Kudzu Extract Research Articles

Warming and Labile Substrate Addition Alter Enzyme Activities and Composition of Soil Organic Carbon

Warming can increase the efflux of carbon dioxide (CO2) from soils and can potentially feedback to climate change. In addition to warming, the input of labile carbon can enhance the microbial activity by stimulating the co-metabolism of recalcitrant soil organic matter (SOM). This is particularly true with SOM under invaded ecosystems where elevated CO2and warming may increase the biomass of invasive species resulting in higher addition of labile substrates. We hypothesized that the input of labile carbon would instigate a greater soil organic carbon (SOC) loss with warming compared to the ambient temperature. We investigated this by incubating soils collected from a native pine (Pinus taeda) forest to which labile carbon from the invasive species kudzu (Pueraria lobata) was added. We evaluated the microbial extracellular enzyme activity, molecular composition of SOC and the temperature sensitivity of soil CO2efflux under warming and labile carbon addition. After 14 months of soil incubation, the addition of labile C through kudzu extract increased the activity of β-1,4-glucosidase compared with the control. However, the activity of N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase and fungal biomass (ergosterol) decreased with labile carbon addition. The activity of peroxidase increased with warming after 14 months of soil incubation. Although the carbon content of incubated soils did not vary with substrate and temperature treatments, the molecular composition of SOC indicated a general decrease in biopolymers such as cutin, suberin, long-chain fatty acids, and phytosterol with warming and an increasing trend of microbial-derived compounds with labile substrate addition. In soils that received an addition of labile C, the macro-aggregate stability was higher while the temperature sensitivity of soil C efflux was lower compared with the control. The increase in aggregate stability could enhance the physical protection of SOC from microbial decomposition potentially contributing to the observed pattern of temperature sensitivity. Our results suggest that warming could preferentially accelerate the decomposition of recalcitrant compounds while the addition of labile substrates could enhance microbial-derived compounds that are relatively resistant to further decomposition. Our study further emphasizes that global change factors such as plant invasion and climate change can differentially alter soil microbial activity and the composition of SOC.

The Efficacy and Safety of Multiple Dose Regimens of Kudzu (Pueraria lobata) Root Extract on Bone and Cartilage Turnover and Menopausal Symptoms.

Background: Menopause is associated with detrimental changes in turnover of bone and cartilage and a variety of symptoms with negative impact on the quality of life. Naturally occurring isoflavones from Radix Pueraria lobata, Kudzu root, may possess chondroprotective and symptom-relieving properties, but efficacy and safety of dosing and dose frequencies required for pharmacological action is unclear. Purpose: This clinical trial evaluates the efficacy on bone and cartilage turnover, menopausal symptoms, and safety of five dose regimens of Kudzu root extract administered either once, twice or three times daily in women with at least mild menopausal symptoms. Materials and Methods: Fifty postmenopausal women were randomized equally into five different dose regimen groups of Kudzu root extract in a four-week, parallel group, open-label, single-center, exploratory study design. Biomarkers CTX-I and CTX-II reflecting bone and cartilage degradation, respectively, were assessed in blood samples and 24-h urine samples. Change from baseline in the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) and subscales was evaluated. Safety endpoints were frequency of adverse events, changes in hematology and safety chemistry data, vital signs and electrocardiogram. Results: Fifty women (Age 54.2 years, SD: 2.9) were randomized. After 4 weeks of treatment, biomarkers of bone resorption and cartilage degradation were statistically significantly reduced from baseline levels in the group receiving two capsules three times a day, serum/urine CTX-I (−18.4%, 95% CI: −8.1 to −27.5, p = 0.001/−34.2%, 95% CI: −21.6 to −44.7, p < 0.0001), urine CTX-II (−17.4% 95% CI: −2.5 to −30.0, p = 0.02). The observed effects were consistent across study groups but appeared to favour three times daily dosing. Four weeks of treatment led to statistically significant reductions in the MRS Total Score (p < 0.0001–0.03) in four out of five treatment groups. Kudzu root extract was well tolerated in all dose regimens, and no serious adverse events were reported. Conclusion: The results indicate that Kudzu extract may possess beneficial effects on bone and cartilage health and may be a promising natural alternative to existing treatments for menopausal symptoms. Kudzu root extract was well tolerated for short-term treatment of mild to severe menopausal symptoms in women in all tested doses and dose frequencies.

