A study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry on November 4, 2023, suggests that a standardized extract of the East Asian kudzu plant may help individuals with alcohol use disorder reduce their frequency of binge drinking. Researchers found that participants taking the supplement experienced a significant decline in heavy-drinking days compared to those who received a placebo.
Researchers study binge drinking patterns in US adults
The study involved 120 adults in the United States who reported at least one binge-drinking episode per week. For the purpose of this research, binge drinking was defined as consuming five or more drinks on one occasion for men, and four or more for women. Participants were split into two groups, with half receiving the kudzu extract and half receiving a dummy pill, alongside weekly counseling sessions for both.
Over the course of the three-month trial, those in the kudzu group took a 2,000mg dose whenever they felt strong alcohol cravings or urges to engage in heavy drinking. On average, these participants used the supplement 32 times, or roughly 2.7 doses per week.
The data showed a clear divergence between the two groups:
- Kudzu group: The average number of binge-drinking days per week dropped from 2.15 to 1.42.
- Placebo group: The average number of binge-drinking days per week shifted from 2.15 to 2.06.
The proportion of weeks in which participants reported at least one binge-drinking episode fell from 88 percent to 58 percent for those taking the extract. In the placebo group, that figure dropped to 81 percent.
Scientific perspective on the extract
Kudzu has been utilized in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. Scientists believe the plant contains isoflavones—including puerarin, daidzin, and daidzein—that may suppress hormonal signals in the brain which drive the desire to consume alcohol.
Trial participants tolerated the kudzu extract well
The supplement was well tolerated by trial participants, with no increase in side effects reported compared to the placebo group and no serious reactions identified. However, researchers emphasize that the results of this trial cannot be automatically applied to commercially available products.
The study utilized a specially prepared extract with consistent amounts of the plant’s compounds, whereas shop-bought supplements vary in strength and ingredients. While online retailers offer kudzu extract capsules for around £20 for a month’s supply, or cheaper root pills starting at approximately £5 for 60 tablets, experts advise caution.
One study found that high doses of kudzu extract caused signs of liver toxicity in mice, and the plant may interact with other medications or trigger allergic reactions. The research team noted that larger studies are required, and individuals should consult a healthcare professional before considering herbal supplements.
