Dihydromyricetin (DHM) is a natural flavonoid compound that has recently gained attention for its powerful effects on health and metabolism. This article will examine what DHM is, its sources, properties, applications, and current state of research.

What is Dihydromyricetin?

Dihydromyricetin, also known as ampelopsin, is a flavanonol, a type of flavonoid antioxidant found in various plants. Chemically, it is derived from the flavonoid myricetin by hydrogenation of the 2,3-double bond.

Dihydromyricetin Powder has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine. It has more recently become the subject of scientific investigation for its potential health benefits.

Brief Background and Traditional Use

The stems and leaves of the Hovenia dulcis tree, also known as Japanese raisin tree or oriental raisin tree, have been used in traditional Chinese medicine preparations for centuries. DHM was first isolated from H. dulcis in the 1970s.

Traditionally, DHM was utilized for treating alcohol toxicity and liver conditions. It continues to be used in Traditional Chinese Medicine today.

Importance of Understanding DHM

The unique chemistry and pharmacology of DHM point to diverse therapeutic and health-promoting properties that warrant further research. Understanding its chemical structure, biological actions, and sources can aid research and applications.

Chemical Composition and Natural Sources

Molecular Structure

The molecular formula of DHM is C15H14O7. Its chemical structure consists of two benzene rings connected by a 3-carbon bridge, with multiple hydroxyl groups. DHM is chemically similar to other flavonoid compounds. [1]

Natural Sources

DHM is found in various plant sources, including:

- Hovenia dulcis (Japanese raisin tree) - stems, leaves, fruit

- Ampelopsis grossedentata (vine tea)

- Acacia confuse (KImage: :think:uzzing wattle)

- Metasequoia glyptostroboides (dawn redwood)

Commercial DHM is primarily extracted from H. dulcis due to its high content. [2]

Extraction and Purification

Dihydromyricetin Bulk Powder can be extracted from plant sources using solvents like alcohol/water mixtures. Purification often involves column chromatography and preparative HPLC. DHM purity and yields can vary significantly depending on technique. [3]

Pharmacological Properties

Research indicates DHM possesses a range of beneficial pharmacological properties:

Potent Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Effects

DHM demonstrates strong free radical scavenging activity in vitro. Animal studies show it reduces markers of oxidative stress and inflammation in tissues. [4]

Influences Alcohol Metabolism

DHM speeds up alcohol clearance by increasing liver alcohol dehydrogenase activity and acetaldehyde metabolism. This is believed to contribute to its hangover relief effects. [5]

Potential Applications in Liver Health

DHM may help treat and prevent liver damage by protecting liver cells, reducing fat accumulation, stimulating regeneration, and exerting antioxidant effects. [6]

Ongoing research continues to uncover mechanisms behind DHM's biological activity.

Scientific Research and Findings

Key research highlights the promise of Dihydromyricetin Powder:

Effects on Alcohol Metabolism and Toxicity

Multiple human and animal studies demonstrate DHM's ability to speed alcohol clearance from the blood and reduce hangover severity. It also protects the liver from alcohol-induced injury. [7]

Liver Health Benefits

Studies indicate DHM holds promise for improving non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and preventing liver fibrosis. It shows hepatoprotective activity in animal models of liver toxicity and disease. [8]

Other Potential Uses

Early research points to neuroprotective, antimicrobial, immune-stimulating, and anticancer properties for DHM. More studies are needed to confirm effects and applications. [9]

Overall, DHM shows diverse therapeutic potential warranting further investigation.

Industrial and Commercial Uses

DHM is growing in popularity as an ingredient and supplement:

Dietary Supplements

DHM is commonly found in supplements marketed for hangover relief, liver detox/health, or as an antioxidant. Popular forms include capsules, powders, and tablets. [10]

Functional Beverages

Beverage companies have incorporated DHM into products addressing alcohol metabolism, liver function, or wellness. Most aim to reduce alcohol's negative effects. [11]

Regulatory Status

In the US, DHM is considered GRAS (generally recognized as safe) as a supplement ingredient. Regulation varies in other countries. Academic experts largely recognize its safe use backed by available data. [12]

Market Trends

Consumer interest in DHM is rising, particularly among those looking to counterbalance alcohol consumption or support liver health. Sales growth is expected to continue with increasing research and awareness. [13]

Criticisms and Controversies

Like any supplement, DHM has drawbacks and debates:

Efficacy for Alcohol Effects

Some critique the strength of evidence for DHM's ability to relieve hangovers or reduce alcohol intoxication in humans. Larger clinical trials are still needed. [14]

Safety Concerns

A lack of human toxicity data makes the long-term safety profile of DHM supplementation unclear. Some question usage without more data. [15]

Industry Response

Manufacturers argue existing toxicity studies and consumer use records support safety at typical doses. They also cite increasing clinical research on efficacy. [16]

While promising, DHM requires further substantiation to confirm optimal applications.