Anti-diabetic effect of isoflavone rich kudzu root extract in experimentally induced diabetic rats

• Isoflavone-rich kudzu root extract lower fasting blood glucose in dose dependent manner in diabetic rats. • The treatment of diabetic rats with Isoflavone-rich extract lowered hepatic and renal biochemical parameters. • The treatment of diabetic rats with Isoflavone-rich extract stimulate the regeneration of β-cells. • Isoflavone-rich kudzu root extract showed no nephrotoxic effect in normal control animals. The anti-diabetic effect of isoflavone-rich kudzu extract obtained using natural deep eutectic solvent was assessed in diabetic wistar rats treated at doses of 100 mg/kg or 200 mg/kg for 28 days. Effect of treatment was based on weight, glucose tolerance, fasting glucose and glycated haemoglobin level, hepatic biochemical parameters, expression of anti-insulin and Ki67 antibodies, and histopathological evaluation of pancreas and kidney tissues. We found overall improvement in weight in diabetic rats treated with the extract at dose 200 mg/kg, but not at dose of 100 mg/kg. Plasma level of alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), but not alkaline phosphatase (ALP), were significantly different between untreated diabetic rats and those treated with the extract (p = 0.05). We found that the isoflavones-rich extract stimulated β-cell regeneration in a dose-dependent effect and showed no observable toxic impact in either the kidney or pancreas. Thus, this extract may be a promising treatment option for diabetic condition.

A single dose of kudzu extract reduces alcohol consumption in a binge drinking paradigm

BackgroundOverconsumption of alcohol has significant negative effects on an individual's health and contributes to an enormous economic impact on society as a whole. Pharmacotherapies to curb excessive drinking are important for treating alcohol use disorders. MethodsTwenty (20) men participated in a placebo-controlled, double-blind, between subjects design experiment (n=10/group) that tested the effects of kudzu extract (Alkontrol-Herbal™) for its ability to alter alcohol consumption in a natural settings laboratory. A single dose of kudzu extract (2g total with an active isoflavone content of 520mg) or placebo was administered 2.5h before the onset of a 90min afternoon drinking session during which participants had the opportunity to drink up to 6 beers ad libitum; water and juice were always available as alternative beverages. ResultsDuring the baseline session, the placebo-randomized group consumed 2.7±0.78 beers before treatment and increased consumption to 3.4±1.1 beers after treatment. The kudzu group significantly reduced consumption from 3.0±1.7 at baseline to 1.9±1.3 beers after treatment. The placebo-treated group opened 33 beers during baseline conditions and 38 following treatment whereas the kudzu-treated group opened 32 beers during baseline conditions and only 21 following treatment. Additionally, kudzu-treated participants drank slower. ConclusionThis is the first demonstration that a single dose of kudzu extract quickly reduces alcohol consumption in a binge drinking paradigm. These data add to the mounting clinical evidence that kudzu extract may be a safe and effective adjunctive pharmacotherapy for alcohol abuse and dependence.

Effect of different halide types on HMF synthesis from kudzu extract in ionic liquid

Abstract An eco-beneficial strategy for the production of hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) was developed using kudzu root extract as a sustainable biomass material and the physicochemical properties of the extract characterized using FESEM, XRD, and FT-IR. The visual image of the kudzu extract and the XRD analysis revealed that the molecular structure of the extract is amorphous and its major composition would be starch. The FT-IR analysis showed 6 characteristic vibration modes contributing to starch and other sugars. The halide ligands of different types significantly affected the synthesis of HMF. The exceptional promotion effect on HMF synthesis was achieved by fluorine ligand of the chromium-based metal catalyst. The most effective stoichiometry ratio of catalyst-to-feed biomass for the synthesis of HMF from kudzu root extract was found at its ratio value of 0.2. The most optimal extraction condition for HMF synthesis from the kudzu extract occurred at 0.3 M HCl. The highest HMF production (34.8 ± 4.8 dwt%) was obtained in the reaction mixture containing 40% (w/v) ionic liquid, 10% (v/v) ethyl acetate, 1% (w/v) halide catalyst, and 50% (v/v) of 0.3 M HCl extract by undergoing the reaction at 130 °C for 12 h.

A standardized kudzu extract (NPI-031) reduces alcohol consumption in nontreatment-seeking male heavy drinkers.

