Dihydromyricetin, commonly abbreviated as DHM, is a natural flavonoid compound extracted mainly from the plant Ampelopsis grossedentata, also known as vine tea. In recent years, DHM has gained popularity as a dietary supplement due to its wide range of potential health benefits, especially its antioxidant properties and liver protective effects,and is often marketed as a hangover remedy.
The chemical composition of DHM
The richest natural source of DHM is the plant Ampelopsis grossedentata, commonly consumed in parts of China as a herbal tea called vine tea. This plant has a long history of traditional use for its health-promoting properties.
Contains various components such as phenols, polysaccharides, saponins, fatty acids, flavonoids, terpenoids, phenylpropanoids, and alkaloids, and exhibits pharmacological activities such as alcohol detoxification, liver protection, and antioxidant effects.
Flavonoids and Their Health Benefits
Flavonoids are a group of natural compounds known for their antioxidant, antibacterial, and various other bioactive properties. Research shows that the plant Ampelopsis grossedentata (vine tea) contains several types of flavonoids, including flavonoid glycosides, flavonols, dihydroflavones, dihydroflavonols, flavonoid lignans, flavanols, and chalcones.
Among these, a unique flavonoid compound called dihydromyricetin (DHM) plays a significant role in alleviating alcohol intoxication and preventing alcoholic liver disease.
Phenolic Compounds
Phenolic compounds are a class of chemical substances characterized by one or more hydroxyl groups (-OH) directly attached to an aromatic hydrocarbon group. These compounds are naturally produced by plants and microorganisms and are known for their diverse biological activities.
Alkaloids
Alkaloids are natural compounds that contain basic nitrogen atoms. They are produced by a variety of organisms including bacteria, fungi, plants, and animals. Alkaloids often exert pharmacological effects in humans and animals, making them important bioactive substances in medicine and health.
Dihydromyricetin Health Benefits
Hangover Relief
The primary active compound responsible for hangover relief is dihydromyricetin (DHM), a flavonoid with powerful antioxidant properties first discovered in the seeds of Ampelopsis grossedentata in 1997. Modern medical research has confirmed that DHM can block alcohol from binding to receptors in the brain and neutralize toxic metabolites in the body, thereby reducing hangover symptoms.
In one study, researchers evaluated the effects of Ampelopsis grossedentata extract on blood alcohol levels in mice. Compared to the control group, mice treated with the extract showed a significantly faster decrease in blood alcohol concentration.
Liver Protection
Research suggests DHM can help protect the liver from damage caused by excessive alcohol consumption.
Liver Protection
The liver is the largest organ in the human body and plays a crucial role in metabolism. Alcohol consumption can cause elevated liver enzymes, with ALT (alanine aminotransferase) and AST (aspartate aminotransferase) being common indicators of liver damage.
Supplementing with DHM, which contains Ampelopsis grossedentata extract, can effectively support liver health.
Anti-Fatigue Effects
Researchers have compared the anti-fatigue effects of water-ethanol precipitated extract and ethyl acetate extract from Ampelopsis grossedentata. The studies found that flavonoid compounds are the key active ingredients responsible for the anti-fatigue properties of the extract. Preliminary evidence suggests that quercetin and dihydromyricetin (DHM) are the primary bioactive compounds contributing to these effects.
