National Geographic News, Reporting Your World Daily

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Photo: Alcoholic Rats Show Kudzu May Help Addicted Humans


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An invasive vine that is choking much of the southern U.S. (above, kudzu overtakes a man's car in Georgia) may have a bright side: Extracts of the plant can reduce cravings in alcoholic rats, scientists said in August 2009.

A kudzu-inspired drug and an herbal supplement are currently being developed to help human alcoholics.

Photograph by Melissa Farlow/NGS