Cravings are often linked to the rewarding effects of alcohol, so kudzu’s ability to change the dopamine system can impact cravings and their intensity. Dopamine is one of the primary neurotransmitters that play a role in the reinforcing effects of alcohol and other addictive substances. 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.
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An earlier study conducted by Keung and Vallee found that kudzu plant extract suppressed the alcohol intake of hamsters that had been bred to prefer and consume alcohol. Kudzu plant contains the isoflavones puerarin, daidzin, daidzein and genistein, considered to be the active elements. The study was not designed to answer the question of why kudzu plant works, and theories are still being formed within the Western medical community. A May 2005 study by Harvard Medical School and New England Research Institutes found that properties of the kudzu plant may cause alcohol to reach the brain more quickly. Drinkers feel the effects sooner and will likely drink less and more slowly. During the seven-day study, 14 subjects were observed in a simulated living room and small kitchen, which was stocked with their favorite beer.
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However, always introduce them gradually, follow dosing instructions, and consult a healthcare professional if you take medication or have medical conditions. Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb that helps the body manage stress more effectively. Chronic stress is a major driver of alcohol cravings, especially for those who drink to relax or unwind. Ashwagandha reduces cortisol levels, supports adrenal health, and promotes emotional balance.
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This anti-alcohol supplement contains a powerful blend of Milk Thistle Seed, St. Johns Wort, Passion Flower, Dandelion root, Chanca Piedra, and Hawthorn Berry. These ingredients work together to create a nutrient-rich profile that supports liver health and detoxification. At our publication, we spent extensive time researching and testing various anti-alcohol supplements to identify the best options on the market. In the following sections, we will share our top picks and provide a detailed analysis of their effectiveness, ingredients, and overall value.
One study on 82 postmenopausal women notes that using a Pueraria mirifica (a particular species of kudzu) gel may improve symptoms of vaginal dryness. Another study shows that kudzu flower might be helpful to lessen hot flashes in menopausal women. Kudzu root, leaf, and flowers have been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for centuries. But today you can find it in the supplement aisle of most grocery stores.
While it does not completely eliminate drinking, it is clearly effective in significantly reducing intake, which offers individuals an opportunity to engage in more responsible drinking patterns. As a safe, over-the-counter preparation, kudzu may be used alone in initial attempts to curb alcohol consumption, but it may also become a useful adjunct to the currently available prescription medications. This latter scenario might very well permit the use of lower doses of prescription medications and thus reduce the incidence of side effects. Furthermore, because kudzu extract exerts its beneficial effects within hours of the first dose, it could be administered along with a prescription medication and provide “coverage” until the other medication begins to work. Alcohol consumption can have a detrimental impact on the liver, and milk thistle may help mitigate some of the damage caused by excessive alcohol intake.
- A few OTC medications may prove helpful when a person with a minor drinking problem tries to quit the habit at home.
- It was assessed and tested for 7 years and approved by the French government to treat alcohol use disorder (AUD) in 1988.
My experience was limited to an experiment that I did years ago to see if taking the herb would reduce my drinking levels. I will discuss how it works, my experience with using powdered kudzu root for alcoholism, and Substance abuse recommendations. Pacific College of Health and Science (PCHS) is a leading institution in holistic and integrative healthcare education, deeply rooted in Chinese medicine since 1986.
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- As a specific example, a small study published in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence involved 140 adults and indicated that a short session of aerobic exercise reduced cravings for alcohol (10).
- Remember, supplements work best as part of a holistic strategy—one that includes nutrition, movement, sleep, and emotional support.
- In addition, the two treatments greatly differed in the percent of days abstinent as well as the number of consecutive days of abstinence.
- For this reason, people who drink heavily may benefit from magnesium supplements.
Separate general linear model ANOVAs for data with repeated measurements were used to analyze the number of drinks per week and the number of heavy drinking days per week. The two treatments (kudzu and placebo) were analyzed as fixed effects and time (weeks since kudzu for alcohol cravings randomization) as a repeated-measurements effect. Effect size is reported using the variance-accounted for statistic Partial Eta-Squared (η2Partial). All tests were two-sided with significance level of 0.05 and were performed using SPSS software (version 19.0, IBM SPSS, Inc, Chicago, IL). A standardized formulation of kudzu extract produced minimal side effects, was well-tolerated and resulted in a modest reduction in alcohol consumption in young non treatment-seeking heavy drinkers. Additional studies using treatment-seeking alcohol-dependent persons will be necessary to determine the usefulness of this herbal preparation in reducing alcohol use in other populations.
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Kudzu extract was administered in gelatin capsules containing 500 mg of extract (Alkontrol-Herbal™; NPI-031) prepared by Natural Pharmacia International, Inc., Burlington, MA. The extract contained 26% (130 mg) active isoflavones (20% puerarin, 4% daidzin, 2% daidzein; an improved HPLC analysis revealed that the total puerarin content includes both puerarin and 3-methoxypuerarin.). Participants were randomized on a blind basis to receive either 4 capsules of the extract (for a total of 520 mg isoflavones) or placebo (sugar beet filler) 2.5 hours before the start of an afternoon drinking session.
