What Is Kudzu Root? Health Benefits, Side Effects and Risks

Interestingly, the BBC did its own little study and found that subjects who consumed the kudzu supplement prior to drinking actually consumed 20 percent less alcohol than usual. More studies are needed, but kudzu could be promising for those battling alcoholism. (2) This, in turn, could help prevent or treat cirrhosis and other alcohol-related conditions as well. Kudzu is being investigated for treatment of alcohol use disorder and cervical spondylosis; the estrogenic activity and cardioprotective effects of kudzu and its constituent puerarin are also under investigation. However, limited clinical studies exist to recommend use for any indication. All participants were recruited following approval by the McLean Hospital Institutional Review Board (IRB).

• Your medical professional will be able to review your medical history and provide advice on whether Kudzu capsules are safe to take.
• These results suggest that HPE could have some beneficial effects on alcohol withdrawal syndrome in people 102.
• Dihydromyricetin, a flavonoid purified from Hovenia dulcis could be another therapeutic candidate for alcohol use disorder 65.
• The significance and application of this finding to other isoflavone compounds (e.g., puerarin) and to the human mitochondrial pathway system remains unknown.

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A total of 42 out of 532 data points in the kudzu extract group and 26 out of 357 data points in the placebo group were handled this way, corresponding to 7.9% and 7.3% of the data, respectively. Because prescription medications are not universally used or have a perceived modest effect (Krystal et al., 2001; Mark et al., 2003), providing heavy drinkers with any type of intervention that yields even a modest reduction in drinking is desirable. 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). The ultimate role that natural preparations play will be complementary and might be useful in treating drug withdrawal and possibly relapse (Lu et al., 2009).

In vitro data

The room contained a small sink with an under-the-counter refrigerator where the beverages (beer, juice, and water) were kept. The opinions expressed in WebMD User-generated content areas like communities, reviews, ratings, or blogs are solely those of the User, who may or may not have medical or scientific training. User-generated content areas are not reviewed by a WebMD physician or any member of the WebMD editorial staff for accuracy, balance, objectivity, or any other reason except for compliance with our Terms and Conditions. So much more chilled in the evening rather than putting myself off drinking.

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In the first, kudzu extract was administered for 7 days and acute binge drinking was suppressed (Lukas et Drug rehabilitation 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 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 Root Side Effects

• One Chinese herbal medicine, XJL (NPI-028), has long been used to reduce the inebriation that results from alcohol consumption.
• This is because isoflavones can help dilate blood vessels, allowing for better blood flow.
• Additionally, kudzu may help reduce inflammation, which is often a contributing factor to the development of type 2 diabetes.
• Kudzu may have potential health benefits, but some claims are based on anecdotal evidence or unverified theories.
• The number of beers consumed and the volume of each sip was decreased while the number of sips and the time to consume each beer was increased.

In fact, https://ecosoberhouse.com/ one study demonstrated that kudzu could reduce alcohol consumption in heavy drinkers by as much as 50%. Alcoholic beverages such as beer, wine and spirits are widely consumed around the world. However, alcohol and its metabolite acetaldehyde are toxic and harmful to human beings. Chronic alcohol use disorder or occasional binge drinking can cause a wide range of health problems, such as hangover, liver damage and cancer.

Potential downsides

The underlying mechanism may be related to up-regulation of HO-1 protein activity. What is clear is that taking 50 to 100 milligrams of Kudzu extract per day will come with an extremely low risk of any negative side effects. For reducing alcohol intake, Kudzu root alcohol supplementation stands at roughly the same level. However, human data is currently insufficient to support kudzu root as an effective weight loss aid. As with any supplement, it should not replace conventional weight management strategies like diet, exercise and professional medical treatment. In Chinese medicine, the herb kudzu is used to cure a variety of conditions, including diabetes, menopausal symptoms, alcoholism, fever, the common cold, and neck or eye pain.

Insufficient Evidence to Rate Effectiveness for…

Furthermore, the men who took kudzu had fewer heavy drinking days per week and had significantly more consecutive days with no alcohol consumption (2). Kudzu root has gained attention for its potential to reduce alcohol cravings. Research suggests that the isoflavones in kudzu may influence the brain’s reward system, making it less likely for individuals to consume excessive amounts of alcohol. However, individual responses may vary, and it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional when seeking help with alcohol dependence. Kudzu root is a fascinating herbal remedy with numerous potential benefits for health and wellness. It has shown promise in reducing alcohol dependence, supporting liver health, stimulating collagen in the skin, and potentially aiding in weight loss.

Kudzu Extract Treatment Does Not Increase the Intoxicating Effects of Acute Alcohol in Human Volunteers

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. However, there are a lot of supplements that claim to contain it that are mostly cheap fillers. It is known to be extremely safe, with very few reported adverse side kudzu extract alcohol effects.