Yes, hangovers can be prevented, and naturally. Many studies have been done and there is a long list of natural products such as milk thistle, articoke globe and vitamin B1 that have been proven to prevent and even treat hangovers.
Natural Products for the Prevention and Treatment of Hangover and Alcohol Use Disorder
Fang Wang 1 , Ya Li 1 , Yu-Jie Zhang 1 , Yue Zhou 1 , Sha Li 2 and Hua-Bin Li 1, *
Received: 29 November 2015 ; Accepted: 31 December 2015 ; Published: 7 January 2016
Academic Editor: Derek J. McPhee
1 Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, School of Public Health,
Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; missingfeng@yeah.net (F.W.); saferide@126.com (Y.L.);
zhyujie3@mail2.sysu.edu.cn (Y.-J.Z.); zhouyue3@mail2.sysu.edu.cn (Y.Z.)
2 School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; lishasl0308@163.com
* Correspondence: lihuabin@mail.sysu.edu.cn; Tel.: +86-20-8733-2391
Abstract: Alcoholic beverages such as beer, wine and spirits are widely consumed around the world.
However, alcohol and its metabolite acetaldehyde are toxic and harmful to human beings. Chronic
alcohol use disorder or occasional binge drinking can cause a wide range of health problems, such
as hangover, liver damage and cancer. Some natural products such as traditional herbs, fruits, and
vegetables might be potential dietary supplements or medicinal products for the prevention and
treatment of the problems caused by excessive alcohol consumption. The aim of this review is to
provide an overview of effective natural products for the prevention and treatment of hangover and
alcohol use disorder, and special emphasis is paid to the possible functional component(s) and related
mechanism(s) of action.
Keywords: natural product; hangover; alcohol use disorder; hepatoprotection
1. Introduction
Alcoholic beverages are widely consumed around the world. Alcohol consumption has both
adverse and beneficial effects. The health effects of drinking depend on the quantity and pattern of
alcohol consumption. Although several studies have showed that light to modest alcohol consumption
(especially wine or beer) is linked to a decrease in cardiovascular events and total mortality [1,2],
some studies indicated that the relationship between alcohol consumption and several cardiovascular
diseases is uncertain or negative even at moderate intakes [3–5]. Furthermore, excessive alcohol
consumption adversely affects human health.
Acute binge alcohol ingestion has been associated with hangover symptoms and even organ
damage. In general, hangover is characterized by unpleasant physical and mental symptoms after
alcohol consumption, such as dizziness, headache, fatigue and muscle pain [6,7]. In addition, hangover
has adverse social and economical influence, such as a high incidence rate of traffic and violence
accidents as well as decreased occupational skill and performance [8]. Symptoms of hangover seem
to be the combined result of dehydration, hormonal alterations, dysregulated cytokine pathways,
and the toxic effects of alcohol and acetaldehyde [9]. Excessive ingestion of alcohol, whether acute or
chronic, is responsible for a tremendous disease and disorder, not only alcoholic hepatitis, cirrhosis
and hepatocarcinoma, but also a series of other dysfunctions including pancreatitis, cardiomyopathy,
hypertension, stroke, and fetal alcohol syndrome [10–13]. Excessive consumption of alcohol also results
in damage to the central nervous system, such as polyneuritis, cerebellar degeneration, alcoholic
dementia, pellagra encephalopathy, Marchiafava-Bignami and Wernicke-Korsakoff syndromes [14–16].
Moreover, epidemiological studies have identified chronic alcohol consumption as a significant risk
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factor for cancers of the upper aerodigestive tract (such as oral cavity, pharynx, larynx and esophagus)
and liver [17]. Daily alcohol ingestion of more than 20.44 g was related with an increasing risk of
both liver cancer incidence (hazard ratio (HR) 1.52, 95% CI 1.06–2.18) and liver disease mortality
(HR 6.68, 95% CI 4.16–10.71) [12]. In addition, with long-term overconsumption of alcohol plus
environmental stimuli, alcohol drinking may become habitual, which might be a risk factor for alcohol
use disorder [18]. Alcohol use disorder is a devastating illness that affects a large population. It has
been demonstrated that alcohol use disorder is the World’s third largest risk factor for disease and
disability. It is estimated that overconsumption of alcohol causes 3.8% of all global deaths and 4.6% of
global disability-adjusted life-years [19].
