Evidence supporting the use of: Kudzu
For the health condition: Addictions (tobacco smoking or chewing)

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Synopsis

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

Kudzu (Pueraria lobata) has been investigated for its potential to support the treatment of addictions, particularly alcohol and tobacco use. The traditional use of kudzu in Chinese medicine is primarily for fever and cardiovascular conditions, rather than addiction. However, in the past two decades, several scientific studies have explored its role in addiction, especially due to its isoflavone compounds like puerarin, daidzin, and daidzein. Some small clinical trials and animal studies suggest that kudzu extract may reduce alcohol and tobacco consumption by modulating neurotransmitter systems involved in reward and addiction, particularly dopamine and serotonin pathways. For tobacco, the scientific evidence is limited but suggestive. A few human studies (e.g., Penetar et al., 2012) found that kudzu extract could reduce the number of cigarettes smoked and delay the urge to smoke, though these studies were small and short in duration. Mechanistically, kudzu is thought to alter nicotine metabolism or affect neurotransmitters related to craving. However, the evidence base is not robust, with most research focused on alcohol rather than tobacco, and larger, well-controlled trials are lacking. In summary, there is some preliminary scientific evidence that kudzu may help reduce tobacco use, but the overall quality and quantity of evidence is low. Kudzu is not traditionally used for tobacco addiction, and its use for this purpose is not strongly validated.

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