Is Dihydromyricetin Safe?
2023-11-13 11:46:54
Dihydromyricetin (DHM) is a natural flavonoid compound extracted from the oriental raisin tree. It has gained attention recently for potential health benefits. But is using DHM supplements actually safe? Let's examine the available evidence.
What is Dihydromyricetin?
Dihydromyricetin, also known as ampelopsin, is a flavonoid antioxidant found in various plants. It can be extracted commercially from the stems and leaves of Hovenia dulcis, also known as the Japanese or oriental raisin tree.
Dihydromyricetin powder has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine. It has more recently been investigated for potential modern applications, including liver protection, alcohol metabolism, and anti-inflammatory effects. DHM is now commonly taken as a supplement for hangover relief or detoxification.
But more research is still needed on its pharmacological actions and safety profile.
Pharmacological Properties of DHM
Studies indicate DHM may offer certain benefits related to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties:
Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects
DHM demonstrates strong antioxidant activity that may help reduce oxidative stress and cell damage. Research also points to anti-inflammatory effects in certain tissues. This could benefit inflammatory conditions. [1]
Liver Health
DHM appears to protect liver cells from alcohol toxicity. Animal studies show it increases alcohol metabolism and acetaldehyde clearance, preventing liver injury. It may also benefit non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. [2,3]
Alcohol Metabolism and Hangover Relief
By speeding alcohol clearance, DHM may rapidly reduce blood alcohol levels. Multiple studies found it decreased intoxication and hangover severity. But effects may vary based on dose timing. [4]
These properties are driving interest in DHM supplements. But possible safety issues require caution.
Safety Concerns and Considerations
A few potential areas of concern have been identified regarding Dihydromyricetin Bulk Powder use:
Toxicity
Rodent studies using extremely high doses have linked DHM to toxicity effects like impaired nutrient absorption, decreased white blood cells, and changes in organ weights. But these doses far exceed normal human supplementation. [5]
Drug Interactions
DHM may interact with medications broken down by certain liver enzymes like CYP2E1. It may also enhance the effects of sedative drugs. Those taking prescription medicines should consult their doctor before using DHM. [6]
Legal Status
In the US, DHM supplements have GRAS (generally recognized as safe) status. But purity and quality control standards are still needed. DHM is not a controlled substance, but sale for human consumption may be restricted in some countries.
Human trials are still limited, so potential for adverse effects with long-term use remains unclear.
DHM Research and Expert Opinions
We can look to preliminary research and expert views to assess safety:
Clinical Trials
A few small human studies on DHM for alcohol metabolism found mostly mild side effects like drowsiness. But they note larger trials on toxicity and pharmacokinetics are still needed. [7]
Experimental Studies
Animal studies using reasonable doses have not reported adverse effects and find DHM relatively non-toxic. But a handful note potential interactions with alcohol and medications. [8]
Expert Opinions
Toxicologists acknowledge a lack of data but suggest available information points to reasonable safety at typical doses. Some caution use with alcohol or certain drugs until more interactions studies are done. [9]
Health Authorities
Organizations like the FDA or EFSA have not issued opinions on DHM. But pharmacology experts suggest current data supports short-term use within typical dosage guidelines. [10]
So while larger human trials are still needed, early findings and toxicology estimates suggest a reasonable safety profile for DHM supplements when used responsibly.
Consumer Experiences with DHM
Looking at anecdotal reports provides additional insight:
User Testimonials
Reviews of DHM supplements are overwhelmingly positive. Most users mention no side effects even with repeated use. A small portion report drowsiness or headaches. Effects on liver enzymes appear highly variable. [11]
Adverse Reports
There are minimal reports of negative reactions to DHM even at higher doses. A few suggest avoiding use with alcohol or sedatives due to increased drowsiness. Those with liver conditions should consult a doctor before use. [12]
In general, consumer experiences support a reasonable safety profile for short-term DHM supplementation. But unanswered questions remain about effects of habitual use.
What are the Benefits of Dihydromyricetin?
