Plant derivatives in the treatment of alcohol dependency.

A review of studies in alcohol-preferring rats shows that extracts from St. John's wort, kudzu, and ibogaine, as well as purified compounds from these plants (puerarin, daidzin, daidzein, and ibogaine analogs), dose-dependently reduce alcohol intake after a single dose, with minimal effects on food intake. Puerarin and St. John's wort extract also remain effective with repeated dosing. The compounds appear to work by modulating multiple brain systems involved in drinking, though their exact mechanisms are not fully understood. Whether these compounds become treatments for alcoholism depends on future clinical trials.

Study at a glance

Abstract

The present review summarizes the findings of the effects of extracts of purified compounds from several plants on alcohol intake in alcohol-preferring rats. These include St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum, HPE), kudzu (Pueraria lobata) and ibogaine (Tabernanthe iboga). Alcohol-preferring (P), Marchigian Sardinian (msP), high-alcohol-drinking (HAD), Fawn-Hooded (FH) rats were allowed to drink alcohol or water voluntarily to establish baseline levels. Pure compounds (puerarin, daidzin, daidzein or analogs) isolated from kudzu, extracts from HPE or ibogaine and its analog were given by either intraperitoneal or oral administration. After acute administration, all agents dose-dependently reduced alcohol intake with minimal effects on food intake. Puerarin and HPE were also effective following chronic treatment. Overall, it is clear that pure compounds (daidzin, puerarin), extracts from St. John's wort, ibogaine and an ibogaine analog suppress alcohol intake in animal models of excessive drinking with minimal effects on other appetitive behaviors. Although the true mechanisms of action of these compounds on alcohol intake are not fully understood, with the current information, it appears that these compounds exert their effects by modulating several neuronal systems implicated in drinking behavior. However, their role in the future of pharmacotherapy for alcoholism will depend upon the outcome of carefully conducted clinical trials.