However, it does not make people feel more drunk, or affect their physical abilities or mental agility. It is, therefore, thought not to make alcohol more dangerous – merely slow down our rate of drinking. Kudzu root is linked to a wide range of potential health benefits from easing menopausal symptoms to treating alcohol dependence.
4 Safety, Side Effects and Adverse Event Reporting
Kudzu is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people when taken by mouth appropriately for up to 4 months or when injected intravenously (by IV) for up to 20 days. Bone StrengthThe phytoestrogens and minerals in kudzu root, like calcium, magnesium and silica, may help increase bone mineral density and prevent osteoporosis. ImmunityWith its antioxidant content, kudzu root boosts immune function and fights foreign pathogens. Kudzu root comes from the kudzu plant, a vine native to China and Japan that is now abundant in the southeastern United States. The plant’s scientific name is Pueraria montana, but it’s also known as Japanese arrowroot, Ge-gen, and Pueraria lobata. Kudzu root has also shown to help regulate glucose, AKA sugar, in the blood, Beckerman says.
Kudzu Extract Treatment Does Not Increase the Intoxicating Effects of Acute Alcohol in Human Volunteers
This product may adversely interact with certain health and medical conditions, other prescription and over-the-counter drugs, foods, or other dietary supplements. This product may be unsafe when used before surgery or other medical procedures. It is important to fully inform your doctor about the herbal, vitamins, mineral or any other supplements you are taking before any kind of surgery or medical procedure. Before incorporating kudzu root into your wellness routine, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate dosage and ensure it is safe for your circumstances.
- To preserve the double-blind, kudzu and placebo capsules were repacked into #00 opaque capsules (Apothecary Products, Minneapolis, MN).
- And it was introduced to the United States in 1876 when it was used to control soil erosion.
- 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 read the research to find out what science has to say about this plant.
8 Other Effects
Kudzu may interact with certain medications, such as benzodiazepines, and can cause adverse effects. Studies have found that the isoflavones in kudzu can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce blood pressure. Studies on the effectiveness of kudzu for alcoholism have shown mixed results. While some studies have shown promising results, others have found no significant difference between kudzu and a placebo. It is important to note that kudzu should not be used as a substitute for professional medical treatment for alcoholism.
6 Alcohol Consumption—Follow-up Phase
The responses to comments on fitrecovery.com are designed to support, not replace, medical or psychiatric treatment. My standards for categorizing an herb or drug as a “miracle” supplement are quite high. Something has to create a massive increase kudzu root alcohol 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. My problem at the time was a denial of the severity of my drinking problem.
- Kudzu is a unique plant that may offer health benefits, but keep in mind that more research is needed to gain a better understanding of the benefits of kudzu root and this climbing plant as a whole.
- During the session, only drinking amounts and patterns were recorded to avoid interfering with the participant’s alcohol self administration behavior so it is not known if the subjective effects of alcohol were affected.
- Pharmacotherapies to curb excessive drinking are important for treating alcohol use disorders.
- Others may use it episodically for high-risk situations, such as social occasions where alcohol is present.
This time, the groups were given the opposite pill from the one they’d previously taken (meaning that they acted as their own control for the experiment). Again, we calculated the total units consumed for each group, and then compared the total units consumed after placebo vs those consumed after kudzu. Two hours before the first visit, we gave both sub-groups a pill – neither group knew whether they were getting the supplement or the placebo.
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Studies in purifying Hovenia show that it contains a number of useful flavonoids, including myricetin, dihydromyricetin, hovenitin, laricitrin, and quercetin. Their unique characteristics have attracted the attention of scientists. Adjust the steeping time and amount of kudzu root to suit your taste and desired strength. Always be cautious of potential side effects and consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice. While this effect may benefit individuals with diabetes, it can be problematic for those without diabetes. If you have low blood sugar or take medication for diabetes, be cautious when using kudzu and closely monitor your blood sugar levels.
The isoflavone puerarin is the most abundant antioxidant compound in the kudzu vine (6). People often eat different parts of the plant raw, sautéed, deep-fried, baked, or jellied. You may be wondering how people use kudzu root and what to know when considering whether to give it a try.
