Animal Study Supports Natural Remedy for Alcoholic Hangover

A natural ingredient derived from the oriental raisin tree may relieve symptoms associated with an alcoholic hangover, a recent animal study indicates. The study was reported by ingredients supplier Blue California (Rancho Santa Margarita, CA), whose patented BluCetin natural ingredient is derived from the oriental raisin tree (Hovenia dulcis).

BluCetin’s primary active ingredient is dihydromyricetin (DHM), which the company describes as a natural molecule that targets the GABA receptor in the brain. The company says that BluCetin acts as an “antagonist against alcohol at the GABA receptor on the surface of nerve cells.” Blue California also says that BluCetin “is considered a breakthrough over traditional hangover remedies that solely attempt to relieve [hangover] symptoms such as headaches and dehydration.”

BluCetin was the subject of an animal study performed collaboratively between Blue California and the research team of Jing Liang, PhD, from the David Geffen School of Medicine, Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology and Neurobiology.

The researchers reported that laboratory mice given an excess of alcohol and cradled in a V-shaped hammock in an intoxicated state rose from their cradles 10 times more quickly if they were given BluCetin after alcohol consumption. Additionally, BluCetin-supplemented mice exhibited fewer withdrawal symptoms. The study was published in The Journal of Neuroscience’s January 4, 2012, issue.

The researchers also add that preliminary human studies by the same researchers show that BluCetin is effective in alleviating typical hangover symptoms and may also reduce the intoxicating effects of alcohol consumption.

Blue California says that additional human studies are being conducted to confirm the effect of BluCetin in reducing blood alcohol levels within a few hours of alcohol intake.