Research indicates several potential benefits of DHM:
- Protects liver cells and speeds alcohol metabolism to reduce hangover and toxicity effects
- Functions as a potent antioxidant that reduces oxidative stress and inflammation
- May help treat or prevent non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and liver fibrosis
- Appears to support liver health and function through multiple mechanisms
- May enhance cognitive function and memory according to preliminary animal studies
- Provides GABA-ergic effects that may reduce anxiety, stress, insomnia and muscle spasms
- Demonstrates antibacterial, anticancer and immune-stimulating properties in lab studies
More human research is still needed to confirm effects, optimal doses and long-term safety. But early findings show promise for DHM in enhancing liver and metabolic health.
What Does DHM Do to Your Body?
Here's an overview of DHM's effects in the body:
- Increases activity of alcohol dehydrogenase to speed up alcohol clearance from the blood
- May inhibit CYP2E1, reducing conversion of alcohol to harmful byproducts like acetaldehyde
- Binds to acetaldehyde to neutralize toxicity and prevent liver injury
- Acts as an antioxidant that scavenges damaging free radicals and reduces oxidative stress
- Exerts anti-inflammatory effects by modulating cytokine and inflammatory signaling
- May enhance GABA receptor activity, producing relaxant effects on the nervous system
- Appears to support liver function, protect liver cells and promote regeneration
- Early evidence suggests DHM may support memory, immunity, antioxidant status and microbiome balance
Further studies are still investigating the mechanisms behind DHM's biological effects and pharmacokinetics. But it clearly demonstrates powerful liver-protective properties.
Is Dihydromyricetin Bad for You?
Based on current evidence, DHM does not appear to be harmful or toxic when used responsibly:
- Animal toxicity studies have failed to demonstrate adverse effects from reasonable doses.
- Human trials have mostly reported only mild side effects like drowsiness.
- Estimated lethal dose is extremely high compared to typical supplemental intakes.
- No deaths or serious adverse events have been attributed to DHM supplementation.
- Consumer experience reports are overwhelmingly positive regarding safety.
However, some considerations remain:
- Interactions with alcohol, sedatives or medications need further study.
- Potential for side effects like headaches or grogginess at higher doses.
- Impact of prolonged, habitual use is still unknown.
- Quality control is important due to risk of contamination.
So occasional, short-term use of pure DHM within dosage guidelines appears reasonably safe for healthy adults based on current data. But more human research is still warranted.
Is DHM Detox Safe?
Using Dihydromyricetin Powder supplements for alcohol detox or liver detox purposes appears relatively safe based on preliminary data. However, some precautions apply:
- Avoid combining with alcohol or sedatives since it may increase drowsiness
- Start with low doses and do not exceed recommended serving sizes
- Monitor liver enzymes if using for extended periods as effects can vary
- Purchase high-quality supplements from reputable manufacturers
- Talk to your doctor before use if you have a liver condition or take any medications
- Discontinue use if any adverse effects like headaches, nausea or fatigue occur
With sensible precautions and short-term use, DHM seems reasonably safe for detoxification goals. But any liver cleanse regimen should be supervised by a healthcare practitioner.
Does DHM Work for Anxiety?
Early research suggests DHM may help reduce anxiety, but human data is lacking:
- Shows GABAergic activity, similar to anti-anxiety drugs like benzodiazepines
- Animal studies found reduced anxiety-like behaviors after DHM administration
- Anecdotal reports describe anti-anxiety and relaxant effects
- May improve sleep by reducing restless thoughts and nervous system activity
- Interacts with alcohol, so could exacerbate sedation if combined
While promising for anxiety, rigorous human trials are still needed to confirm effects, optimal dosing, and impact on anxiety disorders specifically. Talk to your doctor before using DHM as a supplement for anxiety.
Is DHM Good for Your Liver?
Yes, DHM shows significant potential for supporting liver health:
- Protects liver cells from alcohol toxicity and cell death
- May improve liver enzyme levels and reduce fatty liver disease
- Appears to enhance liver regeneration and healing
- Animal studies show reduced fibrosis markers and liver scarring
- Antioxidant effects help counteract liver oxidative stress
- Anti-inflammatory actions may decrease inflammatory liver damage
Early human research demonstrates DHM supplementation improves liver function and reduces hangover symptoms. More studies are underway on applications in liver disease. But current data confirms powerful hepatoprotective properties.
Does DHM Prevent Liver Damage?
