A new way to prevent a hangover
Had too much to drink last night? A new compound native to China may help with your hangover
By Lisa Bendall
Researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles, have isolated a plant extract that not only may help hangovers, but could treat alcoholism.
What it is
The compound, a flavonoid called di hydromyricetin (DHM), occurs naturally in the fruit of hovenia dulcis, a tree native to Asia. Lead researcher Dr. Jing Liang says hovenia has been used as a flavouring in Chinese cooking for hundreds of years. She’s been to dinner parties in her native China where people didn’t seem affected by alcohol, and she suspected something in this cooking spice was counteracting it. “I started screening herbal medications and finally found this DHM,” she says.
What it does
In Liang’s animal experiments, published recently in The Journal of Neuroscience, DHM appeared to prevent alcohol dependence and withdrawal symptoms, along with easing hangovers. DHM binds to special brain-cell receptors, preventing alcohol from acting on these receptors. Unlike current pharmaceutical treatments, there are no side effects, says Liang. “It works with a tiny amount,” and can be taken while drinking.
She says DHM also increases the activity of enzymes that metabolize alcohol, helping the body eliminate it faster and lessening the effects on the liver and other systems.
When it will be available
The Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse estimates that alcoholism costs Canadians $14.6 billion per year. There are drugs available, such as disulfiram and naltrexone, to reduce alcohol cravings and prevent alcoholic relapses. But these drugs aren’t perfect, says clinical researcher and addictions expert Rob Gilbert, of Dalhousie University’s School of Health Sciences in Halifax. Their effects can be minimal and may depend on the person’s genes. “It’s difficult to predict if a drug will help certain individuals,” he notes. These medications can also cause side effects such as nausea and anxiety.
Gilbert points out that animal research does not always translate into human treatment. “It’s really early times,” he says. “I think this is worthy of pursuing, but until there is a clinical trial associated with it, I’m cautious.”
Liang plans to proceed with human trials and expects they will show that people taking DHM won’t get drunk, crave alcohol or experience a severe hangover.
Extracts and teas with hovenia are made in Asia. They’re sold in the U.S. for liver health and hangover relief. Liang hopes to have a purified DHM nutraceutical on the U.S. market this year, and then have it approved for sale in Canada.
This article was originally titled "Help for hangovers?" in the May 2012 issue of Best Health. Subscribe today to get the full Best Health experience–and never miss an issue!
Best Health Magazine, May 2012
Hair of the Dog is the only thing that trully cures hangovers. And AA is bogus if your an alchi you dont gotta put your life into a "higher power" you just gotta not Racka Da Disaprine! Stop Racking Da Disaprine and put the beer down..you dont need it.
Living with an alcoholic and having my own issues as well, I can see that maybe perhaps that can help.
I have my own "home remedies" that make the fix.
It is really comes down to each and their own.
If this herb can eliminate the craving for alcohol or a hangover,that's great..If it will stop you from getting drunk,what's the point of drinking alcohol..Might as well go for a soda.
soooooo annoying when people say the best cure is not to drink at all. is the best cure for muscle fatigue NOT to exercise? lighten up. people are going to do what they do, bring your soap box to a different forum.
"People taking DHM won't get drunk, crave alcohol or experience a severe hangover"
I can see how this would help a recovering alcoholic, in that if they did slip up and have a drink the psychological effects of alcohol would be inhibited, making drinking obsolete.
But as a hangover cure? come oooon.
Your average social drinker does so in appreciation of alcohol's loopy psychological effects, and whats the price for fun on saturday night? Why it's that feeling of death on sunday morning....
The best cure for a hangover I know of is Oral Rehydrate Salt. Most pharmacies carry it. Most people use it to help replenish water lost during the hot humid months. But after a night of drinking mix the powder into a glass of water, drink it, and go to bed. Wake up in the morning without a pounding headache. It helps to rehydrate your body while you sleep.
The best cure for a hangover that I can vouch for. I learned about it in the late fiftees. I've passed the tip off to hundreds who acknowledge that it works. It's simple. The cure is an Avocado. If you're feeling heavy and unsteady, eat an Avocado or two. It won't take too long before you are feeling better.
You want an obvious cure for a hangover, don't drink so much the night before. It's called alcohol poisoning people and you don't deserve a cure. Most of us learned through experience, drink yourself silly, pay for it the next morning. Eventually smart people get the message. (ahem, yes for some of us it took a few years...)
Who cares about a cure we can't get? These stories are a ridiculous waste of my time.
Well, aren't you Captain Obvious. lol
STOP ANIMAL TESTING
The best cure forHangover is a Hangover helper pill and coconut water..ANd a good shower.. In one hour you're ready to rock again.
The easiest way to avoid a hangover is to not drink alcohol