Alcohol metabolism proceeds via oxidative and non-oxidative pathways. The main processes of the
oxidative pathway are mediated by alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase
(ALDH), which transform alcohol into acetaldehyde and then to acetate, respectively [20]. Long-term
chronic alcohol consumption reduced hepatic ADH and exacerbated the adverse reactions.
Acetaldehyde, which is the first metabolite of alcohol oxidation, could lead to a series of unpleasant
feelings such as nausea, vomiting, headache and fatigue [21]. Acetaldehyde is categorized as a group
2B carcinogenic substance by theWorld Health Organization International Agency for Research on
Cancer, meaning it is possibly carcinogenic to humans [22].
Studies have showed that oxidative stress, much of it produced by activating NADPH oxidase, is a
dominating mediator of a number of the pathogenic effects of excessive chronic alcohol consumption [23].
Cytochrome P450s, especially cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1), is also involved in the oxidation of
alcohol. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as hydrogen peroxide and superoxide ions, generated
by CYP2E1 are contributors to the pro-inflammatory profile of alcohol-related liver damage [24,25].
Alcohol consumption disturbs the balance between the pro- and anti-oxidant systems of the organism,
so as to cause oxidative stress [26]. Free radicals or reactive oxygen species attack fats and proteins
and rapidly enter cell membranes causing damage to the membrane, which leads to alcohol-induced
oxidative tissue injuries. Therefore, effective antioxidant and anti-inflammatory drugs or foods might
be useful for alleviating the harmful health consequences of excessive alcohol consumption [27–30].
Both behavioral approaches and pharmacological agents are current treatments for alcohol use
disorder. The pharmacological treatment of patients with alcohol use disorder is very necessary in
achieving the goal of alleviating the physical as well as the motivational aspects of the withdrawal
syndrome, attenuating ongoing alcohol use disorders, reducing tolerance and preventing relapse.
In brief, the pharmacological management of alcohol use disorders may be considered as two phases.
The first phase is centered on detoxification and treatment of the acute abstinence syndrome while the
second phase of treatment aims at preventing relapse. Three drugs approved by United State Food
and Drug Administration are available for the treatment of alcohol use disorder, that is, disulfiram,
naltrexone and acamprosate. However, most treatments have several shortcomings, such as neuritis,
gastrointestinal (nausea) and central nervous system-related symptoms [31]. Thus, novel treatments
are being developed and researched with the intention of improving effectiveness. Recent experimental
evidences suggested that novel pharmacological approaches for treatment of hangover and alcohol
use disorders may derive from natural products [32,33]. Several plant-derived compounds have
been shown to significantly reduce alcohol intake, alcohol craving and withdrawal syndrome. The
development of efficient medicines from natural products also exhibits expansive market prospects [34].
This paper gives an overview of natural products for prevention and treatment of hangover and alcohol
use disorder to alleviate health burden of alcohol-induced disease and injury, with a special emphasis
on their possible functional component(s) and related mechanism(s) of action.
2. Natural Products with Anti-Hangover Properties
Herbal therapies for hangover have been used for several centuries. Medicinal plants, fruits
and vegetables are rich in antioxidants such as polyphenolic components, isoflavonids and vitamins,
which could scavenge free radicals [35–38]. Previous rodent studies implicated oxidative stress as
Molecules 2016, 21, 64 3 of 21
a key mediator of hangover syndrome, and demonstrated that various antioxidants could suppress the
adverse events caused by alcohol exposure [39]. Several natural plants and products showed positive
effects on alcohol metabolism in animal and human studies. They could upgrade the levels of ADH
and ALDH in liver and decrease the concentration of alcohol in blood.
2.1. Pueraria Lobata
Kudzu (Pueraria lobata) is an important herb used for various diseases. Kudzu possesses the ability
of ameliorating hangover symptoms and has been used for the treatment of chronic alcoholic liver injury
in traditional Chinese medicine for a long time. In addition, it has been used to treat alcohol use disorder.
