Kudzu for Alcoholism Treatment?

Using Kudzu for Alcoholism – An Ancient Chinese Remedy Now has Scientific Basis

Chemical compounds found in Kudzu, a insidious vine-like weed that was brought to the United States in the late 1800s to hedge against soil erosion, has shown promise as a viable herbal treatment to help curb alcohol cravings.

The test subjects were divided into two groups -- one receiving a pill that contained Kudzu extract and the other group was given a placebo.

The 14 heavy drinkers spent four 90-minute sessions drinking beer and watching television in an apartment-style research lab that included satellite television.

The results of the study found that the kudzu group drank about half the amount of beer after a week’s treatment than the control group who received the placebo.

They also took more but smaller sips of each beer while taking the kudzu extract.

While the Kudzu did not curtail alcohol cravings, after a week of treatment test subjects reported achieving a drunken state by consuming less beer than the control group in the same amount of time. In addition, test subjects experienced no side effects from the Kudzu.

Kudzu has been used in China for centuries as an antidote for intoxication.

Yet, this study was the first scientifically based research initiative that quantitatively revealed the potential of using Kudzu for alcoholism and controlling the amount of alcohol consumption.

The research project was supported by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism and the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

While the Kuzdu plant’s isoflavones show promise in helping to curb binge drinking behavior and facilitate alcoholism recovery as an adjunct treatment, additional investigation needs to take place relative to other medically based treatment options.

Related Information

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