An extract of the kudzu vine being developed to treat alcoholism may also help to treat cocaine addiction. Tests on rats showed the drug could stop them from giving themselves cocaine. Kudzu is an old remedy for alcoholism. The vine is native to Asia and has spread across the southeastern United States after being imported to control soil erosion.
The extract can also prevent relapse after rats are weaned off cocaine. Researchers found that it works by raising levels of a compound called tetrahydropapaveroline or THP. Cocaine cravings make levels of the brain chemical dopamine increase and THP interferes with this increase.