We previously demonstrated that short-term treatment with a standardized kudzu extract (NPI-031) reduced alcohol drinking by men and women in a natural setting. The present study was conducted in nontreatment-seeking heavy drinkers to assess the safety and efficacy of 4weeks of kudzu extract in an outpatient setting. This randomized between-subject, double-blind, placebo-controlled study involved 2weeks of baseline, 4weeks of treatment, and 2weeks of follow-up. Seventeen men (21-33years) who reported drinking 27.6 ± 6.5 drinks/week with a diagnosis of alcohol abuse/dependence took either kudzu extract (250mg isoflavones, t.i.d.) or matched placebo on a daily basis. They reported alcohol consumption and desire to use alcohol using a wrist actigraphy device; twice weekly laboratory visits were scheduled to monitor medication adherence and adverse events. Medication adherence was excellent and there were no adverse events and changes in vital signs, blood chemistry, and renal or liver function. There was no effect on alcohol craving, but kudzu extract significantly reduced the number of drinks consumed each week by 34-57%, reduced the number of heavy drinking days, and significantly increased the percent of days abstinent and the number of consecutive days of abstinence. A standardized formulation of kudzu extract produced minimal side effects, was well-tolerated, and resulted in a modest reduction in alcohol consumption in young nontreatment-seeking heavy drinkers. Additional studies using treatment-seeking alcohol-dependent persons will be necessary to determine the usefulness of this herbal preparation in reducing alcohol use in other populations.

Kudzu Root Extract Does Not Perturb the Sleep/Wake Cycle of Moderate Drinkers

According to ancient Chinese medicine, kudzu root has been used as an ingredient to treat alcohol intoxication for centuries. Kudzu root extract is effective at reducing alcohol intake in animals and in humans, both in a natural-settings laboratory environment and on an outpatient basis. In dependent populations, withdrawal from alcohol is associated with disturbed sleep. These disturbances to the quantity and quality of sleep likely impact relapse to drinking. Many medications used to treat alcohol dependence also affect sleep. Therefore, as a possible treatment for alcohol dependence, the impact of kudzu root extract on the sleep/wake cycle is an important aspect of its effectiveness. This double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial tested the effects of kudzu root extract on the sleep/wake cycles of moderate drinkers. Kudzu extract had no effect on any of the sleep parameters measured, including sleep efficiency, sleep latency, total time asleep per night, number of waking episodes, time awake per episode, number of moving minutes, number of sleep episodes, time asleep per episode, and number of immobile minutes. 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.

Kudzu extract treatment does not increase the intoxicating effects of acute alcohol in human volunteers.

Isoflavone administration in the form of a purified extract from the herbal medication kudzu root has been shown to reduce, but not eliminate, alcohol consumption in alcohol-abusing and alcohol-dependent men. The precise mechanism of this action is unknown, but 1 possible explanation for these results is that the isoflavones in kudzu might actually increase the intensity or duration of alcohol's effects and thus delay the desire for subsequent drinks. This study was designed to test this hypothesis. Twelve (12) healthy adult men and women (27.5 ± 1.89 years old) who consumed moderate amounts of alcohol (7.8 ± 0.63 drinks/wk) participated in a double-blinded, placebo-controlled crossover study in which they were treated with either kudzu extract (total isoflavone dose of 750 mg/d) or matched placebo for 9 days. On days 8 and 9, participants received an acute challenge of ethyl alcohol (either 0.35 or 0.7 g/kg alcohol). During the challenges, the following measures were collected: subjective effects, psychomotor (body sway), cognitive performance (vigilance/reaction time), physiological measures (heart rate and skin temperature), and plasma ethanol concentration. Alcohol resulted in a dose-related alteration in subjective measures of intoxication, impairment of stance stability, and vigilance/reaction time. Kudzu extract did not alter participants' subjective responses to the alcohol challenge or to alcohol's effects on stance stability or vigilance/reaction time. However, individuals treated with kudzu extract experienced a slightly more rapid rise in plasma ethanol levels, but only after the 0.7 g/kg dose. This transient effect during the first 30 minutes of the ascending plasma alcohol curve lasted only 10-15 minutes; there were no differences in peak plasma alcohol levels or alcohol elimination kinetics. Additionally, kudzu pretreatment enhanced the effects of the 0.7 g/kg dose of alcohol on heart rate and skin temperature. These data suggest that individuals who drink alcohol while being treated with kudzu extract experience no adverse consequences, and furthermore the reported reductions in alcohol intake after kudzu extract treatment are not related to an alteration in alcohol's subjective or psychomotor effects.

