How does an addiction work?
Kudzu helps to combat addictions, particularly to tobacco, alcohol, and sugar, and this is perhaps its most interesting property. So far, only its impact on alcohol consumption has been scientifically proven. However, its effect on smoking and excessive sugar consumption is being studied.
But how does an addiction work? In short, there is a reward system in our brain that releases dopamine – a neurotransmitter responsible for the sensation of pleasure. It causes us to repeat behaviors necessary for our survival and that of our species, such as drinking, eating, and having sexual relations…
Certain addictive substances like alcohol, tobacco, and sugar, act on this reward system by releasing dopamine, thereby providing a sensation of pleasure when consumed, even though we are aware of their toxicity.
This is what happens chemically, but other factors come into play when talking about addiction: genes, environment…
How does kudzu act on the body?
So how can kudzu help fight these addictions, especially alcoholism? It seems that its high concentration in isoflavones is responsible.
The role of isoflavones in kudzu root is to protect the plant from bacterial and fungal attacks. They not only have powerful protective activity but also antioxidant properties.
Among these isoflavones are puerarin, which is the main active substance present in kudzu, and daidzin. These contribute to alcohol de-addiction. They act notably by increasing blood flow, thus accelerating their action on the reward system.
In short, if I do a course of kudzu and drink beer, the dopamine is released faster, I will be satisfied more quickly and therefore will need to drink less. Additionally, kudzu accelerates the feeling of “having had enough to drink” but does not promote faster intoxication!
Scientific studies
The complete mechanism at play is still under study. But the initial results are promising – in 1993, initial tests were conducted on hamsters, followed by tests on humans in 2005 and 2012.
And kudzu may be effective against other substances that also affect the reward system such as tobacco and sugar.
This study conducted by Harvard University on men and women considered “heavy drinkers” is the most significant. The researchers offered subjects their favorite beer. Those undergoing a course of kudzu spontaneously drank less alcohol, more slowly, and took smaller sips than those under placebo.
This more recent study, also conducted by Harvard University, again demonstrated that puerarin contained in kudzu roots reduces alcohol consumption in humans.
