Kudzu to the Rescue for Those Battling Addiction

A pernicious, invasive weed introduced to the United States in the late 1800s, after which it rapidly began a relentless, choking spread throughout much of the eastern US, may be good for something besides raising homeowner hackles.

Kudzu, it turns out, contains compounds that may be beneficial in relieving cravings experienced by those battling alcohol addiction.

Kudzu extracts have been used for centuries in traditional medicine in China where the plant originates. Western medical science has been looking to the plant and its unique biochemical characteristics and healing properties for the past several years, and is currently inching toward creating medicine from what has been revealed.

Recent studies performed by Gilead Sciences researchers find that one particular synthesized kudzu extract demonstrates a remarkable capacity for craving reduction in lab rats that had previously been, literally, clawing at the glass cage walls to get at their next drink.

The study designers at Gilead are hopeful that a successful treatment for humans will be developed from their findings. The compound's apparent capacity to reduce cravings and alter behavior suggests a promising use in preventing relapse for those who have previously had a hard time just saying "no."

Photo courtesy of USDA, via Wikimedia Commons