.5 drinks/week with a diagnosis of alcohol abuse/dependence took either kudzu extract (250 mg isoflavones, t.i.d.) or matched placebo on a daily basis.

2 Materials and Medication

Kudzu root may increase the risk of liver injury or interact with certain medications, like birth control. Anecdotal sources say it may also be harmful to take with medications for diabetes or blood clotting. Anecdotal sources also note that kudzu root may lower blood sugar too much or slow https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/is-it-possible-to-get-sober-without-aa/ down blood clotting. Nevertheless, it may be a good idea to avoid if you use blood thinning or diabetes medications. 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).

• Taking kudzu will not turn an alcoholic into a nondrinker overnight.
• The researchers next plan to use Magnetic Resonance Imaging to examine the effects of kudzu on how quickly alcohol gets into the brain.
• The plant is a trailing vine that often grows over other plants and trees.
• However, it does not make people feel more drunk, or affect their physical abilities or mental agility.

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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 kudzu to stop drinking (6). This article examines the benefits, uses, and potential side effects of kudzu root. More recently, kudzu root has made its way to Western countries as an herbal supplement.

Today, kudzu is used to treat alcoholism and to reduce symptoms of alcohol hangover, including headache, upset stomach, dizziness, and vomiting. In one small study of postmenopausal women, transient negative profiles including anemia and liver profiles (5). Other small studies reported no significant adverse effects (9) (19) (20) (21) (23). In vitro, kudzu has demonstrated antiproliferative (1), anti-inflammatory (3), and neuroprotective (16) (18) properties.

Estrogenic activity

• Taking kudzu along with diabetes medications might cause your blood sugar to go too low.
• Pharmacotherapies to curb excessive drinking are important for treating alcohol use disorders.
• The researchers found that these types of responses were not intensified if participants had taken kudzu, suggesting that the drug does not work by increasing the intensity or duration of alcohol’s effects.

Can kudzu be taken in conjunction with other medications for alcoholism?