Synopsis

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

Tetrahydropalmatine (THP) is an alkaloid derived from several plants in the Corydalis and Stephania genera, traditionally used in Chinese medicine for analgesia and sedation. In recent years, interest has grown in its potential for supporting the treatment of substance use disorders, including alcoholism. Preclinical research—primarily in animal models—suggests that THP may attenuate alcohol-seeking behaviors and reduce alcohol intake. For example, studies in rodents have shown that THP can decrease voluntary alcohol consumption and suppress relapse-like drinking, possibly by modulating dopaminergic activity in the brain’s reward pathways (especially the mesolimbic dopamine system). Additionally, some animal data suggest anxiolytic and anti-craving effects, which could be beneficial for alcohol withdrawal and relapse prevention.

However, the overall quality and quantity of evidence are limited. There are very few, if any, high-quality human clinical trials evaluating THP for alcoholism. Most of the evidence comes from animal studies or in vitro work, and there are concerns about THP’s side effect profile, including potential hepatotoxicity and sedation. Thus, while there is scientific inquiry and some preclinical support for the use of THP in alcoholism, robust clinical validation is lacking, and the evidence rating remains low.

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