Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Kudzu (Pueraria lobata) has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries, but its role in treating addiction—specifically to substances like coffee or caffeine—has only recently garnered scientific interest. The majority of research has focused on alcohol dependence, not caffeine. Several small clinical trials have demonstrated that certain isoflavones found in kudzu, such as puerarin, may reduce alcohol consumption and craving by influencing neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. For example, a 2005 randomized controlled trial published in Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research found that kudzu extract significantly reduced alcohol intake in humans. However, evidence for its use in caffeine or coffee addiction is weak. No high-quality clinical trials have directly investigated kudzu's effects on caffeine dependence. Some animal studies suggest that kudzu may modulate brain reward pathways involved in addiction, which could theoretically extend to substances like caffeine, but this has not been proven in humans. Thus, while there is some scientific rationale based on its effects on alcohol, the evidence for caffeine addiction is indirect and limited. Overall, kudzu's reputation for treating addiction is justified more by preliminary scientific studies than widespread traditional use for this specific purpose, and the quality and quantity of evidence—especially regarding caffeine—remains low.

More about kudzu
More about Addictions (coffee, caffeine)

Other ingredients used for Addictions (coffee, caffeine)

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