What is DHM? A Deep Dive into Dihydromyricetin

October 7, 2025 •

5 min read

Globally, alcohol consumption is responsible for 3 million deaths each year and 5.1% of the global burden of disease. In the search for ways to mitigate alcohol's negative effects, a natural flavonoid known as Dihydromyricetin has gained significant attention. So, what is DHM? It is a bioactive compound extracted from plants like the Japanese raisin tree (Hovenia dulcis) and has been used for centuries in traditional medicine.

Quick Summary

Dihydromyricetin (DHM) is a natural flavonoid supplement extracted from plants like Hovenia dulcis. It is studied for its ability to help counter the effects of alcohol, support liver health, and reduce hangover symptoms.

Key Points

What it is: DHM (Dihydromyricetin) is a natural flavonoid extracted from plants like the Japanese raisin tree (Hovenia dulcis).
Hangover Relief: It helps reduce hangover symptoms by speeding up the breakdown of alcohol and its toxic byproduct, acetaldehyde.
Liver Protection: DHM protects the liver by reducing alcohol-induced fat accumulation, inflammation, and oxidative stress.
Brain Effects: It works on the brain's GABAA receptors to counteract alcohol's intoxicating effects and reduce withdrawal symptoms like anxiety.
Mechanism: It enhances the production and efficiency of the liver enzymes ADH and ALDH, which are crucial for metabolizing alcohol.
Safety Profile: DHM is generally considered safe and well-tolerated, with minimal reported side effects in short-term studies.
Traditional Use: It has been used for centuries in traditional Asian medicine as a remedy for alcohol intoxication and liver ailments.

Introduction to Dihydromyricetin (DHM)

Dihydromyricetin, also known as ampelopsin or DHM, is a naturally occurring flavonoid compound. It is most famously extracted from the Japanese raisin tree (Hovenia dulcis) and Ampelopsis grossedentata (vine tea), plants that have a long history of use in traditional Chinese, Japanese, and Korean medicine. For centuries, these botanicals were used to treat a variety of ailments, including fever, liver diseases, and as a remedy for alcohol intoxication and hangovers. Today, modern science is investigating these traditional uses, revealing the complex pharmacological mechanisms behind DHM's effects.

The Multifaceted Mechanism of Action

DHM's efficacy, particularly in relation to alcohol consumption, stems from its ability to act on the body through several distinct pathways. It doesn't just mask symptoms; it actively intervenes in the physiological processes affected by alcohol.

Enhancing Alcohol Metabolism

The primary way DHM combats alcohol's effects is by supporting the liver's natural detoxification process. When you consume alcohol (ethanol), the liver metabolizes it into a highly toxic compound called acetaldehyde, which is a major contributor to hangover symptoms like headache and nausea. Your body then uses another enzyme to break acetaldehyde down into harmless acetate.

Studies have shown that DHM helps the liver perform this process more efficiently. It achieves this by:

Boosting Enzyme Production: DHM signals the liver to produce more of the key enzymes responsible for breaking down alcohol and acetaldehyde: alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH).
Increasing Enzyme Efficiency: It enhances the activity of existing ADH and ALDH enzymes, allowing them to metabolize alcohol and its toxic byproducts at a faster rate. This rapid clearance reduces the time your body is exposed to the harmful effects of acetaldehyde.

Modulating Brain Receptors

Beyond the liver, DHM also acts directly on the brain. Alcohol exerts many of its intoxicating effects by enhancing the activity of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter. This causes feelings of relaxation and sedation. DHM appears to interact with the brain's GABAA receptors. Research in animal models suggests that DHM can counteract alcohol's influence on these receptors, effectively reducing levels of intoxication and symptoms of withdrawal like anxiety. This action is what helps reduce the feelings of fogginess and anxiety associated with hangovers. DHM's interaction with the benzodiazepine (BZ) site on GABAA receptors is thought to be key to this anti-alcohol effect.

Protecting the Liver (Hepatoprotective Effects)

Chronic and excessive alcohol consumption is a leading cause of liver disease. DHM demonstrates significant hepatoprotective (liver-protecting) properties through several mechanisms:

Reduces Fat Accumulation: Heavy drinking can lead to a buildup of fat in the liver (hepatic steatosis), a precursor to more serious conditions like cirrhosis. Studies show DHM helps reduce this lipid accumulation by activating key metabolic enzymes like AMPK.
Anti-Inflammatory Action: Alcohol consumption triggers the release of inflammatory agents called cytokines in the liver, which contribute to cellular damage. DHM has been shown to significantly reduce the levels of these pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-17.
Antioxidant Properties: The metabolism of alcohol generates significant oxidative stress in the liver. DHM exhibits powerful antioxidant activities, helping to neutralize harmful free radicals and protect liver cells from damage. It may achieve this by activating protective signaling pathways like Nrf2.

