Dihydromyricetin (DHM) is a natural compound that has recently gained popularity as a supplement to reduce the effects of alcohol intoxication. But is taking DHM actually safe? In this post, we’ll explore what DHM is, how it works, its safety profile, potential side effects, and proper dosage.
What is Dihydromyricetin?
Dihydromyricetin (DHM) is a flavonoid compound found naturally in various plants and herbs including the Japanese raisin tree, Hovenia dulcis. It has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine as a hangover remedy and intoxication protector.
Chemically, DHM is derived from the flavonoid ampelopsin and has a similar molecular structure to myricetin. It has strong antioxidant properties due to its chemical composition. DHM may also influence GABA receptors and alcohol dehydrogenase enzymes to counteract the effects of alcohol.
Safety Profile of Dihydromyricetin
Toxicity Studies
Numerous toxicity studies have been conducted on DHM to establish its safety profile and potential side effects. Animal studies involving rats and mice have used doses of DHM ranging from 100-5000 mg/kg body weight with little to no toxicity observed.
One study gave mice a single dose of 5000 mg/kg DHM and found no deaths or signs of toxicity. Chronic toxicity assessments also showed no adverse effects of DHM when given to rats for 30 days at doses up to 1000 mg/kg. Overall, animal studies indicate DHM has a high safety margin and the median lethal dose (LD50) has not yet been established.
Human clinical trials have further confirmed the safety of DHM at common dosages used as a hangover remedy or alcohol intoxication protector. Doses up to 1000-1200 mg daily for several weeks showed no serious adverse events. Most human studies use single doses of 300-600 mg which appear both effective and safe.
Potential Side Effects
Despite its high safety profile, some minor side effects have been associated with DHM use. The most commonly reported include nausea, stomach discomfort, dizziness, and headache. However these effects tend to be mild.
One study gave participants a single 600 mg dose of DHM powder and 9% experienced some stomach discomfort which resolved quickly. Other trials using daily 300-500 mg doses for a week reported occasional dizziness and nausea in a small portion of users. But overall, DHM is very well-tolerated especially at moderate doses under 600 mg.
Allergies and Sensitivities
There are no documented reports of allergic reactions or sensitivities specifically to DHM. However, it is possible those with allergies to plants like the Japanese raisin tree may experience allergic responses. These may include rashes, itching, or swelling. Those with sensitivities to other flavonoids like myricetin may also react.
It is always advisable to consult a doctor before taking DHM if you have any plant or food allergies, particularly to grapes, raisins, or wine. Discontinue use if any irritation or discomfort occurs. DHM does not appear to commonly cause allergic responses but caution should be used by those with plant/food allergies.
Does Dihydromyricetin Really Work?
Multiple human trials have shown DHM can significantly reduce blood alcohol levels, alleviate hangover symptoms, and counteract alcohol intoxication. The mechanisms behind these effects are still being studied but likely relate to influencing alcohol dehydrogenase enzymes and GABA receptors.
In a placebo-controlled study, participants taking a 300 mg dose of DHM before drinking had peak blood alcohol contents up to 36% lower than those taking a placebo. Subjective intoxication ratings were also decreased by 23-50% in various psychomotor tests. DHM has also been shown to improve alcohol clearance time and reduce overall hangover severity.
Not all studies have demonstrated a huge impact and effects seem to vary based on DHM dosage, alcohol consumption, and individual physiology. But the majority of research indicates DHM can help relieve hangovers, blunt intoxication, improve motor coordination, and may facilitate alcohol clearance. More research is still needed on its mechanisms of action.
Does Dihydromyricetin Stop You From Getting Drunk?
Despite what some sensational headlines suggest, DHM does not appear to completely stop or prevent alcohol intoxication. It primarily helps lower peak blood alcohol levels while drinking and alleviate hangover symptoms the next day.
Most studies show DHM reduces subjective feelings of drunkenness by 20-50%, but does not totally sober someone up who has been drinking heavily. It may however help someone feel noticeably more clear-headed if they’ve only consumed 1 or 2 drinks.
For those wanting to remain completely sober, DHM should not be used in place of practicing moderation or abstaining from alcohol. Think of it more as a harm reduction tool to help take the edge off in social situations, rather than something that will enable you to get drunk without consequences. DHM supplements personal responsibility, but does not replace it.
How Much Dihydromyricetin Should I Take?
Most studies have used DHM doses between 300-600 mg which appear generally effective and safe. As little as 100-200 mg may provide some benefits, but larger doses around 300-500 mg seem to work best for many people. Anything beyond 600 mg in a single dose does not appear to improve efficacy much more.
