A plant-based supplement derived from kudzu, an East Asian plant, may help reduce alcohol cravings and curb binge drinking, according to a study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry. The extract, which can cost around £20 per month, showed promising results in a trial involving 120 adults diagnosed with alcohol use disorder.
Researchers found that participants who took kudzu extract experienced a reduction of about one-third in heavy drinking days over a three-month period. Those taking the supplement reported drinking on 58% of the weeks during the trial, a decrease from 88% at the start. In contrast, the placebo group saw a less significant drop, with heavy drinking days reducing from 2.15 per week to 2.06.
Glenn Milo Santos, the study's lead author and a professor at the University of California San Francisco, highlighted the potential of this approach, noting that it could offer an alternative to daily medication for those looking to cut back on heavy drinking. The study involved participants taking a 2,000mg dose of kudzu extract when they felt strong urges or cravings for alcohol, rather than on a daily basis.
Kudzu has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine. Scientists believe its compounds, such as isoflavones, may interfere with the brain's reward signals associated with alcohol consumption. Some users in online forums have reported that the supplement helps to 'turn off the dopamine reward for the alcohol,' reducing their desire to continue drinking and dampening the euphoric effects.
While the study indicated that the kudzu extract was well-tolerated with no increased side effects compared to the placebo, experts advise caution with herbal supplements. Some research has suggested potential liver toxicity in mice at high doses, and kudzu may interact with certain medications or trigger allergic reactions. The researchers emphasized that the supplements used in the study were specially prepared extracts with consistent compound amounts, and results may vary with commercially available products, which can differ in strength and ingredients. Further, larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.
In the UK, binge drinking is defined as consuming more than eight units of alcohol for men or more than six units for women in a single session. This pattern of drinking is associated with increased risks of cancer, heart disease, and injuries, contributing to an estimated 10,000 deaths annually in the UK.