Kudzu, the fast-spreading weed also known as the "vine that ate the South," contains chemicals that reduce the urge of binge drinkers and alcoholics, as well as casual imbibers, to ask for that second, third or fourth drink, Harvard Medical Center researchers report in what is being called a groundbreaking study.
Their research suggests that kudzu compounds called isoflavones are keys to treating intoxication. Heavy drinkers who took pills made from chemicals in kudzu seemed to lose their urge to order a second or third drink or, at the very least, extended the time between ordering additional drinks.