Two parts (roots and flowers) of Pueraria lobata are usually used in traditional medicine. The
flowers have been used to treat the problems caused by alcohol drinking due to their ability to
enhance acetaldehyde removal [40]. A clinical study suggested that Puerana thomsonii (one kind
of the kudzu) had a certain stimulatory effect on the clearance of blood acetaldehyde in humans,
which might reduce acetaldehyde toxicity and hangover symptoms such as flushing, palpitations,
and headache [41]. Tectoridin, an isoflavone glycoside isolated from the flowers of Pueraria lobata,
had hepatoprotective effects against alcohol-induced liver steatosis by significantly decreasing the
levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and triglyceride (TG) in
serum, modulating the disturbance of peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor pathway as well
as ameliorating the hepatic mitochondria dysfunction in mice [42]. In addition, the flowers of kudzu
exerted protective effects against alcohol-induced apoptosis in human neuroblastoma cells [43].
Meanwhile, the roots of Pueraria lobata showed inhibitory activity against mitochondrial ALDH2,
and could increase the concentration of acetaldehyde in blood. Therefore, it could be used as an aversion
therapy for alcohol use disorder [40]. The extract of Kudzu is a safe and effective product for alcohol
use disorder. It is the only natural medication regarded by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and
Alcoholism to treat alcohol use disorder [44]. In a clinical population study, kudzu treatment resulted
in significant reduction in alcohol intake in a naturalistic setting. The number of beers consumed
and the volume of each sip was decreased while the number of sips and the time to consume each
beer was increased. There were no reported side effects of kudzu treatment [45]. In another study,
20 men participated in a placebo-controlled, double-blind design experiment, where kudzu extract
(2 g) with an active isoflavone content of 520 mg, quickly reduced alcohol intake in a binge drinking
paradigm [46].
Molecules 2016, 21, 64 3 of 20
effects on alcohol metabolism in animal and human studies. They could upgrade the levels of ADH
and ALDH in liver and decrease the concentration of alcohol in blood.
2.1. Pueraria Lobata
Kudzu (Pueraria lobata) is an important herb used for various diseases. Kudzu possesses the
ability of ameliorating hangover symptoms and has been used for the treatment of chronic alcoholic
liver injury in traditional Chinese medicine for a long time. In addition, it has been used to treat
alcohol use disorder.
Two parts (roots and flowers) of Pueraria lobata are usually used in traditional medicine. The
flowers have been used to treat the problems caused by alcohol drinking due to their ability to
enhance acetaldehyde removal [40]. A clinical study suggested that Puerana thomsonii (one kind of
the kudzu) had a certain stimulatory effect on the clearance of blood acetaldehyde in humans, which
might reduce acetaldehyde toxicity and hangover symptoms such as flushing, palpitations, and
headache [41]. Tectoridin, an isoflavone glycoside isolated from the flowers of Pueraria lobata, had
hepatoprotective effects against alcohol-induced liver steatosis by significantly decreasing the levels
of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and triglyceride (TG) in serum,
modulating the disturbance of peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor α pathway as well as
ameliorating the hepatic mitochondria dysfunction in mice [42]. In addition, the flowers of kudzu
exerted protective effects against alcohol-induced apoptosis in human neuroblastoma cells [43].
Meanwhile, the roots of Pueraria lobata showed inhibitory activity against mitochondrial ALDH2,
and could increase the concentration of acetaldehyde in blood. Therefore, it could be used as an
aversion therapy for alcohol use disorder [40]. The extract of Kudzu is a safe and effective product for
alcohol use disorder. It is the only natural medication regarded by the National Institute on Alcohol
Abuse and Alcoholism to treat alcohol use disorder [44]. In a clinical population study, kudzu
treatment resulted in significant reduction in alcohol intake in a naturalistic setting. The number of
beers consumed and the volume of each sip was decreased while the number of sips and the time to
consume each beer was increased. There were no reported side effects of kudzu treatment [45].
In another study, 20 men participated in a placebo-controlled, double-blind design experiment,
where kudzu extract (2 g) with an active isoflavone content of 520 mg, quickly reduced alcohol intake
in a binge drinking paradigm [46].
(a) (b)
Figure 1. Structures of two bioactive components in Kudzu: (a) Puerarin; and (b) Tectoridin.
