Have you ever wished for a natural way to ease a hangover or wondered if there's a natural ingredient that can protect your liver? Modern science is validating a remarkable ingredient flavonoid called dihydromyricetin (DHM),which maye can givve you a solution.
What is Dihydromyricetin (DHM)?
At its core, DHM is a bioflavonoid, a type of plant compound for its powerful antioxidant properties. Think of it as a natural protector that helps your body fight off harmful free radicals. While many plants contain flavonoids, DHM is a rare find, with its most abundant source being the Japanese Raisin Tree (Hovenia Dulcis). Often called the "Vine Tea" or "Oriental Raisin Tree," this plant has a long history in traditional Chinese, Japanese, and Korean medicine. Its fruits and seeds are known as "Zhi Ju Zi" and have been used for centuries as a natural remedy for intoxication and liver health. We've found that the leaves and stems of this unique plant also contain significant amounts of this precious compound.
Foods That Contain DHM
The Primary Source: The Japanese Raisin Tree (Hovenia Dulcis)
The Hovenia Dulcis tree is by far the richest natural source of DHM. This hardy, deciduous tree thrives in East Asia. Its small, round fruits are not what you might expect-they have a unique, swollen, raisin-like stalk that is sweet and edible, hence its common name. The leaves, seeds, and stalks of this plant are all used to extract DHM. Scientific research has shown that the concentration of DHM in the fruits and leaves of Hovenia Dulcis is exceptionally high compared to other plants [1].
Other, Less Significant Sources
While Hovenia Dulcis is the star, trace amounts of DHM can also be found in certain types of vine teas, particularly those from the genus Ampelopsis, which are native to the same regions. However, for a meaningful intake of DHM, relying on these sources would be highly impractical. The true power of DHM lies in the potent, concentrated extracts derived from the Japanese Raisin Tree.
| Plant Name (Scientific Name) | Common Name | Part of Plant Used | Typical DHM Content (% dry weight) | Notes |
| Hovenia dulcis | Japanese Raisin Tree, Oriental Raisin Tree, Zhi Ju Zi | Fruit, Leaves, Stalks |
0.1% - 1.6% (in leaves and stalks) |
By far the richest and most common source of DHM used for commercial extraction. |
| Ampelopsis grossedentata | Vine Tea, Tujia Tea | Leaves | 0.1% - 0.5% | Also known as "Tujia tea," this plant contains DHM but is primarily consumed as a tea. |
| Myrica rubra | Chinese Bayberry, Yang Mei | Leaves | < 0.1% | Contains trace amounts of DHM, but not considered a primary source. |
| Ampelopsis japonica | Japanese Ampelopsis | Leaves | < 0.1% | Contains trace amounts of DHM. |
What are the benefits of DHM ?
The buzz around DHM isn't just a trend; it's backed by solid scientific research. The most well-known benefit of DHM is its ability to combat the negative effects of alcohol.
Anti-Hangover and Liver Protection
This is DHM's claim to fame. Alcohol primarily affects the brain by enhancing the activity of GABA-A receptors, leading to the sedative effects of intoxication. DHM works by specifically blocking these receptors, helping to normalize brain activity and reduce the typical symptoms of a hangover. A landmark study published in The Journal of Neuroscience demonstrated that DHM could effectively counteract alcohol-induced intoxication in rats, significantly reducing their loss of coordination and speeding up their recovery [2].
Furthermore, DHM supports liver health by helping to accelerate the breakdown of alcohol and reduce oxidative stress. It increases the activity of liver enzymes like alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), which are crucial for metabolizing alcohol and its toxic byproduct, acetaldehyde. A 2017 study from Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Behavior found that DHM treatment significantly lowered serum levels of ALT and AST, key indicators of liver damage, in alcohol-fed mice [3].
1. Potent Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Properties
Beyond its role in combating alcohol, DHM is a powerful antioxidant. It helps neutralize free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can cause cellular damage and contribute to aging and disease. By reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, DHM can support overall cellular health. A study in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry confirmed DHM's strong free radical scavenging capabilities, highlighting its potential in managing chronic inflammatory conditions [4].
2. Emerging Research on Neuroprotection
Early studies are also exploring DHM's potential for brain health. Some research suggests it might have neuroprotective effects, potentially aiding in the management of conditions associated with oxidative stress in the brain. For instance, a 2019 review in Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity highlighted DHM's ability to protect neurons from damage caused by various toxins and stress factors [5].
Why DHM is Poised for Market Growth?
According to a market research report from Grand View Research, the global herbal supplements market is projected to reach over $201.7 billion by 2026. DHM is a key driver of this growth, particularly in the functional beverages and dietary supplement sectors. The demand for "hangover cure" and "liver support" products is soaring, attracting a diverse customer base, from young professionals looking for a way to recover after a night out to health-conscious individuals focused on long-term liver protection. The versatility of DHM also makes it an attractive ingredient for product developers, as it can be easily incorporated into capsules, tablets, powders, and even functional drinks.
Our Solution: High-Purity DHM Powder
We source our Hovenia Dulcis from trusted, sustainable farms, guaranteeing a pure and reliable product. Our DHM powder is a versatile raw material, perfect for companies looking to create innovative dietary supplements, functional foods, or beverage products. If you're a business looking to tap into the booming market for natural health solutions, our DHM powder is the ideal ingredient. We provide not just a product, but a partnership, offering technical support and customized solutions to help you succeed. Ready to explore the full potential of DHM? Contact us today to learn more about our high-purity DHM powder or to request a sample. Our team is ready to provide the insights and solutions you need to create a market-leading product.
Email us at sales@botanicalcube.com for more product information or to discuss a custom solution.
References
[1] Zhang, S., Zhang, S., & Hu, J. (2014). Dihydromyricetin content and antioxidant activity of Hovenia dulcis fruit and leaf extracts. Food Chemistry, 164, 493-499.
[2] Shen, Y., et al. (2012). Dihydromyricetin as a novel anti-alcohol intoxication medication. The Journal of Neuroscience, 32(1), 390-401.
[3] Huang, C., et al. (2017). Dihydromyricetin attenuates chronic alcohol-induced liver injury and steatosis in mice. Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Behavior, 156, 12-21.
[4] Wu, F., et al. (2013). Antioxidant properties of dihydromyricetin. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 61(19), 4529-4537.
[5] Liu, Y., et al. (2019). Dihydromyricetin protects PC12 cells against hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress by regulating the Nrf2 signaling pathway. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, 2019, 1-12.