Dihydromyricetin (DHM, from Hovenia dulcis)

Hovenia dulcis
Evidence Level
Limited
1 Clinical Trial
3 Documented Benefits
2/5 Evidence Score

Dihydromyricetin (DHM) is a flavonoid from the Japanese raisin tree (Hovenia dulcis), marketed mainly as a hangover and anti-alcohol supplement that may support the body's breakdown of alcohol and help protect the liver; it is also studied for liver and metabolic health. It is popular for hangover support, on the idea that it speeds alcohol metabolism and counters some of alcohol's effects, though human evidence is limited and largely anecdotal. Products typically provide a few hundred milligrams. Importantly, DHM does not make drinking safe or prevent impairment, so it should never be used to justify drinking more or driving; those with liver conditions should check with a doctor.

Studied Dose Commonly 300 to 600 mg taken around alcohol intake.
Active Compound Dihydromyricetin (ampelopsin), a flavonoid from Hovenia dulcis or Ampelopsis grossedentata.

Benefits

Alcohol metabolism support

DHM is studied for supporting the liver enzymes that break down alcohol and its toxic byproduct acetaldehyde, which is closely linked to hangover symptoms.

Liver protection

DHM has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions studied for helping protect the liver from alcohol-related oxidative stress.

Limited-evidence note

Most DHM hangover data come from animal and mechanism studies; human trials, largely of whole Hovenia dulcis extract, are limited and mixed, so keep expectations realistic.

Mechanism of action

1

ADH and ALDH support

DHM is studied for increasing the activity of alcohol dehydrogenase and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase, the enzymes that clear alcohol and toxic acetaldehyde.

2

GABA-A receptor modulation

In animal studies, DHM blunts alcohol's effects at GABA-A receptors, reducing signs of intoxication and withdrawal.

3

Antioxidant liver support

DHM scavenges free radicals and calms the inflammation generated during alcohol metabolism.

Clinical trials

1
Hovenia dulcis Extract for Hangover — Human Trial
PubMed

Randomized controlled crossover trial of a standardized Hovenia dulcis fruit extract (the source of DHM) on alcohol-induced hangover. (Kim et al. 2017, Journal of Ethnopharmacology)

Healthy adults.

The standardized Hovenia dulcis extract eased alcohol-induced hangover measures versus placebo; DHM is its key flavonoid.

Side effects and drug interactions

Common Potential side effects

Generally well-tolerated in studies.
Does not make drinking safe and is not a reason to drink more or to drive.
Long-term human safety data are limited.

Important Drug interactions

Alcohol and sedatives — DHM acts on GABA-A pathways; never rely on it to counter impairment.
May affect liver enzymes that process medications; ask your doctor.
It is not a substitute for moderating alcohol intake.

Frequently asked questions about Dihydromyricetin (DHM, from Hovenia dulcis)

What is dihydromyricetin (DHM) used for?

Dihydromyricetin (DHM), a flavonoid from the Japanese raisin tree (Hovenia dulcis), is marketed mainly as a hangover and anti-alcohol supplement, to support the body's breakdown of alcohol and protect the liver. It is also studied for liver and metabolic health.

Does DHM help with hangovers?

DHM is popular for hangover support, on the idea that it speeds alcohol metabolism and counters some of alcohol's effects on the brain and liver. Human evidence is limited and mostly anecdotal or preclinical, so results vary.

How much DHM should I take?

Products typically provide a few hundred milligrams, taken before, during, or after drinking; follow product labeling. It is not a license to drink more, and it does not prevent intoxication or impairment.

Is DHM safe?

It is generally reported as well tolerated. Importantly, it does not make drinking safe or prevent impairment, so never use it to justify drinking more or driving. Those with liver conditions or on medication should check with a doctor.

What is Dihydromyricetin?

Dihydromyricetin (DHM) is a flavonoid from the Japanese raisin tree (Hovenia dulcis), marketed mainly as a hangover and anti-alcohol supplement that may support the body's breakdown of alcohol and help protect the liver; it is also studied for liver and metabolic health.

What is Dihydromyricetin used for?

Dihydromyricetin is researched primarily for Liver Health. DHM is studied for supporting the liver enzymes that break down alcohol and its toxic byproduct acetaldehyde, which is closely linked to hangover symptoms.

What is the recommended dosage of Dihydromyricetin?

The clinically studied dose is Commonly 300 to 600 mg taken around alcohol intake. Always follow the product label and check with a healthcare provider for personal advice.

Is Dihydromyricetin safe, and does it have side effects?

For most healthy adults, Dihydromyricetin is well tolerated at studied doses. Reported effects can include: Generally well-tolerated in studies. Does not make drinking safe and is not a reason to drink more or to drive. It may also interact with some medications. Dihydromyricetin is not right for everyone, so check with a healthcare provider first if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or take prescription medication.

Does Dihydromyricetin interact with any medications?

Possible interactions include: Alcohol and sedatives — DHM acts on GABA-A pathways; never rely on it to counter impairment. May affect liver enzymes that process medications; ask your doctor. If you take prescription medication, check with a pharmacist or doctor before using it.

How strong is the scientific evidence for Dihydromyricetin?

NutraSmarts rates the evidence for Dihydromyricetin as Limited (2 out of 5). It is backed by 1 clinical trial and 2 cited references summarized on this page. A higher rating reflects more, larger, and better-designed human studies.

References(2 citations)

Evidence ratings on NutraSmarts are based on the totality of human clinical research, with emphasis on randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews. The references below directly support claims made throughout this page.

  1. Kim H, Kim YJ, Jeong HY, Kim JY. A standardized extract of the fruit of Hovenia dulcis alleviated alcohol-induced hangover in healthy subjects. J Ethnopharmacol. 2017;209:167-174..PubMedUsed to support: Human RCT of Hovenia dulcis extract (the source of DHM) for alcohol-induced hangover.
  2. Shen Y, Lindemeyer AK, Gonzalez C, Shao XM, et al. Dihydromyricetin as a novel anti-alcohol intoxication medication. J Neurosci. 2012;32(1):390-401..PubMedUsed to support: Landmark study of DHM on alcohol intoxication and GABA-A signaling (mechanism support).