From a harm reduction perspective, kudzu extract results in a desirable outcome for a population of heavy drinkers, especially when one considers the other important finding of the present study—kudzu extract was without any adverse events and minimal side effects. We recently demonstrated that kudzu extract does not potentiate the intoxicating effects of alcohol (Penetar et al., 2010) and it does not interfere with sleep wake activity (Bracken et al., 2011). In addition, this was not a treatment clinical trial, so the effects on alcohol intake might have been more robust in treatment-seeking individuals. All of the above mentioned mechanisms, with the exception of a disulfiram-like one, require repeated administration and time to develop. Since consuming alcohol while taking kudzu extract is not aversive, another explanation is necessary to account for the extremely fast onset of action observed in the kudzu and alcohol present study.

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

In summary, compared to alfalfa powder, kudzu vine is more widely available, abundant, easier to preserve and use, and of higher quality. However, studies in China or internationally have not investigated the effects of kudzu vine supplementation on the intestinal tract and metabolism of rabbits. To explore kudzu vine as a potentially valuable resource and to provide novel ideas and methods for rationally developing and utilising new resources, we added different kudzu vine proportions to pelleted feed. A new custom-built platform, based on an earlier design (Lukas et al., 1989) was used to measure stance stability/body sway. The device consisted of a 0.76 m square plywood platform mounted on 4 pressure sensitive load cells.

Effect of kudzu vine meal on meat rabbit caecal bacteria counts and Alpha diversity

David M. Penetar, senior author of the study and assistant Professor of Psychology in the Department of Psychiatry at McLean Hospital, said that kudzu has been around for centuries to treat alcohol intoxication, hangovers and other related problems https://ecosoberhouse.com/ in humans. One possibility is through the different isoflavones, which are biologically active molecules that can affect physiology, contained within the kudzu extract. Your doctor can evaluate your medical history, current health, and the severity of your alcoholism to provide personalized recommendations. They will consider potential interactions between kudzu and any medications you might be taking, ensuring your safety throughout the process. Fifty-one percent of adults over the age of 18 and 56% of those age 18–44, are current regular drinkers (Schiller et al., 2012).

Can you be ‘fat’ and still healthy?

A linear mixed model analysis of variance (SPSS 13.0 for MAC OS X) was performed for dependent variables using the main factors of dose, pretreatment condition, and time, as appropriate. Yet, its most intriguing use was possibly in the realm of alcohol-related ailments. Ancient texts and practices hint at Kudzu being utilized to sober up individuals and mitigate the adverse effects of excessive drinking. It wasn’t just a reactionary measure; it was also a preventive one, aiming to reduce the appeal of alcohol in the first place. The journey to curbing alcohol cravings is an often intricate dance between biology, behavior, and external influences.

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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). Estimates of blood alcohol levels were obtained during each study visit using a breathalyzer device (AlcoSensor®, Intoximeter, St Louis, MO). They were required to come to the lab twice a week to provide urine, breath and blood samples to monitor drug use, alcohol drinking and liver function, respectively. A total of 227 breath samples were possible from all subject visits during the trial and compliance was equally distributed between the two groups; the kudzu extract group provided 131 of a possible 136 samples and the placebo group provided 84 of a possible 91 samples.

• Reach out to healthcare providers, counselors, and support groups to develop a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your needs.
• The participants were either treated with kudzu or a placebo for nine days, and then received a medium or high alcohol challenge to determine how prominently they presented alcohol-related symptoms.

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The primary aim of this study was to investigate the effects of kudzu vine meal supplementation on the intestinal tracts of rabbits and to determine the most suitable proportion of dietary kudzu vine to achieve optimal results. An intravenous catheter (Kowarski-Dakmed Thromboresistant Blood Withdrawal Needle and 8 foot Tubing Set; Dakmed, Inc., Buffalo, NY) was inserted in an antecubital vein for withdrawal of blood samples 20 minutes before the alcohol administration. The distal end of the catheter was passed through an opening in the chamber wall and attached to a 10-ml syringe mounted on a withdrawal syringe pump (Lukas et al. 1986). Syringes were changed every 5 minutes and the blood was put into Vacutainer® tubes containing K3EDTA (12 mg) as anticoagulant and placed on ice. The blood samples were then centrifuged and the plasma separated into a plastic vial.

KUDZU – Uses, Side Effects, and More

Participants filled out a daily diary every morning as soon as possible upon awakening. Three questions asked them to report how many alcoholic drinks, tobacco cigarettes and caffeinated beverages they consumed and two questions asked about bedtime and wake time. Various studies have used single, one-time doses or daily doses for a week without reported adverse effects. According to traditional Chinese medicine, this plant has cooling properties that balance the heat and false energy created by alcohol.

• Such anecdotal observations, while lacking in the rigorous scientific methodology of today, provide a fascinating glimpse into the potential of Kudzu.
• This study is similar to that of Saladrigas-García et al. (2021), who studied the changes of the intestinal microflora in pigs after weaning.
• This reduction in alcohol consumption can be particularly beneficial during the early stages of recovery when cravings are intense.
• Extracts of the kudzu plant are best known for their ability to suppress alcohol intake or alter alcohol effects by laboratory animals (Heyman et al., 1996; Keung and Vallee, 1993b; Keung, 2003; Overstreet et al., 1996; Rezvani et al., 2003; Benlhabib et al., 2004).
• Kudzu may also help reduce the risk of blood clots, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes.

The dose and time course effects on selected scales of positive alcohol effects and Alcoholics Anonymous negative alcohol effects are shown in Figure 1. Instances of kudzu pretreatment effects were observed on one scale of negative alcohol effects (dizzy). Ratings of dizzy following the kudzu pretreatment period were significantly elevated over the placebo pretreatment period for 60 minutes following the 0.7 g/kg alcohol dose (Figure 1, bottom).

A growing number of double-blind, peer-reviewed studies have confirmed the effectiveness of using kudzu for alcoholism. Early research focused on rats with good results, which were later replicated with human subjects. However, if you want to cut down on drinking or detoxify your body during alcohol withdrawal, this plant may be able to help.

Kudzu, with its promising historical and traditional background, naturally piqued the interest of researchers. As they embarked on a journey to understand Kudzu’s potential in curbing alcohol cravings, they designed studies, conducted experiments, and collected data. Beyond the isoflavones, Kudzu houses a myriad of other compounds such as tectoridin and kakkalide.