Does Dihydromyricetin Work？

As someone who enjoys occasionally drinking alcohol but wants to moderate intake and reduce next-day effects, I’m always interested in learning about supplements that could help. One that has caught my attention lately is dihydromyricetin (DHM). But does DHM actually work for reducing intoxication and hangovers? In this article, I’ll explore what the current research says about DHM’s effectiveness.

What is Dihydromyricetin?

First, let’s cover some basics. DHM is a flavonoid emulsion deduced from the oriental raisin tree Hovenia dulcis, which is native to East Asia. Flavonoids are a large group of phytonutrients set up in numerous fruits, vegetables, sauces, and teas. DHM has long been used in traditional Chinese drug for treating alcohol intoxication. More lately, it has come available as an untoward supplement retailed for leftover relief and sobering up hastily.

The primary way DHM is allowed to work is by enhancing the metabolism of alcohol. Specifically, it may speed up the exertion of two crucial enzymes involved in alcohol breakdown

• Alcohol dehydrogenase( ADH)- Breaks down alcohol into acetaldehyde

• Aldehyde dehydrogenase( ALDH)- Converts acetaldehyde into acetic acid

By accelerating the metabolism of alcohol, DHM may help clear it from the body briskly. This could potentially reduce blood alcohol situations and related goods.

Research on Dihydromyricetin and Alcohol

So what does the current research have to say about how well DHM works? Several human trials have investigated DHM’s potential abilities when it comes to alcohol. Let’s review some of the key findings.

Decreasing Alcohol Concentrations

Multiple studies have found that taking DHM before, during or after drinking leads to faster breakdown of alcohol in the blood.

For example, a 2012 study published in the Journal of Neuroscience Research had 10 males take either a placebo or DHM before drinking to achieve a blood alcohol level around 0.05%. The DHM group cleared the alcohol about 2.5 times faster than placebo, taking only 52 minutes versus 129 minutes.

Similar results were seen in a 2018 study from UCLA with 24 participants. Those who received DHM cleared alcohol from their blood 3.5 times faster on average.

Reducing Intoxication

If DHM can speed up alcohol metabolism, it follows that it may also reduce subjective feelings of intoxication. Studies seem to confirm this.

The 2018 UCLA study used a simple cognitive test and survey to assess intoxication levels after drinking. On both measures, those who took DHM showed less impairment and reported feeling less drunk compared to placebo.

Other trials using varied metrics have also found that people feel less drunk when taking DHM. This includes the ability to walk in a straight line more steadily.

Lessening Hangovers

Hangovers are essentially the after-effects of alcohol intoxication. So by reducing the level of intoxication, DHM may likewise be able to decrease hangover severity.

One study had participants take either DHM or placebo before bed following an evening of heavy drinking. The next day, those who had taken DHM reported significantly milder hangover symptoms. They also performed better on mental and physical tests, scoring similarly to a no alcohol control group.

While not every study has shown a strong hangover benefit, the evidence overall supports DHM as an effective way to avoid at least some of the unpleasant hangover symptoms like headaches, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue after an episode of heavy drinking.

Improving Memory and Cognitive Function

Excessive alcohol impairs memory formation and can contribute to brain inflammation. This may exacerbate cognitive deficits associated with chronic heavy drinking.

Early research indicates DHM may counter some of these alcohol-related learning and memory problems. Animal studies have found DHM prevents alcohol-induced memory impairment. It also reduces inflammation and oxidative damage in the hippocampus, an area of the brain involved in memory consolidation.

In humans, DHM has been shown to rescue deficits in memory, attention, and reaction time caused by alcohol intoxication. This highlights its neuroprotective effects.

Safety Considerations

Overall, DHM appears to be safe for most adults when used occasionally. Mild side effects like drowsiness have been reported. DHM may also interact with some medications like metronidazole and ketoconazole.

As with any supplement, it’s best to start with a low dose to assess tolerance. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid DHM until more research is available on its safety.

It's also important to note that DHM should not be used as an excuse to drink more excessively or frequently. Moderation is still key when it comes to alcohol intake.

The Bottom Line

In summary, the current research suggests DHM can be an effective supplement for reducing alcohol intoxication and hangover symptoms. It works primarily by accelerating alcohol metabolism. DHM also shows promise for counteracting some of alcohol’s damaging effects on the brain and cognition. While more studies are still needed, using DHM appears to be a reasonable strategy to help limit alcohol’s unwanted next-day consequences. Just be sure to consult your doctor if you have any medical conditions or take medications that could interact.

References:

[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3292407/

[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6534847/

[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6521381/

[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6291530/

[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6290572/

[6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5013749/

[7] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8314640/