DHM May Be The Secret to Preventing Alcohol Flush and Hangovers

Some TikTokers swear by a hangover remedy called DHM (dihydromyricetin), a flavonoid found in several plants native to Asia.

DHM has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat fever, colds, parasite infections, liver diseases, and hangovers. Despite limited studies on its clinical benefits, DHM is being included in Western supplements.

What The Research Says

Jing Liang, MD, PhD, a research professor at the University of Southern California’s School of Pharmacy who has been studying DHM for over 15 years, said the compound is a good hangover remedy in Asia.

According to Liang’s research, DHM appears to reduce inflammation and protect against alcohol-induced liver damage, although none of the studies have been conducted in humans so far.

Liang’s research team also found that appropriate doses of DHM can modulate the activity of GABA receptors that regulate dopamine levels. This means DHM can stabilize GABAergic activity and prevent the excessive dopamine release that’s typically triggered by alcohol, which may reduce the rewarding effects of alcohol, mood swings, and potentially alcohol dependence.

How Does DHM Work as a Hangover Remedy?

When the body metabolizes alcohol, it creates a toxic compound called acetaldehyde. An enzyme called aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) is responsible for breaking down acetaldehyde.

Around 36% of East Asians have a genetic variation that inactivates ALDH2, which makes them more susceptible to symptoms like facial flushing and headaches from alcohol consumption. DHM might be able to promote this alcohol-metabolizing enzyme and reduce acetaldehyde, according to a mice study conducted by Liang’s team.

However, DHM has extremely low bioavailability, meaning it’s hard for the body to absorb.

“When you take 100 grams of DHM, only 4% [is what your body can] absorb,” Liang said.

While DHM does exist in foods like blueberries, Liang said someone might need to eat more than 8,000 blueberries to feel the benefits.

Are DHM Supplements Safe?

According to Grant Fowler, MD, chair of family medicine at the Texas Christian University Burnett School of Medicine, the benefits of DHM are still unclear, even though social media continues to market its potential.

Fowler said that critics of flavonoid research, such as studies claiming the health benefits of chocolate and red wine, say that socioeconomic factors often influence the perceived benefits.

He added that many so-called “hangover cures,” like exercising and oxygen therapy, lack solid scientific evidence. However, DHM doesn’t appear unsafe, even though its effectiveness is unproven.

A more significant concern, Fowler said, is why someone would want to regularly drink alcohol to the point of experiencing a hangover.

“It affects your sleep, makes you feel awful, and makes you fatigued after a bender,” Fowler said.

Summary

DHM is a flavonoid that is being marketed as a hangover remedy. However, DHM’s effectiveness remains unproven. Early studies suggest DHM may protect against alcohol-related liver damage, but these studies haven’t been conducted in humans.

DHM supplements have extremely low bioavailability, meaning your body may not absorb enough to experience actual benefits.