Puerarin and daidzein, two isoflavonoids isolated from the dried roots of Pueraria lobata, have
been reported to be efficient in the treatment of various diseases [41]. Especially, puerarin has
the potential of treating the alcohol use disorder through reducing the anxiogenic effects of alcohol
withdrawal in rat. The social interaction and locomotor activity were increased after withdrawal from
17 days of alcohol (7%) diet [47]. In addition, puerarin reduced hepatotoxicity in CCl4-induced hepatic
fibrosis and chronic alcoholic liver injury in rats via the following underlying mechanisms: (a) regulated
enzymes (ALT, AST), albumin, and total protein in blood; (b) inhibited Kupffer cells activation
and attenuated TNF-α/NF-κB pathway for anti-inflammation response; and (c) improved metabolic
function in liver tissue [48]. Additionally, owing to the antioxidant ability of Pueraria lobata, the
Figure 1. Structures of two bioactive components in Kudzu: (a) Puerarin; and (b) Tectoridin.
Puerarin and daidzein, two isoflavonoids isolated from the dried roots of Pueraria lobata, have
been reported to be efficient in the treatment of various diseases [41]. Especially, puerarin has the
potential of treating the alcohol use disorder through reducing the anxiogenic effects of alcohol
withdrawal in rat. The social interaction and locomotor activity were increased after withdrawal
from 17 days of alcohol (7%) diet [47]. In addition, puerarin reduced hepatotoxicity in CCl4-induced
hepatic fibrosis and chronic alcoholic liver injury in rats via the following underlying mechanisms:
(a) regulated enzymes (ALT, AST), albumin, and total protein in blood; (b) inhibited Kupffer cells
activation and attenuated TNF-/NF-B pathway for anti-inflammation response; and (c) improved
Molecules 2016, 21, 64 4 of 21
metabolic function in liver tissue [48]. Additionally, owing to the antioxidant ability of Pueraria lobata,
the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) was increased and the level of malondialdehyde (MDA)
was decreased in liver [48,49]. Therefore, the flowers of kudzu might have the ability to alleviate hangover
and provide hepatoprotection while the root of kudzu was effective in reducing alcohol intake in
several clinical population studies. The structures of puerarin and tectoridin are shown in Figure 1.
2.2. Fructus Evodiae
Fructus evodiae is a widely used herbal medicine in China with anti-inflammatory and analgetic
activities. Dehydroevodiamine, evodiamine and rutaecarpine are the dominant bioactive constituents
in Fructus evodiae [50]. The extract of Fructus evodiae could be used as a potential remedy for
hangover symptoms induced by alcohol on mice by stimulating the expression of hepatic alcohol
metabolizing and antioxidant enzymes [51]. The results showed that among all groups the plasma
alcohol concentrations were the lowest in Fructus evodiae treated groups. Moreover, the expressions of
liver alcohol metabolizing and antioxidant enzymes were also enhanced. The relative expression of
ADH and Zn-Cu SOD increased more in treatment groups than that in positive controls. In another
study, a water extract of Fructus evodiae possessed the ability to alleviate alcohol-induced gastric
lesions in rats by strengthening the mucosal barrier integrity and increasing gastric mucosal nitric
oxide synthesis [52]. Therefore, Fructus evodiae could be a candidate for the prevention and treatment
of hangover and organ damage induced by alcohol through modulating alcohol metabolism and
antioxidant enzymes in the liver.
2.3. Trigonela Foenum-Graecum
Seeds of fenugreek (Trigonela foenum-graecum) are reported to possess hepatoprotective activity.
