NewsRx

Search our medical news database

Alcoholism

A synthetic derivative of the kudzu vine can reduce drinking and prevent relapse

Published in Drug Week, August 28th, 2009

Kudzu and its extracts and flowers have been used in traditional Chinese folk medicine to treat alcoholism for about 1,000 years. Kudzu contains daidzin, an anti-drinking substance. Daidzin inhibits human aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH-2), which metabolizes alcohol into acetaldehyde. Inhibiting ALDH-2 promotes the accumulation of acetaldehyde, which has aversive effects. A recent test of a synthetic ALDH-2 inhibitor (CVT-10216) on rodents shows that it reduces drinking and prevents relapse by increasing acetaldehyde while drinking and later decreasing dopamine in the brain region that controls relapse during abstinence.

Results will be published in the November issue of...

Want to see the full article?

We're a pay-per-view site for premium content. If you'd like to purchase this article, it's only $3.00.

Buy Now


Welcome to NewsRx!

Learn more about a six-week, no-risk free trial of Drug Week


NewsRx is Social

Follow us on your favorite social network by clicking on a button below:

Follow NewsRx on Twitter

NewsRx on Facebook

Awards

eHealthcare Leadership 2011 Winner
Best Health/Healthcare Content, 2012
Best Health/Healthcare Content, 2011
Best e-Business Site, 2010
Best e-Business Site, 2009
Best e-Business Site, 2008
Best e-Business Site, 2007
Best e-Business Site, 2006
Best Healthcare Content, 2005
Best Overall Internet Site, 2005
Best Interactive Site, 2005

Facts & Stats

NewsRx also is available at LexisNexis, Gale, ProQuest, Factiva, Dialog, Thomson Reuters, NewsEdge, and Dow Jones.

  • Google 2010 PageRank: #2 Among Top Health News and Media Publications
  • Google 2010 PageRank: #2 Among Top Science Publications in Biology/Physiology
  • Google 2010 PageRank: #2 Among Top News and Media for the Business of Pharmaceuticals
  • Amazon's Alexa 2010 PageRank: #2 News and Media Site for the Pharmaceutical Industry
NewsRx on Facebook