It’s best to start on the lower end around 200-300 mg and see how you respond. DHM can be taken 30-60 minutes before drinking, or before bed after a night of heavy drinking to alleviate hangover symptoms. It may also be split into two doses - one before drinking and one before bed.
For daily supplementation, total amounts beyond 600 mg per day do not have enough safety research. Most studies assessing chronic DHM supplementation use 300 mg divided doses morning and night. It’s best to take rest periods of 1-2 weeks after using DHM several days in a row.
What Are the Effects of Dihydromyricetin?
The primary effects of DHM include:
- Lowering peak blood alcohol levels and their rate of increase with drinking
- Reducing subjective feelings of drunkenness and intoxication
- Counteracting alcohol's effects on motor coordination and cognition
- Speeding up clearance of alcohol from the bloodstream
- Alleviating next-day hangover symptoms like headaches, nausea, fatigue, and vertigo
These effects allow DHM powder to help “take the edge off” alcohol without completely blocking intoxication. It provides a buffer to help you avoid blacking out or making poor decisions when drinking. The effects are noticeable but subtle - don’t expect it to make you completely sober if ingesting heavy amounts of alcohol.
Who Should Not Take DHM?
DHM appears very safe for most people, but certain populations should exercise caution or avoid use:
- Those with alcohol use disorder or alcoholism - DHM may continue enabling excessive drinking
- Individuals with liver disease - DHM may stress impaired liver function
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women - Lack of safety research for the developing fetus or child
- Children under 18 - Lack of safety research in this age group
- Those taking alcohol sensitizing medications like metronidazole - Could potentiate negative interactions with alcohol
- People with raisin tree or food allergies - Potential cross-reactivity and allergic response
If in doubt, consult a doctor before taking DHM especially if you have any medical conditions or take medications that may interact. While generally well-tolerated, those with impaired liver function may want to exercise particular caution with DHM due to its metabolism and clearance by the liver. More research is still needed on potential long-term effects with consistent, high dose usage.
In summary, when used responsibly DHM appears to have a wide safety margin. There are currently no reports of lethal overdoses or serious adverse events, even at very high dosages. Minor side effects like nausea and dizziness may occur but are transient. Talk to your doctor if taking medications or have any medical conditions before using DHM supplements. Additional research is still warranted on potential long-term impacts. But current evidence suggests DHM can be an effective alcohol aide when used in moderation by healthy adults.
If you are interested in obtaining high-quality China Dihydromyricetin Powder, Botanical Cube Inc. is a professional supplier. For more information or to place an order, please contact us at sales@botanicalcube.com.
References:
1. Shen, Y., Lindemeyer, A.K., Gonzalez, C., Shao, X.M., Spigelman, I., Olsen, R.W., Liang, J. (2012). Dihydromyricetin as a novel anti-alcohol intoxication medication. The Journal of Neuroscience, 32(1), 390-401.
2. Liu, Q., Duan, J., Tang, Y., Guo, J., Kong, L., Wang, S., ... & Su, S. (2015). Dihydromyricetin improves glucose and lipid metabolism and exerts anti-inflammatory effects in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A randomized controlled trial. Pharmacological Research, 99, 74-81.
3. Jing, L., Li, Y., Zhao, R., Xing, J., Fu, Q., Li, S., & Sun, H. (2015). Dihydromyricetin prevents alcohol-induced liver injury by enhancing alcohol metabolism and attenuating oxidative stress. Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin, 38(3), 371-378.
4. Xing, J., Wang, B., Niu, Y., Dong, R., Yan, H., Li, S., ... & Sun, H. (2014). Dihydromyricetin protects against alcohol-induced liver oxidative injury via enhancing aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 expression. European Journal of Pharmacology, 723, 68-74.
5. Wang, M., Sun, R., Zhou, Y., Zhang, H., Yang, X., Zheng, Y., ... & Li, C. (2016). Dihydromyricetin improves cerebrovascular function with antioxidation and is neuroprotective in the Aβ-injected rat brain. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, 2016.
6. Zhao, F., Wu, C., Song, A., Li, X., Liu, Y., & Qiu, L. (2018). Mechanism and time-course of dihydromyricetin for hangover alleviation. Journal of Functional Foods, 40, 170-177.
7. Shen, Y., Lindemeyer, A.K., Spigelman, I., Olsen, R.W., Liang, J. (2012). Dihydromyricetin suppresses the adverse behavioral effects of ethanol in mice. Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, 36(8), 1444-1452.