On January 4, UCLA researchers reported that they had identified how a component of an ancient Chinese herbal anti-hangover medicine called dihydromyricetin, isolated from the plant Hovenia, counteracts acute alcohol intoxication and withdrawal symptoms. Their findings were reported online on January 4 in the journal Neuroscience. In a rat study, the researchers found that dihydromyricetin blocks the action of alcohol on the brain and neurons and also reduces voluntary alcohol consumption, with no major side effects. Specifically, dihydromyricetin inhibited alcohol's effect on the brain's GABAA receptors, specific sites targeted by chemicals from brain cells. Alcohol normally enhances the GABAA receptors' influence in slowing brain cell activity, reducing the ability to communicate and increasing sleepiness, which are common symptoms of drunkenness. Because of the successful results, the researchers are planning human clinical trials, the researchers said.
The research team determined that dihydromyricetin may provide a molecular target and cellular mechanism to counteract alcohol intoxication and dependence, leading to new therapeutic treatments — all based on an ancient "folk medicine" treatment that has been used by humans for at least 500 years.
Alcohol use disorders are the most common form of substance abuse, affecting more than 76 million people worldwide, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Only an estimated 13% of individuals identified as having an alcohol use disorder receive medical treatment, partly due to a lack of effective medications without major side effects. Although alcohol impacts most organ systems, its effect on the brain in developing intoxicating, sedative and addictive properties is critical.
The study authors: Associate Professor Jing Liang, M.D., Ph.D., and Professor Richard W. Olsen, Ph.D., both from the department of molecular and medical pharmacology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, are available for interviews.
The study was funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
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