What is Dihydromyricetin Used For?

Common uses of DHM include:

- Hangovers - reducing headache, nausea, dizziness

- Liver health - protecting liver cells, improving enzyme levels

- Alcohol effects - decreasing intoxication, enhancing alcohol metabolism

- Antioxidant source - reducing oxidative stress and damage

- Anti-inflammatory - alleviating tissue inflammation

- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease - reducing fat accumulation

- Liver detox/regeneration - stimulating liver cell repair

- Anxiety and stress - providing relaxant effects

Research also indicates potential uses for cancer, cognition, bacterial infections, muscle spasms, and more. Further studies are validating applications.

What Does DHM Do for the Body?

DHM has shown a variety of biological effects:

- Increases alcohol metabolism and clearance

- Protects liver cells by reducing alcohol-induced toxicity and injury

- Acts as an antioxidant to reduce oxidative stress

- Demonstrates anti-inflammatory activity in tissues

- May enhance GABA receptors, producing relaxant effects

- Appears to support liver function and regeneration

- Early findings suggest neuroprotective, anti-anxiety, and anticancer effects

The mechanisms behind DHM’s effects are still under investigation but appear multi-faceted.

What is the Purpose of DHM?

Key purposes and goals of using DHM include:

- Counteracting effects of alcohol intoxication and hangovers

- Protecting the liver from alcohol toxicity and damage

- Supporting liver health and function in general

- Providing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity

- Boosting the metabolism of alcohol for quicker clearance

- Reducing anxiety, insomnia, muscle tension, and pain

- Potentially preventing and treating diseases influenced by inflammation, oxidation, lipids or toxins

DHM shows promise as a protective supplement that may mitigate the impacts of alcohol, toxins, and harmful conditions on health.

Is Dihydromyricetin Safe to Take?

According to available data, DHM appears relatively safe in typical supplemental doses:

- Animal toxicity studies show high lethal doses far exceeding normal intakes. [17]

- Human trials report mainly mild side effects like drowsiness at higher doses. [18]

- No deaths or serious adverse events attributed to DHM supplementation.

- General recognition as GRAS by US and European regulatory bodies for supplements. [19]

- Anecdotal reports largely support safety at recommended doses.

However, more clinical safety data is still needed, especially for long-term intake. As with any supplement, caution is advised.

Does DHM Help with Hangovers?

Multiple human studies have found DHM reduces hangover severity and recovery time:

- Decreases headaches, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, and other symptoms [20]

- Speeds up alcohol clearance from blood to reduce intoxication [21]

- Protects liver cells and counters inflammation caused by alcohol [22]

- Appears most effective when taken before and during drinking

While not a cure, DHM shows promise as a supportive Hangover remedy. More clinical trials will help validate ideal applications.

How to Use DHM?

Typical serving sizes range from 200-500mg taken 30-60 minutes before drinking alcohol. Duration of use depends on purpose:

- For hangovers - Single serving with alcohol

- For liver health - 2-4 weeks generally recommended

- For anxiety - As needed, but don't combine with alcohol

Start with lower doses and increase slowly as tolerated. Talk to your doctor before using with medications or if you have liver conditions.

Conclusion

In summary, DHM is a promising natural compound with a long history of traditional use. Research continues to unveil its mechanisms and potential applications in areas like liver health, alcohol metabolism, and disease prevention. Commercial use in supplements is rising accordingly. While considered reasonably safe at typical doses, larger clinical safety trials will provide greater clarity. DHM remains an intriguing natural medicine warranting further investigation.

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] https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Dihydromyricetin

[2] https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/chemistry/dihydromyricetin

[3] https://www.hindawi.com/journals/jchem/2013/186028/

[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5621344/

[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3292407/

[6] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24168342/

[7] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3292407/

[8] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25394180/

[9] https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/26/7/1910

[10] https://examine.com/supplements/dihydromyricetin/

[11] https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dihydromyricetin-dhm-market-size-worth-195-million-by-2028-grand-view-research-inc-301220461.html

[12] https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2018.01157/full

[13] https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2021/04/15/2210861/0/en/Global-Dihydromyricetin-Market-to-Grow-at-a-CAGR-of-5-7-from-2021-to-2028.html

[14] https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10826084.2021.1875519

[15] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6547601/

[16] https://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Article/2021/06/09/Dihydromyricetin-for-liver-health-and-alcohol-overconsumption-Despite-patents-barrier-to-entry-is-low-says-Lonza#

[17] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32912745/

[18] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3292407/

[19] https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2018.01157/full

[20] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3292407/

[21] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6983467/

[22] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25394180/