Researchers believe a Chinese root could treat people suffering from alcoholism. The root, known as kudzu, has been shown to curb the amount of beer or alcohol a person consumes. It’s one of several Chinese remedies being studied in the U.S. Recently, researchers looked into a Chinese fungus that has a Viagra like effect.
The proof
McLean Hospital used the root in a clinical trial, conducted with 10 men and women. They were set up in an apartment for 90 minutes with a fridge stocked full of refreshments, including beer. They were instructed to drink as much as they wanted. After 90 minutes they were each given a pill, either a placebo or a pill containing kudzu. The experiment was repeated several times with the same group of people. In the end, researchers found an ingredient in kudzu, isofavone puerarin, cut the down the average number of drinks from 3.5 to 2.4.
“Our study is further evidence that components found in kudzu root can reduce alcohol consumption and do so without adverse side effects,” said David Penetar, PhD, of the Behavioral Psychopharmacology Research Laboratory at McLean Hospital, and the lead author of the study.
“This was a simulation of a binge drinking opportunity and not only did we see the subjects drinking less, we noted that their rate of consumption decreased, meaning they drank slower and took more sips to finish a beer,” explained Penetar. “While we do not suggest that puerarin will stop drinking all together, it is promising that it appears to slow the pace and the overall amount consumed.”
The next step
Kudzu is already used in approved in China to treat heart disease. Because some safety standards have already been established, researchers feel comfortable moving forward with more studies and hope the root can help those battling a life of alcohol dependency.
“Further research is needed, but this botanical medication may lead to additional methods to treat alcohol abuse and dependence.”