The aqueous extract of fenugreek seeds offers a striking protection against alcohol toxicity. Fenugreek
seed polyphenolic extract (FPEt) acted as a protective agent against alcohol-induced hepatocyte
abnormalities. The study showed that FPEt ameliorated the pathological liver changes and changed
protein expression in Chang liver cells as well as improved the levels of antioxidant enzymes. The
effects of FPEt were identical to those of the known hepatoprotective agent, silymarin. FPEt might
exert cytoprotective effects by enhancing cellular redox status [53]. Treatment with FPEt restored the
levels of markers of liver injury (AST, ALT, ALP, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), bilirubin and GGT)
and enhanced alcohol metabolizing and detoxification enzymes, as well as the electron transport
component cytochrome-c reductase. After the intervention of FPEt in cells, the expression of ADH,
ALDH, and CYP2E1 were upregulated, whereas the expression of cytochrome-c was downregulated
in the alcohol-treated cells. Increased hepatocyte viability and reduced apoptotic nuclei were observed
in FPEt-treated rats [54]. In addition, the expression of cellular heat shock proteins-HSP70, HSC70,
HSC92, and mitochondrial protein mtHSP70 were produced in alcohol-treated Chang liver cells, which
suggested a protective effect of FPEt [55]. Moreover, FPEt administration had a positive influence
on both lipid profile and collagen properties in alcoholic liver disease. Treatment of alcohol-fed
rats (200 mg/kg/day) with FPEt significantly reduced the levels of lipid peroxidation products
and protein carbonyl content, as well as prevented the leakage of enzymatic and lipid peroxidation
rise [56]. In a word, the FPEt increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes and enhanced the
antioxidant properties, which could be the potential mechanisms of action in chronic alcohol-fed
mice. The protective effect was possibly due to the bioactive antioxidants in fenugreek seeds such
as polyphenols [57–59]. As a result, Trigonela foenum-graecum might have a positive influence on
suppressing the abnormalities induced by alcohol in chronic alcohol liver diseases through its
antioxidant properties.
2.4. Hovenia Dulcis
Hovenia dulcis are distributed throughout East Asia. The peduncles of Hovenia dulcis, which have
been used as a traditional herbal medicine in China for a long time, contain abundant nutrients [60].
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It possesses free radical scavenging ability and could enhance physical activity [61,62]. Owing to its
hepatoprotective ability, it has been used for the treatment of liver diseases and alcohol toxicity. The
effective constituents might be heteropolysaccharides, which mainly consist of rhamnose, arabinose,
galactose and galacturonic acid [63]. Treatment with peduncles of Hovenia dulcis decreased the
serum levels of ALT and AST, decreased the liver malondialdehyde (MDA) level and restored liver
antioxidant enzymes such as SOD, glutathione S-transferase (GST) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH)
in alcohol-induced liver injury mice [63]. In addition, administration of Hovenia dulcis extract increased
ADH activity in alcohol-ingesting mice and stimulated alcohol metabolism [64]. Dihydromyricetin
(DHM), a flavonoid separated from Hovenia dulcis, was identified to interact with
-aminobutyric acid
receptors and block alcohol intoxication and withdrawal signs in rats such as tolerance, increased
anxiety, and seizure susceptibility. DHM could remarkably reduce alcohol digestion in a voluntary
alcohol intake paradigm in rats. At the cellular level, DHM treatment antagonized potentiation of
GABAA receptors and plasticity. Therefore, DHM could be used as a therapeutic candidate for alcohol
use disorders [44,65]. In conclusion, Hovenia dulcis could be a therapeutic candidate for alcohol-induced
liver injury and alcohol use disorders.
2.5. Pyrus Pyrifolia
Pyrus pyrifolia (Korean pear) has been used as a prophylactic agent for alleviating alcohol hangover.
Polyphenols are the major bioactive components of Pyrus pyrifolia [66]. Lee et al. [67] performed
a randomized single blind crossover trial with 14 healthy young men to test the effects of Korean
pear juice on hangover. The total and average of hangover severity were decreased to 16% and
21% by Pyrus pyrifolia juice after the alcohol consumption, respectively (p < 0.05). Impaired memory
and sensitivity to light and sound were significantly improved among the subjects. In addition, the
pear juice treatment decreased the levels of blood alcohol (p < 0.01). The results have showed that
Korean pear stimulated the activities of both ADH and ALDH and decreased the blood alcohol level
in ALDH2 genotype. However, the pear could increase the concentration of acetaldehyde in blood in
ALDH2 deficient mice, without affecting the concentration of acetaldehyde in ALDH2 normal mice.
These enzyme stimulations might be the main mechanism of the alcohol detoxification effects Korean
pear for [68]. Therefore, Korean pear juice could alleviate hangover, and its detoxification of alcohol
seemed to be related to the genetic variation of ALDH2. The results suggested that human ALDH2
polymorphisms could lead to individual variations on alcohol detoxification. Hence, Pyrus pyrifolia
might be a useful and effective food supplement in alleviation of hangover and detoxification of
alcohol through stimulating the activities of both ADH and ALDH.
