A pilot study exploring the effect of kudzu root on the drinking habits of patients with chronic alcoholism.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to assess if kudzu root extract influences the drinking habits of veterans who entered a substance abuse treatment program.


METHODS
Prospective, randomized double-blind controlled clinical trial.


METHODS
A nonacademic Veteran Affairs Medical Center.


METHODS
Patients with the diagnosis of alcoholism were randomly assigned to receive either kudzu root extract 1.2 g twice daily or a matching placebo. Patients completed questionnaires that focused on craving for alcohol and sobriety status on a monthly basis.


METHODS
Sobriety level and craving for ethanol were assessed on a visual analogue scale from 0 to 10.


RESULTS
Thirty-eight patients completed 1 month of the study; 21 randomly assigned kudzu, 17 to placebo. No statistically significance difference in craving and sobriety scores were noted after 1 month between kudzu and placebo, or at later stages with smaller numbers (15-19) of patients.


CONCLUSIONS
In this small patient population, kudzu root appeared to be no better than placebo in reducing the craving for alcohol or promoting sobriety.
Shebek
J
J
Veteran Affairs Medical Center 316, Prescott, Arizona 86313, USA.
Rindone
J P
JP
D000427:Alcohol Deterrents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010865:Pilot Projects; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018517:Plant Roots / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010946:Plants, Medicinal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D019685:Rosales / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014728:Veterans
D000427:Alcohol Deterrents; D010936:Plant Extracts