Extract of the Chinese plant cures alcoholism
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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The extract of the Chinese kudzu plant, according to new scientists from the McLean Hospital Hospital and the Harvard Medical School, cures alcoholism.
"Our study is further evidence that the component found in the root of kudzu helps reduce alcohol consumption without side effects," said David Penetar, a psychopharmacologist from the research laboratory at McLean Hospital. "Further research can lead to the development of new methods of treating alcoholism."
Scientists studied the action of isoflavone Pueranin, conducting several series of alcohol use. The safety and efficacy of the substance has already been tested, since in China, Pueranine is authorized for intravenous administration for ischemic heart disease, myocardial infarction and angina pectoris. In addition, this isoflavone does not have estrogenic effect, therefore it is safe for women.
The study involved 10 men and women over the age of 20 who reported weekly alcohol consumption. They lived right in the laboratory, which was equipped as an apartment with a refrigerator filled with beer and other drinks.
During the first 90-minute session in the "apartment" the participants were allowed to drink as much beer as they liked. After each of them, a pueranin or placebo was given a week in advance. Then each of them returned to repeat the experience. Two weeks later they passed a third series of experiments, and they were again given pills. Participants from the placebo group received the drug, and people who took pueranin - placebo. After that they also participated in other sessions of the experiment.
It turned out that under the influence of Pueranin beer consumption decreased from 3.5 liters to 2.4 liters.
"It was an imitation of drinking, but the participants not only began to drink less, they also drank more slowly and drank more to drink their own beer," the scientists said.
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