DEVELOPMENT OF PUERARIN TO REDUCE ALCOHOL DRINKING

Natural Pharmacia International, Inc., Burlington MA

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

In phase 1 the investigators demonstrated that the purified isoflavonoid glycoside puerarin (NPI-031G), isolated from kudzu (pueraria lobata), is effective in reducing alcohol intake in rats. The objective of phase 2 is to 1) refine the isolation procedures using a novel high-speed countercurrent chromatographic method, 2) evaluate its effect on alcohol drinking, withdrawal symptoms, and anxiety after acute and chronic administration in rats, 3) generate preclinical data on pharmacokinetic, tissue distribution, and chronic toxicity, and 4) study the mechanism of action. Results will be applied for an Investigational New Drug (IND) application to conduct future clinical studies and subsequent commercial development.