Hangovers are the unwelcome guest that follows a night of celebration. The headache, nausea, and overall discomfort can make you regret that last drink. While numerous remedies are out there claiming to prevent hangovers, one natural compound, Dihydromyricetin (DHM), has been gaining attention for its effectiveness. So, what exactly is DHM, and why might it be the solution you've been searching for?
What is Dihydromyricetin (DHM)?
Dihydromyricetin (DHM) is a flavonoid derived from the Japanese raisin tree (Hovenia dulcis) and other plants like Ampelopsis grossedentata. This plant has been used in traditional East Asian medicine for centuries to treat ailments, particularly those related to the liver and alcohol consumption. Modern science is now uncovering the mechanisms behind DHM's ability to combat the effects of alcohol, making it a promising natural remedy for hangovers.
How Does DHM Work?
1. Reducing Alcohol’s Impact on the Brain
Alcohol affects the brain by binding to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors, which leads to feelings of relaxation and sedation. However, once the alcohol wears off, it can cause withdrawal symptoms like anxiety and the dreaded hangover.
A study published in the Journal of Neuroscience found that DHM can counteract alcohol's effects on GABA receptors, potentially reducing the severity of hangovers. The study demonstrated that DHM could reverse the behavioral effects of alcohol intoxication in rodents by modulating GABA receptor activity (Shen et al., 2012) .
2. Supporting Liver Function
The liver is responsible for metabolizing alcohol, but this process produces toxic byproducts like acetaldehyde, which contribute to hangover symptoms. DHM has been shown to enhance the activity of enzymes such as alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), which help break down alcohol more efficiently.
A study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food found that DHM significantly increased the activity of these enzymes in the liver, helping to reduce blood alcohol levels and speed up the clearance of acetaldehyde, thereby mitigating hangover symptoms (Luo et al., 2017) .
3. Reducing Inflammation and Oxidative Stress
Alcohol consumption can lead to inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which contribute to the unpleasant symptoms of a hangover. DHM has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help alleviate these effects.
Research published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology showed that DHM reduced alcohol-induced oxidative stress and inflammation in the liver, suggesting that it could be beneficial for preventing hangovers (Zhu et al., 2012).
How to Use DHM for Hangover Prevention
Each serving of Locohol® is packed with 600mg of DHM, along with other vitamins and nutrients, for effective prevention of hangovers. To maximize its benefits, it’s recommended to take two capsules of Locohol before drinking and two more immediately after your last drink. Please consult with a healthcare provider or read our FAQs if you have any questions or concerns.
In Short...
Dihydromyricetin (DHM) offers a promising natural solution for preventing hangovers by mitigating alcohol's effects on the brain, supporting liver function, and reducing inflammation. While more research is always beneficial, the studies conducted so far provide strong evidence that DHM could be a valuable tool in your hangover prevention arsenal.
References
- Shen, Y., et al. (2012). "Dihydromyricetin as a novel anti-alcohol intoxication medication." Journal of Neuroscience.
- Luo, J., et al. (2017). "Protective effects of Dihydromyricetin against alcohol-induced liver injury in mice." Journal of Medicinal Food.
- Zhu, X., et al. (2012). "Dihydromyricetin protects against chronic alcohol-induced liver injury in mice by modulating the oxidative stress and inflammatory response." Journal of Ethnopharmacology.