Home Ingredients Dihydromyricetin (DHM, from Hovenia dulcis)
Liver Health

Dihydromyricetin (DHM, from Hovenia dulcis)

Hovenia dulcis
Evidence Level
Limited
1 Clinical Trial
3 Documented Benefits
2/5 Evidence Score

Dihydromyricetin (DHM) is a flavonoid from the Japanese raisin tree (Hovenia dulcis) and vine tea (Ampelopsis grossedentata), used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine to ease the effects of alcohol. It is the headline ingredient in modern hangover supplements, studied for supporting alcohol metabolism and protecting the liver. Rigorous human hangover data are still limited.

Studied Dose Commonly 300 to 600 mg taken around alcohol intake.
Active Compound Dihydromyricetin (ampelopsin), a flavonoid from Hovenia dulcis or Ampelopsis grossedentata.

Benefits

Alcohol metabolism support

DHM is studied for supporting the liver enzymes that break down alcohol and its toxic byproduct acetaldehyde, which is closely linked to hangover symptoms.

Supported by Trial 1

Liver protection

DHM has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions studied for helping protect the liver from alcohol-related oxidative stress.

Limited-evidence note

Most DHM hangover data come from animal and mechanism studies; human trials, largely of whole Hovenia dulcis extract, are limited and mixed, so keep expectations realistic.

Supported by Trial 1

Mechanism of action

1

ADH and ALDH support

DHM is studied for increasing the activity of alcohol dehydrogenase and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase, the enzymes that clear alcohol and toxic acetaldehyde.

2

GABA-A receptor modulation

In animal studies, DHM blunts alcohol's effects at GABA-A receptors, reducing signs of intoxication and withdrawal.

3

Antioxidant liver support

DHM scavenges free radicals and calms the inflammation generated during alcohol metabolism.

Clinical trials

1
Hovenia dulcis Extract for Hangover — Human Trial
PubMed

Randomized controlled crossover trial of a standardized Hovenia dulcis fruit extract (the source of DHM) on alcohol-induced hangover. (Kim et al. 2017, Journal of Ethnopharmacology)

Healthy adults.

The standardized Hovenia dulcis extract eased alcohol-induced hangover measures versus placebo; DHM is its key flavonoid.

Side effects and drug interactions

Common Potential side effects

GENERALLY WELL-TOLERATED in studies.
Does not make drinking safe and is not a reason to drink more or to drive.
Long-term human safety data are limited.

Important Drug interactions

Alcohol and sedatives — DHM acts on GABA-A pathways; never rely on it to counter impairment.
May affect liver enzymes that process medications; ask your doctor.
It is not a substitute for moderating alcohol intake.

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Frequently asked questions about Dihydromyricetin (DHM, from Hovenia dulcis)

What is Dihydromyricetin (DHM, from Hovenia dulcis)?

Dihydromyricetin (DHM) is a flavonoid from the Japanese raisin tree (Hovenia dulcis) and vine tea (Ampelopsis grossedentata), used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine to ease the effects of alcohol.

What is the recommended dosage of Dihydromyricetin (DHM, from Hovenia dulcis)?

The clinically studied dose for Dihydromyricetin (DHM, from Hovenia dulcis) is Commonly 300 to 600 mg taken around alcohol intake.. Always follow product labeling and consult a healthcare provider for personalized dosing recommendations.

What is Dihydromyricetin (DHM, from Hovenia dulcis) used for?

Dihydromyricetin (DHM, from Hovenia dulcis) is studied for alcohol metabolism support, liver protection, limited-evidence note. DHM is studied for supporting the liver enzymes that break down alcohol and its toxic byproduct acetaldehyde, which is closely linked to hangover symptoms.

Are there side effects from taking Dihydromyricetin (DHM, from Hovenia dulcis)?

Reported potential side effects may include: GENERALLY WELL-TOLERATED in studies. Does not make drinking safe and is not a reason to drink more or to drive. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you have underlying conditions or take medications.

Is Dihydromyricetin (DHM, from Hovenia dulcis) safe to take?

Whether Dihydromyricetin (DHM, from Hovenia dulcis) is safe depends on the dose, your overall health, and any medications you take. At studied doses, reported side effects can include: GENERALLY WELL-TOLERATED in studies. It may also interact with certain medications. Dihydromyricetin (DHM, from Hovenia dulcis) is not suitable for everyone — consult a healthcare provider before use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or take prescription medications.

References(2 citations)

Evidence ratings on NutraSmarts are based on the totality of human clinical research, with emphasis on randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews. The references below directly support claims made throughout this page.

  1. Kim H, Kim YJ, Jeong HY, Kim JY. A standardized extract of the fruit of Hovenia dulcis alleviated alcohol-induced hangover in healthy subjects. J Ethnopharmacol. 2017;209:167-174..PubMedUsed to support: Human RCT of Hovenia dulcis extract (the source of DHM) for alcohol-induced hangover.
  2. Shen Y, Lindemeyer AK, Gonzalez C, Shao XM, et al. Dihydromyricetin as a novel anti-alcohol intoxication medication. J Neurosci. 2012;32(1):390-401..PubMedUsed to support: Landmark study of DHM on alcohol intoxication and GABA-A signaling (mechanism support).