University of Missouri studies grape compound for drug cravings

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- University of Missouri addiction researchers think a grape compound promoted as way to stave off Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases could also help methamphetamine addicts battle their cravings.

The natural compound resveratrol is found in fruits and certain vegetables as well as grapes and red wine. Psychological sciences professor Dennis Miller said studies with lab mice show resveratrol limits the ability of methamphetamine to increase the neurotransmitter dopamine, which sends pleasure signals to the brain.

The research study was recently published in the scientific journal Neuroscience Letters.

Another MU research project is studying the use of resveratrol in tumor-killing radiation treatments.