As interest grows around natural health supplements, one that is generating buzz but remains elusive is DHM powder.DHM stand s for dihydromyricetin, a bioflavonoid compound found in certain plants. It has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine. Today, DHM supplements are gaining popularity for their array of potential benefits. But what exactly is DHM powder and how does it work? This article will explore what the science says so far about this unique substance.
What is Dihydromyricetin?
Dihydromyricetin (DHM) is a naturally occurring flavonoid, specifically a flavanonol compound. It is chemically classified as 2R,3R-3,5,7-trihydroxy-2,3-dihydroflavonol. DHM can be extracted and concentrated from plants to create a yellowish powder supplement.
The most abundant sources of DHM include:
- Hovenia dulcis - Fruit from this Asian tree contains amply amounts of DHM. It is used to make wine.
- Ampelopsis grossedentata - Leaves from this vine native to Asia supply DHM.
- Myrica rubra - The bark of this Chinese tree provides DHM.
DHM possesses a range of pharmacological activities that underlie its emerging popularity as a supplement.
Mechanisms and Effects of DHM
Research indicates DHM may impart several beneficial effects:
- Liver protection - DHM demonstrates hepatoprotective properties, safeguarding liver cells from toxins and oxidative damage through its antioxidant capabilities. This is key to its traditional use for hangovers.
- Alcohol metabolism - DHM may accelerate alcohol clearance by enhancing the liver enzymes involved in alcohol metabolism. This can lower blood alcohol levels.
- Neuroprotection - Studies show DHM shields neurons from toxicity and apoptosis by modulating receptors like GABA and NMDA. This may protect cognitive function.
- Anti-inflammatory - DHM exhibits anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines, nitric oxide production, and NF-kB activation.
These wide-ranging mechanisms contribute to DHM's potential therapeutic versatility. More human data is still needed to substantiate benefits and optimal clinical applications.
Effects on the Liver
One of the most promising effects of DHM is enhancing liver function. Research shows it:
- Protects hepatocytes from alcohol-induced toxicity by reducing oxidative stress, blocking apoptosis, and preserving mitochondrial function.
- Minimizes liver fat accumulation by inhibiting hepatic lipogenesis and facilitating fatty acid oxidation pathways.
- Speeds up alcohol metabolism by increasing the activity of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH).
- Normalizes elevated liver enzyme levels in response to liver insults.
Through these mechanisms, DHM powder shows potential for supporting a healthy liver and improved recovery from alcohol consumption.
Further research is still required to confirm optimal dosing, timing of supplementation, and long-term safety profile when using DHM powder for liver support. But the early preclinical and pilot data indicates there is substantial potential.
Anti-Hangover Effects
Related to benefits on the liver, DHM gained popularity for easing hangovers:
- By accelerating alcohol metabolism and clearance, DHM may mitigate next-day hangover symptoms.
- Its antioxidant activity helps counteract the free radical damage and inflammation induced by alcohol intoxication.
- DHM increases ADH/ALDH activity which converts alcohol to less toxic byproducts for faster elimination.
- It may reduce headaches, nausea, fatigue, and cognitive symptoms associated with hangovers.
For these reasons, DHM is sometimes marketed as a hangover cure supplement to alleviate the aftereffects of alcohol overconsumption. However, despite the promising mechanisms of action, clinical research on using DHM for hangover mitigation remains limited at this time. There is a need for double-blind, randomized controlled trials specifically evaluating DHM powder for reducing hangover severity in humans after an acute alcohol challenge. Most evidence is currently restricted to animal research. So further studies are required to substantiate performance for hangovers.
Research Supporting DHM
While still an emerging area of research, initial studies on DHM are promising:
- In mice, DHM decreased blood ethanol levels by up to 30% versus controls when given prior to alcohol intake. It accelerated ethanol metabolism.
- A study giving volunteers DHM capsules before and after drinking found significant reductions in blood alcohol levels at various timed measurements.
- Multiple animal studies demonstrate DHM's ability to protect the liver, brain, and other tissues from alcohol-induced toxicity.
- Human trials show DHM can lower liver enzymes and markers of oxidative stress in patients with elevated liver lab tests.
Further placebo-controlled trials are warranted in healthy populations as well, but preliminary research corroborates the traditional use and promising potential of DHM powder.
Using DHM Powder
DHM supplements are typically taken orally in capsule or powder form. Popular doses range from 250-500mg per day, taken with food. For mitigating hangovers, doses are often higher, from 500-1500mg before drinking. It is also sometimes added to pre-made hangover prevention formulas along with vitamins, minerals and electrolytes.
However, optimal dosing recommendations remain uncertain given limited clinical data at this stage. Appropriate supplemental doses likely depend on the specific indication and may need to be personalized based on factors like weight, typical alcohol intake, and individual variation in metabolism.
Certain groups should exercise caution with DHM powder until more safety studies are conducted, including:
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- Children or adolescents
- Those taking medications metabolized by CYP enzymes in the liver
- People with liver conditions or taking hepatotoxic drugs
Adverse effects are not well documented but may potentially include digestive upset or changes in liver enzyme tests at higher doses. As with any supplement, it's recommended to start low, self-monitor for any side effects, and consult your physician before use.
Future Research Directions
While DHM research is still in relatively early phases, future placebo-controlled human trials focused on several areas would be informative:
Evaluating optimal dose timing strategies around alcohol exposure to reduce intoxication levels and next-day hangover occurrence.
Confirming the supplement’s effectiveness for accelerating alcohol clearance rates and preventing hangovers across larger sample sizes. Are benefits seen equally in both men and women? Does impact depend on baseline drinking habits?
Assessing impact of habitual DHM supplementation on markers of liver health and function in patients with existing hepatic conditions like fatty liver disease. Can DHM powder improve lab tests like ALT/AST enzymes chronically?
Testing additive effects of DHM combined with other liver-supporting compounds like silymarin from milk thistle or N-acetylcysteine (NAC). Could combinations have synergy via different mechanisms?
Investigating applications beyond the liver, such as neuronal protection from alcohol neurotoxicity or reducing inflammation after sports injuries when paired with other interventions.
Such studies will further elucidate the appropriate clinical utility and extent of health benefits possible from ongoing use of DHM from Hovenia dulcis or other source plants.
Conclusion
In summary, DHM is a bioactive flavonoid with a range of purported health benefits, especially for liver function and hangover relief. It demonstrates hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that warrant further human research. While current clinical evidence remains limited, DHM powder continues to gain interest as a supplement that may help mitigate alcohol toxicity and support optimal liver health. More controlled trials will better elucidate ideal dosing, safety, and efficacy across different applications.
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References:
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