Bitter Brain Breakthrough: How a Single Chemical Could Curb Female Binge Drinking

January 15, 2024

Flory Institute researchers have discovered a brain chemical that may explain different drinking patterns and drinking habits between men and women. It depends on how our brains detect bitter tastes and can use this to help women stop drinking.

Gender differences in alcohol consumption
A study led by Dr. Leigh Walker shows that when a certain chemical is removed from the brain, men drink more and women drink less. But when alcoholic beverages are sweetened, women's consumption increases. "We discovered a chemical in the brain that makes alcohol taste bitter in women unless the drink is sweetened."
The study centers on "CART," a neuropeptide found in all species and associated with energy balance, depression, anxiety, and reward-related behaviors, including alcohol-related behaviors. Women cannot tolerate alcohol without CART.

"If we can find a way to target the CART neuropeptide system in future studies, we may be able to create treatments to help women curb excessive drinking. If we can figure out the differences in male and female brains, this could open up new avenues for treatments Brain disorders in women, including alcohol use disorders, offer unprecedented opportunities," said Dr. Walker.

From：SciTechdaily