Ampelopsin – better known as dihydromyricetin (DHM) – has gained a following as an anti-hangover supplement, used to reduce the negative effects of alcohol consumption.
Many people use ampelopsin dietary supplements before drinking alcohol to help them avoid hangovers. Ampelopsin is also being researched for additional health benefits.
Current research reviews on this supplement report anticancer, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, antioxidant, antibacterial and hepatoprotective mechanisms.
Ampelopsin is a bioactive flavonoid compound extracted from the stems and leaves of Ampelopsis grossedentata. Some of these leaves are used to brew vine tea (Rattan tea), a traditional Chinese medicinal beverage.



- Supports liver processing of alcohol
- Promotes liver health & detox
- Anti-oxidant & anti-inflammatory mechanisms
Ampelopsin Benefits for Liver Health
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Ampelopsin, or Dihydromyricetin, is most commonly used as a natural remedy for alcohol hangovers and to prevent some of the harmful effects of alcohol intoxication on the body.
There are various supplement products which contain ampelopsin and are marketed for hangover prevention. The “Sobur hangover support” supplement on Amazon is one popular option, as are “PreToxx” and “Party Night”.
In animal research studies, Ampelopsin has been shown to reduce signs of intoxication and drunkenness after the consumption of alcohol. It may work by reducing the amount of alcohol absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.
Other research suggests that it improves the capacity of the liver to process and metabolize alcohol, resulting in lower levels of acetaldehyde. This is one of the primary reasons why you get a hangover after drinking large quantities of alcohol.
Other studies have shown that it can lower Blood Alcohol Content in animals, attenuate alcohol-induced injuries to the liver, and to help the body detox better after alcohol consumption.
In animal studies involving mice, Ampelopsin extract was also found to reduce the negative symptoms of alcohol withdrawal and to reduce voluntary alcohol consumption.
In rats, ampelopsin has suppressed liver injuries induced by galactosamine and carbon tetrachloride. Ampelopsin derivatives called ampelopsin E and cis-ampelopsin E inhibit the activities of the hepatitis virus.
It seems to protect the liver from from damage, and reverse the pathological destruction of hepatic tissues.
Other hepatoprotective effects of ampelopsin include reducing MDA (malondialdehyde) production and upregulating the activities of SOD (superoxide dismutase).
User reviews seem generally favorable for this purpose, but it is important to note that consumption of large quantities can cause health problems irrespective of whether you take ampelopsin or other liver-protecting supplements.
Additional Effects of Ampelopsin
In preliminary research trials, Ampelopsin demonstrates potential antibacterial effects.
It suppresses both Bacillus subtilis (hay bacillus) and Staphylococcus aureus (“staph”). It also inhibits Aspergillus flavus (pathogenic fungi on grains) and penicillium (blue mold commonly on cheese).
It also shows benefits as an anti-inflammatory supplement. Ampelopsin inhibits acute and subacute inflammation by suppressing the activities of certain inflammatory cytokines.
It can decrease the production of pro-inflammatory mediators like interleukin-1 beta (IL-1?), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-?). Ampelopsin can also selectively suppress the protein and mRNA expression of iNOS (inducible nitric oxide synthase).
Antioxidant Effects of Ampelopsin:
ROS (reactive oxygen species) is associated with various pathogenic processes, particularly those involving chronic low-grade systemic inflammation and cancer.
Ampelopsin seems especially potent at reducing ROS and protecting against these conditions. The antioxidant effects of ampelopsin are believed to be due to its molecular structure. It is similar to TBHQ (tertiary butylhydroquinone).
Lipid oxidation from free radicals and other radical agents can cause damage to cell membranes. This can lead to tissue and organ damage which may be responsible for numerous diseases.
In human red blood cells, ampelopsin demonstrates inhibitory effects concerning oxidative damage induced by H2O2 (hydrogen peroxide).
Research also shows that ampelopsin inhibits the activities of superoxide anion radicals. Further, it slows down lipid peroxidation in cellular mitochondria and liver homogenate. The free radical scavenging effects of ampelopsin seem to be dose-dependent.
Ampelopsin Neuroprotective Effects:
Oxidative stress is considered to be a top cause of most neurodegenerative diseases, like Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and dementia.
By activating Akt (protein kinase B) and ERK (extra signal-regulated kinases) signaling pathways, ampelopsin can strengthen antioxidant defense mechanisms in cells.
Routine administration of ampelopsin may inhibit oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and damage to proteins, lipids and DNA commonly associated with ROS.
Ampelopsin and Cancer Research
The antitumor effects of ampelopsin are the subject of much current research. It seems to induce antiproliferative, antiangiogenic, antimetastatic and proapoptotic actions on tumor cells.
Ampelopsin seems to suppress VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor), thus inhibiting angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels).
In doing so, it may act to deprive tumor cells of the blood and blood nutrients they need to stay alive and progress.
Ampelopsin affects the functioning of multiple signaling pathways which control carcinogenesis. It has inhibited tumor cell growth, prevented metastasis, promoted cell cycle arrest and induced apoptosis (natural cell death) in various cancer cell lines.
Ampelopsin for Cardiovascular Health
Some research has found antiatherosclerotic effects associated with ampelopsin administration.
In rats, it has been shown to significantly reduce triglycerides, LDL-C (low density lipoprotein cholesterol) and total serum cholesterol. Further, it simultaneously increases HDL-C (“good”) cholesterol.
In a human study involving 100 patients with primary hyperlipidemia (excessive blood lipids/lipoproteins), 9-gram doses of ampelopsin were administered daily.
Within 45 days, total cholesterol levels dropped on average by 42%. Triglycerides decreased on average by 72% and total plasma lipids decreased by 28%.
Conclusions
There has been a lot of preliminary research into the effects of ampelopsin/dihydromyricetin, but there is limited human research available,
Ampelopsin has shown anti-cancer, blood sugar regulating, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective and cardio-protective effects in laboratory and animal trials, but results need to be replicated in human studies before efficacy can be determine.
Drinking tea with ampelopsin extracts or using supplements that contain this ingredient may have benefits for protecting the liver from alcohol consumption and reducing hangover symptoms.
However, consumption of large quantities of alcohol is still very harmful to the body and using this supplement will not eliminate the negative effects of drinking.
The phytochemicals found in ampelopsin extract may cause interactions with certain diseases, drugs, herbs and dietary supplements. If you have a medical condition or take medicines, then it is best to seek medical advice before beginning to use ampelopsin products.
There are no standardized dosage recommendations for ampelopsin available at present. Follow the usage instructions provided by the supplement you are using and do not take more than the recommended amount.
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Article last updated on: March 12th, 2018 by Nootriment