This hyperactive nervous system is dependent on the presence of alcohol; otherwise, the hyperactive state can lead to over-excitatory consequences such as seizures29. Humans often drink too much because they find being drunk rewarding in some way, and/or they find abstinence difficult. Interestingly, in studies of alcohol recognition in Drosophila, flies exhibit voluntary consumption of EtOH. Kaun et al106 developed a conditioned place preference paradigm for flies, and showed that flies perceive intoxicating levels of ethanol as rewarding. Flies were exposed to two odors, one in the presence of intoxicating levels of EtOH vapors, and the other without. After training, flies preferred the odor that had been paired with the high level of EtOH.

2 Behavioral and Subjective Effects

These studies led us to consider that alcohol not only induces adaptation in the central nervous system but also forms cognition and memory of alcohol in the brain that promote the development of alcohol dependence. Understanding the effects of alcohol on the brain leading to AUD is essential to determine the direction for anti-AUD drug development. To date, the mechanisms for how excess alcohol consumption leads to alterations in the human brain that produce alcohol dependence remain murky. A relapse may be due to internal stimuli of the body, such as mood changes, anxiety, or for reducing or stopping AWS; it also may be due to external stimuli, such as the observance of social drinking or bottles of the addict’s preferred alcoholic beverage.

Kudzu Root: Benefits, Uses, and Side Effects

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. Some natural products such as traditional herbs, fruits, and vegetables might be potential dietary supplements or medicinal products for the kudzu and alcohol prevention and treatment of the problems caused by excessive alcohol consumption.

• The CPT II was administered on a separate laptop computer in the experimental chamber at 45 and 60 minutes after alcohol administration; after 1 hour, CPT II was administered every 30 minutes until the end of the session at 3 hours.
• Although a topical P. mirifica gel improved vaginal symptoms in postmenopausal women, a conjugated estrogen cream was found to be more effective (26).
• Asparagus officinalis is applied for alleviating hangover and protecting liver cells from alcohol toxic.
• A small 2009 case report involving 16 people with regular cluster headaches provides some anecdotal evidence.

Kudzu and withdrawal symptoms

Early detection increases the chances of reversing liver damage, and it’s crucial to consult a healthcare provider if you suspect liver issues or have developed symptoms of liver damage. However, the liver’s ability to reverse alcohol-related injury and scarring depends on several factors, including dietary and lifestyle habits, genetic predisposition, and overall health status. The liver is the body’s main detoxification organ responsible for breaking down and eliminating a wide range of toxic substances, including alcohol.

Kudzu Root Extract and Its Potential Role in Reducing Alcohol Cravings

• While you could safely take higher doses, there is usually no point in taking more than 1200 mg of dry powder daily.
• There are no studies showing that Kudzu can serve as a morning-after potion for reducing hangovers.
• Along with morning and evening doses of medication or placebo, participants took 25 mg of riboflavin (vitamin B2), which causes fluorescence of urine when it is exposed to UV light.

A second limitation of this study is that these results rely on self-reported bedtimes and wake times and thus are subject to the limitations of any study for which behavior is not directly observed. However, because one aim of the study was to examine behavior of participants in their typical environments, this limitation was necessary. These data suggest that the administration of kudzu root extract does not disturb sleep/wake cycles of moderate drinkers, and as such its utility as an adjunct treatment for alcohol dependence remains free of any potential side-effects on sleep. A recent study showed that a complex containing Kudzu, bitter herbs (gentian, tangerine peel) and bupleurum reduced AUD identification test (AUDIT) scores in moderate to heavy drinkers. Pilot studies provided useful evidence for using compound formulae to reduce heavy drinking. However, more time and effort are needed to understand the mechanisms and the safety/toxicity and to establish regulatory policies for using natural or other types of herbs.

Moreover, berberine had a positive effect on gastrointestinal injury Substance abuse induced by overconsumption of alcohol in vivo and in vitro. The results showed that berberine inhibited increases of alcohol-induced TNFα and IL-1β expression in gastrointestinal mucosa as well as upstream signals TLR2 and TLR4, and regulated cytokines 129. Therefore, Rhizoma coptidis might reduce alcohol intake through its neuromodulatory action. Both behavioral approaches and pharmacological agents are current treatments for alcohol use disorder.

Kudzu as an Antioxidant

• However, if you want to cut down on drinking or detoxify your body during alcohol withdrawal, this plant may be able to help.
• Repeating administration of Jodina rhombifolia lyophilized extract markedly reduced alcohol voluntary intake in rats in self-administration model of 10 consecutive days, and the treatment was without apparent side-effects 134,135.
• Some research specifically on the kudzu species Pueraria mirifica suggests that doses of 50–100 mg per day appear to have a low risk of adverse side effects (18).
• Thanks to its anti-inflammatory effects, Kudzu Root Extract might also offer relief in respiratory conditions, helping soothe inflamed airways and promote easier breathing.

Therefore, it could be used as an aversion therapy for alcohol use disorder 40. The extract of Kudzu is a safe and effective product for alcohol use disorder. It is the only natural medication regarded by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism to treat alcohol use disorder 44.