2.6. Mangifera Indica L.
Mango (Mangifera indica L.) is a widely consumed tropical fruit. It is rich in polyphenolic
compounds which could protect from several diseases. Mango fruit intake provides antioxidants that
may act in a synergistic way with other foods to offer protection [69]. Kim et al. [70] confirmed that
mango flesh and peel had ameliorating effects on plasma alcohol levels and increased the activities of
ADH and ALDH in mice. A loading plot indicated that several compounds in mango fruit, such as
fructose and aspartate, might enhance alcohol metabolism. As a result, mango flesh and peel could be
the source of functional foods with the intention of decreasing plasma alcohol level after excessive
alcohol intake.
2.7. Diospyros Kaki Thunb.
Persimmon (Diospyros kaki Thunb.) is a fruit containing high levels of phenolics that could be
used for making vinegar. Administration of persimmon-vinegar provided a protection to metabolic
disorders induced by chronic alcohol ingestion in rats. It obviously decreased serum triglyceride, total
cholesterol and liver total cholesterol levels. The liver non-esterified carnitine level was increased in the
persimmon-vinegar-administered groups, which means a protection of lipid oxidation. In addition, the
Molecules 2016, 21, 64 6 of 21
blood alcohol concentration was the lowest in high-dose persimmon-vinegar-administered group [71].
In addition, the administration of the extract from leaf and fruit of persimmon suppressed acute
alcohol-induced hepatotoxicity in mice. The alcohol metabolism was accelerated by increasing
alcohol-metabolizing enzyme activities and activating the antioxidative enzyme system against
oxidative stress as well as decreasing fat accumulation [72]. Therefore, the extract from fruit and
leaf of persimmon might have the ability to improve alcohol metabolism and liver lipid profile due to
its antioxidant components such as flavones and phenolics.
2.8. Thymus Vulgaris
The extracts of thyme (Thymus vulgaris) have detoxifying and antioxidant effects. The leafy parts
of thyme and its essential oil have been widely used in food for flavor, aroma and preservation and
also in traditional medicines [73]. The essential oil of thyme has showed free radical scavenging
and antibacterial activity [74], and it could detoxify alcohol toxicity. Thymol was the major
component (44.4%–58.1%), followed by p-cymene (9.1%–18.5%),
-terpinene (6.9%–18.9%), and
carvacrol (2.4%–4.2%) in the tested oil samples [75]. The water extract of thyme possessed the ability of
detoxifying the injuries of alcohol on liver and brain in mice. It could decrease nitric oxide and MDA
level in liver and brain, and increase the total antioxidant capacity and GPx activity [76]. Therefore,
Thymus vulgaris was recommended to treat alcohol toxicity through its potent antioxidant properties.
2.9. Zingiber Officinale
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) has been used as an important ingredient in cooking and traditional
herbal medicine for a long time. It exhibits antioxidant potential and hepatoprotective activity.
6-Gingerol as the major bioactive constituent of ginger could efficiently scavenge various free
radicals [77]. The antioxidant compounds of ginger may modulate the oxidative stress induced by
alcohol. SOD, ascorbic acid, and GSH levels were decreased, and GST activity was increased in alcohol
treated rats. However, after treatment with the extract of ginger, these parameters came to normal [78].
Owing to the antioxidant effect of ginger, Zingiber officinale is recommended to be used as
natural product to treat alcohol toxicity. The water extract of ginger could decrease the levels of
both L–
-glutamyl transpeptidase and butyryl cholinesterase [76]. A formula (KSS formula) consisting
of pith of citrus tangerine, the rhizome of Zingiber officinale, and brown sugar has been traditionally
used in China for the treatment of discomfort after excessive alcohol ingestion. In a clinical effectiveness
evaluation study, the hangover symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea were alleviated after
administration of formula in scheduled prophylactic doses [79].
Excessive alcohol consumption caused alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD). The ginger essential
oil and citral exhibited hepatoprotective activity against AFLD in mice. The amounts of metabolites
in serum such as D-glucurono-6,3-lactone, glycerol-3-phosphate, pyruvic acid, lithocholic acid,
2-pyrocatechuic acid, and prostaglandin El increased after alcohol administration, but the levels were
recovered in treatment groups [80]. Therefore, ginger could be used as a candidate to the prevention
and treatment of hangover and organ damages induced by overconsumption of alcohol through its
antioxidant action.