Dr. Grey AI

Japanese raisin tree

Hovenia dulcis (Japanese Raisin Tree) is the primary source of dihydromyricetin (DHM/Ampelopsin), traditionally used as an anti-alcohol remedy and hangover cure in East Asia. At least one human study shows it may reduce circulating alcohol levels when taken before drinking. NO GRADED OUTCOMES yet but emerging research is promising for alcohol metabolism support. May accelerate alcohol clearance and reduce hangover symptoms through enhanced ADH/ALDH enzyme activity. Also shows hepatoprotective effects (liver protection) in preclinical models. The main bioactive, dihydromyricetin, is gaining popularity as a standalone supplement for hangover prevention.

Quick Answer

What it is

Hovenia dulcis (Japanese Raisin Tree) is the primary source of dihydromyricetin (DHM/Ampelopsin), traditionally used as an anti-alcohol remedy and hangover cure in East Asia. At least one human study shows it may reduce circulating alcohol levels when taken before drinking.

Key findings

  • Grade C: Hepatoprotection
  • Grade C: Liver Enzyme Levels
  • Grade C: Hangover Symptom Reduction

Safety

No specific caution or interaction language was detected in the current summary/outcome notes.

ℹ️ Quick Facts: Japanese raisin tree

Quick Facts: Japanese raisin tree

  • Best Evidence:Grade C
  • Conditions Studied:2
  • Research Outcomes:8
  • Key Effect:Alcohol Use Disorder
Outcomes by grade:
A0
B0
C6
D2
2 conditions · 8 outcomes

Detailed Outcomes

|
C
Hepatoprotection
One human RCT (n=60 NAFLD patients) demonstrated significant liver-protective effects of DHM including reduced hepatic inflammation markers (cytokeratin-18, TNF-alpha) and improved insulin resistance. Multiple robust animal studies show hepatoprotection across alcohol-induced, high-fat diet, and acetaminophen-induced liver injury models via Nrf2/HO-1 antioxidant pathway activation, CYP2E1 inhibition, and enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity (SOD, GSH-Px).
moderate↑Improves
C
Liver Enzyme Levels
A randomized double-blind RCT in 60 NAFLD patients found DHM (300mg/day for 3 months) significantly reduced ALT, AST, and gamma-GT versus placebo (Chen et al. 2015). A crossover hangover trial (n=26) also showed significant ALT/AST improvements with Hovenia dulcis extract. Multiple animal studies confirm reductions in liver transaminases across alcoholic and acetaminophen-induced liver injury models.
moderate↑Improves
C
Hangover Symptom Reduction
In small randomized crossover trials (n=26 and n=25), Hovenia dulcis extract significantly reduced hangover symptom scores, gastrointestinal symptoms, and improved inflammatory markers (IL-6, IL-10) compared to placebo. However, one double-blind placebo-controlled trial (Verster et al. 2021) found DHM did not significantly reduce overall hangover severity, indicating mixed results.
moderate↓Improves
C
Blood Alcohol Level Reduction
In small human crossover trials, Hovenia dulcis extract combinations significantly reduced blood alcohol concentrations at early timepoints (0.25h and 0.5h) and blood acetaldehyde levels at 6h post-drinking. Animal studies in rats and mice show enhanced ADH and ALDH enzyme activity, though one study (Mahesh et al. 2021) found DHM did not impact ADH activity, suggesting the mechanism may be more complex.
small↓Worsens
D
Anti-Alcohol Intoxication Effects
In a landmark rat study (Shen et al. 2012), DHM (1 mg/kg i.p.) counteracted acute alcohol intoxication, withdrawal signs, tolerance, increased anxiety, and seizure susceptibility. DHM antagonized alcohol-induced potentiation of GABA-A receptors and inhibited benzodiazepine-site binding. These intoxication-reducing effects have not yet been directly replicated in human trials.
moderate↓Worsens
D
Voluntary Alcohol Consumption
In rodent models, DHM greatly reduced voluntary alcohol consumption in rats through GABA-A receptor modulation (Shen et al. 2012). This effect has not been studied in human trials and remains purely preclinical.
moderate↓Improves
C
Inflammatory Markers
A human RCT in NAFLD patients (n=60) showed significant reductions in serum TNF-alpha with DHM supplementation. A crossover hangover trial (n=26) found significant improvements in IL-6 and IL-10/IL-6 ratio. Multiple preclinical studies demonstrate anti-inflammatory effects via NF-kB suppression, NLRP3 inflammasome inhibition, and reductions in TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-1beta, and IL-17.
moderate↓Improves
C
Lipid and Glucose Metabolism
A randomized double-blind RCT in 60 NAFLD patients (Chen et al. 2015) found DHM significantly reduced LDL-cholesterol, apolipoprotein B, glucose, and HOMA-IR index while increasing adiponectin over 3 months. Animal studies confirm DHM reduces hepatic steatosis, circulating LDL/VLDL, total cholesterol, and triglycerides via AMPK activation and enhanced lipophagy.
moderate↑Worsens

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