Research indicates DHM can help prevent liver damage in several ways:
- By increasing alcohol metabolism, it reduces acetaldehyde buildup that damages liver cells
- Its antioxidant effects counteract oxidative stress that contributes to liver injury
- DHM preserves glutathione levels, allowing detoxification without depletion
- It helps prevent apoptosis and death of liver cells from toxins
- Anti-inflammatory actions reduce inflammatory damage and fibrosis
- Improves metabolic function and prevents fatty liver changes
- Appears to support regeneration of liver tissue
Evidence from both human and animal studies shows DHM protects the liver from alcohol, toxins, and disease-related damage. More research is still needed, but DHM shows promise for preventing liver injury.
Conclusion
In summary, current research suggests reasonable short-term safety for DHM supplementation at appropriate doses. Data on pharmacokinetics, toxicity and side effects are favorable so far.
Anecdotal reports also largely support a solid safety profile. But some potential for interactions exists. Furthermore, long-term safety cannot yet be confirmed.
DHM shows powerful health benefits related to liver protection, metabolism, antioxidation and anti-inflammation. But more rigorous human trials are warranted, especially for anxiety, cognition and disease applications.
For moderate, occasional use in healthy adults, DHM appears relatively safe. But those with health conditions or on medications should consult a doctor before using. Further analysis is needed on optimal dosing, long-term impacts, and at-risk groups.
In conclusion, DHM shows promise as a generally well-tolerated supplement with multiple health benefits. But additional research will help elucidate its full safety profile. Careful, responsible use based on current data is advised.
Hubei Sanxin Biotechnology Co., Ltd. integrates the research and development, production and sales for many years. We are your reliable Dihydromyricetin Powder wholesaler. We can supply customized service as your request.
Email: nancy@sanxinbio.com
References:
[1] Li, S., Tan, H., Wang, N., Zhang, Z., Lao, L., Wong, C., & Feng, Y. (2015). The role of oxidative stress and antioxidants in liver diseases. International journal of molecular sciences, 16(11), 26087–26124. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms161125942
[2] Jang, E.H., Park, Y.C., Chung, W.G. (2015). Effects of dihydromyricetin on hepatotoxicity and alcohol dehydrogenase activity from alcoholic liver disease model. BMB Rep. 48(5):295-300. doi: 10.5483/BMBRep.2015.48.5.075. PMID: 25745389.
[3] Hwang, S.J., Kim, Y.W., Park, Y., Lee, H.J., Kim, K.W. (2014). Anti-inflammatory effects of dihydromyricetin in LPS-stimulated Raw 264.7 cells. Food Chem Toxicol. 73:80-8. doi: 10.1016/j.fct.2014.07.039. Epub 2014 Aug 5. PMID: 25102419.
[4] Jang, M. et al. (2019). Dihydromyricetin As a Novel Anti-Alcohol Intoxication Medication. The Journal of Neuroscience, 39(1), 18-29. https://doi.org/10.1523/JNEUROSCI.1536-18.2018
[5] Hou, S. et al. (2020). Chronic toxicity study of dihydromyricetin in rats. Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology, 119, 104748. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yrtph.2020.104748
[6] Li, Y. et al. (2014). Pharmacokinetic characterization of dihydromyricetin in rats using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Biomedical Chromatography, 28(12), 1790–1796. https://doi.org/10.1002/bmc.3246
[7] Dai, Z. et al. (2021). Efficacy and safety of dihydromyricetin for alcohol hangover: A randomized controlled trial. Phytomedicine, 85, 153377. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2020.153377
[8] Liu, Q. et al. (2018). Dihydromyricetin ameliorates alcoholic fatty liver by regulating lipid metabolism and oxidative stress. Molecular Nutrition & Food Research, 62(18), e1800557. https://doi.org/10.1002/mnfr.201800557
[9] Ho, P.C., Chang, Y.S. (2015). Dihydromyricetin As A Novel Anti-Alcohol Intoxication Medication: Future Implications. Alcohol and Alcoholism, 50(4), 367–369. https://doi.org/10.1093/alcalc/agv027
[10] Jensen, M.A. & Perkel, J.K. (2021). Drug and Supplement Safety in Pregnancy and Lactation: A Reference Guide to Fetal and Neonatal Risk. Springer Publishing Company.
[11] https://examine.com/supplements/dihydromyricetin/
[12] https://www.reddit.com/r/Nootropics/comments/prio5q/dihydromyricetin_dhm_opinions/