Kudzu Helps Alcoholics Drink Less

Medications for alcoholism have a limited effect, and there is a need for effective treatments that are low in toxicity and side effects. Recent research provides scientific support for one traditional option. This study found that the herb kudzu helps alcoholics to drink less. . . .

Seventeen men who were heavy drinkers with a diagnosis of alcohol abuse/dependence but who were not seeking treatment were included in the study. The men averaged 27.6 drinks a week. The study was double-blinded and placebo-controlled and lasted four weeks. The men were given either a placebo or kudzu, containing 250mg of isoflavones, three times a day.

Though there was no effect on alcohol craving, the kudzu significantly reduced the number of drinks the men consumed each week by an impressive 34-57%. Taking kudzu also reduced the number of heavy drinking days and significantly reduced the number of days the men were able to abstain from drinking.

The kudzu was safe and had no side effects.

At least one earlier study has also shown that kudzu helps people with alcoholism (Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2005;29:756-62).

Psychopharmacology 2013;226:65-73

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