Study: Chinese Herb Dihydromyricetin Stops Hangovers, Alcohol Dependency In Rats

UCLA researchers have shown that an ancient Chinese herbal drug stops hangovers and reduces alcohol dependency in rats.

AsianScientist (Jan. 16, 2012) – UCLA researchers have shown that an ancient Chinese herbal drug stops hangovers and reduces alcohol dependency in rats.

Led by Associate Professor Jing Liang and Professor Richard W. Olsen of UCLA, the researchers identified how dihydromyricetin, a component isolated from the plant Hovenia (oriental raisin tree), counteracts acute alcohol intoxication and withdrawal symptoms.

In an article published in the latest issue of the Journal of Neuroscience, they describe how dihydromyricetin blocks the action of alcohol on the brain and neurons and also reduces voluntary alcohol consumption, with no major side effects, in an early study with rats.

Alcohol use disorders are the most common form of substance abuse, affecting more than 76 million people worldwide, according to the World Health Organization.

Only an estimated 13 percent of people identified as having an alcohol use disorder receive medical treatment, partly due to a lack of effective medications without major side effects.

Although alcohol impacts most organ systems, its effect on the brain in developing intoxicating, sedative, and addictive properties is critical. Dihydromyricetin inhibits alcohol’s effect on the brain’s GABA(A) receptors, relieving common symptoms of drunkeness such as sleepiness.

The next stage of the research will involve human clinical trials, the researchers said.

The article can be found at: Shen Y et al. (2012) Dihydromyricetin As a Novel Anti-Alcohol Intoxication Medication.

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Source: UCLA.
Disclaimer: This article does not necessarily reflect the views of AsianScientist or its staff.

Hsin-Jung Sophia Li is a Ph.D. student at Princeton University. She received a S.B. degree with double majors in Chemical Engineering and Biology from MIT. She is a first dan black belt in Taekwondo and loves traveling around the world. Her research interests are systems biology and molecular cell biology.

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