Time, Perception and the Aging Mind: The National Alzheimer's Project Act 2011 Enacted–Is This the Beginning of a New Era in Health Care Research?

The Journal of Alternative and Complementary MedicineVol. 17, No. 1 EditorialTime, Perception and the Aging Mind: The National Alzheimer's Project Act 2011 Enacted–Is This the Beginning of a New Era in Health Care Research?Kim A. JobstKim A. JobstSearch for more papers by this authorPublished Online:25 Jan 2011https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2011.0020AboutSectionsView articleView Full TextPDF/EPUB Permissions & CitationsPermissionsDownload CitationsTrack CitationsAdd to favorites Back To Publication ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditEmail View article"Time, Perception and the Aging Mind: The National Alzheimer's Project Act 2011 Enacted–Is This the Beginning of a New Era in Health Care Research?." , 17(1), pp. 1–2FiguresReferencesRelatedDetailsCited byOn the Run for Hippocampal Plasticity11 May 2017 | Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Medicine, Vol. 8, No. 4The Value of Orientation in Time to Predict the Risks of Old Age1 January 2017 | Clinical Psychology and Special Education, Vol. 6, No. 1Content analysis of neurodegenerative and mental diseases social groups3 April 2014 | Health Informatics Journal, Vol. 21, No. 4Perception and cognition of time in elderly patients (review of foreign studies)1 January 2015 | Journal of Modern Foreign Psychology, Vol. 4, No. 2Effects of Tai Chi training on arterial compliance and muscle strength in female seniors: a randomized clinical trial4 January 2012 | European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, Vol. 20, No. 2A standardized kudzu extract (NPI-031) reduces alcohol consumption in nontreatment-seeking male heavy drinkers16 October 2012 | Psychopharmacology, Vol. 226, No. 1Integrating Mindfulness Training into K-12 Education: Fostering the Resilience of Teachers and Students14 March 2012 | Mindfulness, Vol. 3, No. 4Time Orientation During the Day in the Elderly with Dementia22 August 2012 | Physical & Occupational Therapy In Geriatrics, Vol. 30, No. 3Alternative detox31 January 2012 | British Medical Bulletin, Vol. 101, No. 1Homeopathy UK: The Sick Man of Europe?Forschende Komplementärmedizin / Research in Complementary Medicine, Vol. 19, No. 3 Volume 17Issue 1Jan 2011 InformationCopyright 2011, Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.To cite this article:Kim A. Jobst.Time, Perception and the Aging Mind: The National Alzheimer's Project Act 2011 Enacted–Is This the Beginning of a New Era in Health Care Research?.The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.Jan 2011.1-2.http://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2011.0020Published in Volume: 17 Issue 1: January 25, 2011PDF download

From Herbal Roots to Synthetic Medicines: A Historical Perspective

From Herbal Roots to Synthetic Medicines: A Historical Perspective

In vivo metabolic tracking of 14C-radiolabelled isoflavones in kudzu (Pueraria lobata) and red clover (Trifolium pratense) extracts

Absorption, distribution and elimination of 14C-labelled isoflavone-containing extracts from kudzu (Pueraria lobata) root culture and red clover (Trifolium pratense) cell culture were investigated in an in vivo rat model. The predominant isoflavones in the kudzu extract were the glycosides puerarin, daidzin and malonyl daidzin, while in the red clover extract, the major isoflavones were formononetin and its derivatives, genistein and biochanin A, with radioactivities of 3.770 and 7.256 MBq/g, respectively. Male Sprague-Dawley rats, implanted with a jugular catheter and a subcutaneous ultrafiltrate probe, were orally administered with 14C-labelled isoflavone extracts from either kudzu or clover cell cultures. Serum, interstitial fluid (ISF), urine and faeces were collected using a Culex Automated Blood Collection System for 24 h. Analysis of bone tissues revealed that radiolabel accumulated in the femur, tibia and vertebrae at 0.04, 0.03 and 0.01 % of the administered dose, respectively, in both kudzu and red clover treatments. The liver accumulated the greatest concentration of radiolabel among the tissues tested, at 1.99 and 1.54 % of the administered kudzu and red clover extracts, respectively. Serum and ISF analysis showed that both extracts were rapidly absorbed, distributed in various tissues, and largely eliminated in the urine and faeces. Urine and faeces contained 8.53 and 9.06 % of the kudzu dose, respectively, and 3.60 and 5.64 % of the red clover dose, respectively. Serum pharmacokinetics suggest that extracts from kudzu may undergo enterohepatic circulation.