DHM vs. Other Hangover Remedies

How does DHM stack up against common go-to remedies for the morning after?


Remedy	Mechanism of Action	Addresses Root Cause?	Key Limitations
Dihydromyricetin (DHM)	Enhances ADH and ALDH enzyme activity to speed up acetaldehyde breakdown; modulates GABA receptors in the brain.	Yes, by accelerating toxin metabolism and addressing neurological effects.	Poor bioavailability can limit effects; works best when taken before or during drinking.
Water / Electrolytes	Rehydration to combat the diuretic effect of alcohol.	Partially, addresses dehydration but not acetaldehyde toxicity or inflammation.	Does not speed up the elimination of alcohol or its toxic byproducts.
Pain Relievers (e.g., NSAIDs)	Inhibit prostaglandin synthesis to reduce headache and muscle pain.	No, only masks pain symptoms.	Can irritate the stomach lining, which may already be sensitive from alcohol. Does not affect alcohol metabolism.
Coffee / Caffeine	Acts as a central nervous system stimulant to temporarily counteract fatigue.	No, only masks symptoms of grogginess.	Is also a diuretic, which can worsen dehydration if not balanced with water intake.
"Greasy" Food	May slow the absorption of any remaining alcohol in the stomach.	No, does not help metabolize alcohol already in the system.	Can be difficult to digest and may worsen stomach upset for some individuals.

Safety and Considerations

DHM is generally considered safe and is well-tolerated in short-term human studies, with minimal side effects reported. When side effects do occur, they are typically mild and may include minor gastrointestinal discomfort. Importantly, studies have found little to no evidence of DHM causing liver injury; in fact, it is studied for its liver-protective qualities.

Usage: As a dietary supplement, there is no single clinically validated method for usage. However, commercial supplements and studies describe various approaches. Some sources mention taking it before or during drinking for potential hangover prevention.
Bioavailability: A key limitation of DHM is its poor bioavailability, meaning it is not easily absorbed by the body. This might be why benefits seen in animal studies are not always replicated to the same degree in humans.
Drug Interactions: In vitro studies suggest DHM may inhibit certain CYP enzymes (CYP3A4, CYP2E1, CYP2D6) involved in drug metabolism. Therefore, individuals taking prescription medications should consult a healthcare professional before using DHM.

Conclusion

So, what is DHM? It is a powerful natural flavonoid with a long history of use and a growing body of scientific evidence supporting its benefits. Its unique, multi-pronged mechanism of action—enhancing alcohol metabolism, protecting the liver from inflammation and oxidative stress, and modulating brain receptors—sets it apart from other hangover remedies that merely mask symptoms. While its poor bioavailability presents a challenge, DHM stands out as a promising supplement for mitigating the negative health consequences of alcohol consumption, from the immediate discomfort of a hangover to the longer-term risks of liver damage. As with any supplement, consulting a healthcare provider is a crucial step before incorporating it into your routine.

Authoritative Link: For more in-depth toxicological and clinical information, consult the National Institutes of Health's entry on Dihydromyricetin in the LiverTox database.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dihydromyricetin (DHM) is a natural plant-based flavonoid, or plant compound, extracted from the Japanese raisin tree (Hovenia dulcis) and Ampelopsis grossedentata (vine tea). It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and is now sold as a dietary supplement.

DHM helps with hangovers primarily by enhancing the activity of liver enzymes (ADH and ALDH) that metabolize alcohol and its toxic byproduct, acetaldehyde, more quickly. It also interacts with GABA receptors in the brain to reduce feelings of intoxication and next-day anxiety.

Yes, studies suggest DHM has significant liver-protective (hepatoprotective) effects. It helps reduce fat accumulation, inflammation, and oxidative stress in the liver caused by alcohol consumption.

There is no official medical guidance on usage. However, dietary supplements and short-term human trials describe various approaches, sometimes involving taking DHM before or during drinking.

DHM is generally considered safe and well-tolerated. The most commonly reported side effects are infrequent and mild, such as minor gastrointestinal discomfort. It has not been linked to clinically apparent liver injury.

For potential effectiveness in preventing hangover symptoms, some research and product recommendations suggest taking DHM before you start drinking, during drinking, or immediately after your last drink.

Animal studies have shown that DHM can reduce symptoms associated with alcohol withdrawal, such as anxiety and seizure sensitivity, by acting on the brain's GABAA receptors. It is being studied as a potential candidate for treating alcohol use disorders.

No, DHM does not induce intoxication or sedation. While it helps the body process alcohol more efficiently, it does not instantly make a person sober. Its effects are on accelerating the body's natural metabolic processes.