Ampelopsin — Dihydromyricetin DHM (Flavanonol · Liver Support · Alcohol Metabolism)

Compound	Ampelopsin (Dihydromyricetin / DHM)
Chemical class	Polyphenol — Flavanonol (3,5,7,3′,4′,5′-Hexahydroxyflavanone)
CAS	27200-12-0
Primary source	Ampelopsis grossedentata (vine tea / tengcha), Hovenia dulcis (Japanese raisin tree)
Key applications	Hepatoprotective, alcohol metabolism, anti-inflammatory
Claim strength	Moderate
Typical form	Vine tea (Ampelopsis) extract; DHM isolate

Name origin: Ampelopsin derives from Ampelopsis, the primary botanical source. Also widely known as dihydromyricetin (DHM) — myricetin with the C2=C3 double bond reduced. In the herbal beverage market, it is associated with vine tea (Ampelopsis grossedentata), a traditional Chinese herbal tea consumed in Guangdong province. Traditional use: Vine tea has been consumed for centuries in South China for hangover relief, liver protection, and as a general health tonic. Hovenia dulcis fruit preparations have similar traditional use across East Asia for alcohol detoxification. DHM is now understood to be the primary bioactive responsible for these properties. Research trajectory: DHM has attracted significant research interest for alcohol metabolism acceleration and GABAergic receptor modulation. UCLA research (Jing Liang laboratory) has produced notable preclinical evidence for its effects on alcohol tolerance and withdrawal. Commercial source: Herbuno does not currently carry a dedicated DHM/ampelopsin extract (product-pending).

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Evidence for Ampelopsin Applications

Alcohol metabolism and hepatoprotection: DHM accelerates alcohol clearance in animal studies by activating alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) enzymes, reducing blood alcohol concentration and acetaldehyde accumulation. Human pilot data support acute hangover symptom reduction with pre- or co-administration. Anti-steatotic effects in alcoholic liver disease models are documented. Claim strength: Moderate.

GABAergic modulation and alcohol dependence: UCLA laboratory studies show DHM normalises GABA-A receptor function dysregulated by chronic alcohol exposure in rodent models, reducing alcohol craving and withdrawal severity. This is a scientifically compelling but preclinical mechanism relevant to alcohol cessation support formulations. Claim strength: Emerging (robust preclinical; early human).

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant: DHM suppresses NF-κB, reduces hepatic oxidative stress, and activates Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. As a hexahydroxylated flavanonol, it has very high radical-scavenging capacity. Anti-inflammatory activity in liver, adipose, and neural tissue models is well-documented. Claim strength: Moderate.

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Dosage & Formulator Specification

Alcohol metabolism applications: 300–600 mg DHM taken 30–60 minutes before alcohol consumption, or at time of drinking. This range is derived from commercially marketed hangover products and extrapolation from animal pharmacokinetic data. No formal human dose-escalation study has been published for alcohol metabolism specifically.

Anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective applications: 200–500 mg/day DHM, taken with meals. For hepatoprotection in the context of regular alcohol consumption, split dosing (morning and evening) is rationally preferred.

Specify DHM purity by HPLC (≥98% for isolate applications; ≥50% for vine tea extract). Vine tea extract and Hovenia dulcis extract are the primary commercial sources. DHM has good water solubility and is compatible with capsule, tablet, and powder sachet formats. Stable under standard processing conditions.

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Frequently Asked Questions — Ampelopsin / DHM

Does DHM genuinely reduce alcohol intoxication?
Animal studies show measurable reductions in blood alcohol concentration and behavioural signs of intoxication. Small human observations support acute hangover symptom reduction. However, no rigorously designed human RCT has demonstrated clinically significant blood alcohol reduction in humans. Current evidence warrants “may support alcohol metabolism” language rather than claims of intoxication reversal.

How does DHM affect GABA-A receptors?
Chronic alcohol exposure dysregulates GABA-A receptor subunit composition, increasing δ-subunit expression and altering receptor sensitivity. DHM has been shown to normalise this dysregulation in preclinical models, effectively “resetting” GABA-A receptor function. This mechanism has implications for alcohol dependence and potentially for anxiety and sleep disorders, though human data are limited.

Is vine tea the same as green tea?
No. Vine tea is made from Ampelopsis grossedentata leaves, a different plant family from Camellia sinensis (green tea). Vine tea has a distinctive white crystalline appearance due to high DHM content (up to 30–40% of dry leaf weight). The catechin and caffeine content of vine tea is very low; DHM dominates the polyphenol profile.

Is DHM appropriate for inclusion in a daily liver support formulation?
Yes, for individuals with regular alcohol consumption or fatty liver risk. DHM’s anti-steatotic, antioxidant, and ADH/ALDH-activating mechanisms make it a rational ingredient in liver support blends alongside silymarin, NAC, and phosphatidylcholine. Ensure clinical language reflects the moderate evidence base: “may support healthy liver function” rather than therapeutic liver disease claims.

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Claim-strength scale – High = multiple human RCTs; Moderate = limited trials or strong preclinical convergence; Emerging = early-stage lab or animal data.

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