A new dietary supplement recently hit markets, promising an almost perfect cure from hangovers with zero side effects. Dihydromyricetin (DHM), sometimes called Ampelopsin or Ampeloptin, shows very promising results amongst other so-called hangover cures based on trials performed on rats, mice, and humans.

Research has been ongoing since 2007 and even double blind tests have been met with the same amazing results, near zero side effects from binge drinking and a reduction in a desire to drink. DHM is a flavinol of an ancient tree that continues to show counteractive effects of acute alcohol (EtOH) intoxication.

Dihydromyricetin is an exact from the bark of the cedrus deodara tree. Also called the Himalayan ceder, this tree grows in deciduous regions of southern China, eastern Afghanistan, northern Pakistan, northern India, and southwestern Tibet and Nepal. It grows to a height of nearly 200 feet in mountainous regions of about 500 to 100,500 feet. The gorgeous coniferous evergreen tree is known as ‘tree of the gods’ among the locals and is seen as a spiritual tree.

It has a long history in herbal Ayurveda and is well-recorded for centuries for its therapeutic applications. The inner wood is used for incense, the essential oils make for excellent insect repellant on the feet of camels and hooves of horses, and it contains natural anti-fungal properties, leading to its use as a long-lasting building medium. Its other main uses are for a natural preservative during the shipping of spices, meat, grains, and textiles.

The outer bark is highly astringent, leading to its use for treating respiratory problems, like asthma. It is so potent that those suffering reportedly find benefit by simply sitting under the tree in the early morning as dew mixes with the air and pulls the aromatic oils down for them to breathe. Its characteristic woodsy odour, much like its cousins the ceders in California [1], lead to its usage of floor polishes, disinfectants, soaps, essential oils, and insecticides.

Its most recent rise to fame is for the large amounts of dihydromyricetin (ampelopsin) extracted among other taxifolin, phenols, terpenes, esters, aldehydes, ketones, and alcohols. The flavanol DHM is also less commonly found in the Japanese raisin tree (Hovenia dulcis) and Erythrophleum africanum. Its main effects are that of a hepatprotective and gaba/alcohol receptor inhibitor. (Hepatprotective meaning liver/blood protector. Gaba receptor cells uptake alcohol during consumption and the resulting loss of function from loss of GABA uptake produces the effects of intoxication.)

In China, DHM is commonly known as Teng Cha and is sold/used as a herbal remedy to alleviate fevers, drunkness, cure rheumatism, strengthen physique, diuresis, and many other functions.

Dihydromyricetin Solubility and Stability
DHM, as a substance, is easy soluble in hot water. It is also soluble in ethanol, acetone and/or methanol — hot or cold. Ampelopsin is only slightly soluble in acetic ether, and is completely insoluble in chloroform and petroleum ether.

DHM is stable in heat, but when heated to 100℃ or above, it is irreversibly oxidized. The substance is stable in acidity and neutral.