Response of Cluster Headache to Kudzu

To describe the self-treatment of cluster headache with kudzu. Many cluster headache patients take over-the-counter (OTC) kudzu extract in the belief that it helps their cluster attacks. Kudzu's actual efficacy has not been studied. A database of cluster headache patients was questioned about their use of various alternative remedies to treat their cluster headache. Of 235 patients identified, 16 had used kudzu, consented to interviews, and provided medical records. In total, 11 (69%) experienced decreased intensity of attacks, 9 (56%) decreased frequency, and 5 (31%) decreased duration, with minimal side effects. Anecdotal evidence suggests that a component in OTC products labeled as kudzu may prove useful in managing cluster headache. This hypothesis should be tested with a randomized clinical trial.

HILIC for separation of co‐eluted flavonoids under RP‐HPLC mode

Hydrophilic interaction chromatography (HILIC) was employed to separate the co-eluted flavonoids from licorice extract under RP-HPLC mode. HILIC separations were carried out with the Atalantis HILIC Silica column and the CD-based column. The co-eluted flavonoids were well retained and separated on the two HILIC columns under HILIC mode. Similar results were obtained in the separation of another isoflavones sample, from kudzu extract under HILIC mode.

Kudzu root extract improves glycemic control in non‐glucose‐impaired mice.

The root of kudzu (Pueraria radix) is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine. A recent study demonstrated that puerarin, the dominant isoflavone in kudzu, improved glucose handling in ob−/ob− mice (J. Agric. Food Chem. 53:8760–8767, 2005). Interestingly, daidzin (the second main isoflavone in kudzu) significantly impaired glucose handling in that model. The antagonistic actions of the two major kudzu isoflavones raised the question of whether whole kudzu root extract would affect glucose handling. Further, the effect of kudzu in non‐glucose‐impaired rodent models was unknown. The present study investigated whether dietary kudzu root extract supplementation improves glycemic control in non‐impaired mice. Male Cd‐1 mice were lightly anesthetized with isofluorane and blood glucose measured in tail blood. Mice were then orally gavaged with kudzu extract (75 mg/kg BW) or vehicle followed by an oral glucose challenge (OGTT; 2 g/kg BW), and blood glucose measured at 15‐minute intervals for 2 hours. In mice receiving kudzu extract, the peak change in blood glucose following the OGTT was significantly lower than in mice receiving vehicle (+76 vs. 109 mg/dl, respectively). Further, the overall glucose response was significantly attenuated by kudzu extract. These results suggest that kudzu extract improves glycemic control in non‐glucose‐impaired mice, and that this effect is likely mediated by puerarin.

Dietary kudzu root extract supplementation improves glucose tolerance and plasma lipid profiles in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats (SHR) fed a basal, but not high, NaCl diet

The extract of Pueraria lobota (kudzu) root improves cardiovascular function and reduces mortality and morbidity in estrogen‐depleted female SHR. In the present study we tested the hypothesis that chronic dietary kudzu root extract also improves glucose handling and lipid profiles in this model. Female SHR were ovariectomized and maintained on a polyphenol‐free 1% NaCl diet with or without the addition of 0.2% kudzu root extract for 3 months. Thereafter, glucose tolerance was measured and plasma collected for lipid profiling. Dietary kudzu root extract significantly improved plasma glucose responses to the oral glucose challenge. The kudzu extract also lowered levels of APO‐E bound HDL and reduced the bound/unbound HDL ratio. In rats, HDL is the prominent cholesterol, and binding with APO‐E targets HDL for degradation. In contrast, in SHR fed a high (4%) NaCl diet the kudzu extract had no effect on glucose handling, although baseline glucose levels were significantly lower in the kudzu fed group. The high salt diet similarly increased all lipids to about the same level in treated and control rats, although plasma VLDL levels were lower in the kudzu group. These data suggest that chronic dietary kudzu supplementation exerts beneficial effects on glucose handling and lipid profiles in estrogen‐depleted female SHR on a basal salt diet. However, the high salt diet appears to eliminate the positive effects of dietary kudzu.

REVIEW: Modulation of high alcohol drinking in the inbred Fawn–Hooded (FH/Wjd) rat strain: implications for treatment

The Fawn-Hooded rat (FH/Wjd) is an inbred alcohol-preferring rat strain, unlike most of the other strains that were selectively bred for high alcohol intake and preference. It was chosen for study some 16 years ago because of a reported mutation that disrupted platelet serotonin function. Although the FH/Wjd rat has high alcohol intake (>5 g/kg/day) and preference (>65%), interbreeding with an alcohol-non-preferring inbred strain suggested that these measures are unrelated to the serotonin abnormality. Similarly, the exaggerated immobility of the FH/Wjd rats in the forced swim test did not correlate with the high alcohol intake. Many compounds have been tested in the FH/Wjd rats after both acute and chronic treatment and a substantial number of them have proved effective. However, as the case with opiate antagonists, tolerance to the effects of the drug can develop. An up-regulation of opioid receptors accompanied the chronic treatment and this mechanism may account for the development of tolerance. Tolerance to opiate antagonists has also been demonstrated in two of the selectively bred alcohol-preferring rat lines, but it is unknown whether this process may contribute to the relapses seen in individuals being treated with naltrexone. Other drugs that reliably decrease alcohol intake in the FH/Wjd rats include the 5-hydroxytryptamine-2A receptor antagonist, amperozide, the mGlu5 receptor antagonist 3-[(2-methyl-1,3-thiazol-4-yl)ethynyl]pyridine (MTEP) and herbal derivatives such as ibogaine, St. John's wort and kudzu extract. Thus, studies in the FH/Wjd rat have led to the discovery of a wide variety of targets for the development of novel agents to treat alcoholism. The fact that several of these drugs were shown to reduce alcohol intake in some of the selectively bred alcohol-preferring rat lines and/or alcohol-preferring vervet monkeys increases our confidence that they are good candidates for further development.

Pharmacokinetic Profile of the Isoflavone Puerarin After Acute and Repeated Administration of a Novel Kudzu Extract to Human Volunteers

This study was undertaken to assess the pharmacokinetic profile of puerarin, the major isoflavone found in a kudzu (Pueraria lobata) extract after acute and repeated administration. Participants were given either single or repeated doses of kudzu extract, and blood samples were collected for either 8 or 72 hours for subsequent pharmacokinetic analyses of puerarin. Using WinNonlin pharmacokinetic data analysis software, puerarin was found to be rapidly absorbed via the oral route, reach peak levels at 2 hours, and have a half-life of approximately 4.3 hours. The elimination half-life was not significantly altered after repeated administration. A formulation of kudzu extract delivers a large amount of the principal isoflavone in a rapid manner. The elimination rate constants and the mono-exponential decline in blood levels suggest that a one compartment model adequately explains how puerarin is handled by the body. Three times a day dosing is recommended as accumulation will not occur, and plasma levels remain at levels that are biologically active, even 8 hours after the last steady-state dose.

An Extract of the Chinese Herbal Root Kudzu Reduces Alcohol Drinking by Heavy Drinkers in a Naturalistic Setting

Of the available medications for treating alcohol-related problems, none are universally effective, and all have side effects that may limit their use. Extracts of kudzu containing a variety of isoflavones have been shown to reduce alcohol drinking in rats and hamsters. The present study was designed to test the efficacy of a kudzu extract in a clinical population. Male and female "heavy" alcohol drinkers were treated with either placebo or a kudzu extract for 7 days and then given an opportunity to drink their preferred brand of beer while in a naturalistic laboratory setting. Participants served as their own controls, and order of treatment exposure was counterbalanced. Drinking behavior was monitored by a digital scale that was located in the top of an end table. Kudzu treatment resulted in significant reduction in the number of beers consumed that was paralleled by an increase in the number of sips and the time to consume each beer and a decrease in the volume of each sip. These changes occurred in the absence of a significant effect on the urge to drink alcohol. There were no reported side effects of kudzu treatment. These data suggest that an extract of this leguminous plant may be a useful adjunct in reducing alcohol intake in a naturalistic setting.

Kudzu extract shows potential for moderating alcohol abuse

Kudzu extract shows potential for moderating alcohol abuse