Clinical Evaluation of Hovenia dulcis Extract Combinations for Effective Hangover Relief in Humans

Alcohol consumption is associated with both short- and long-term adverse effects, including hangover symptoms. The objective of this study was to examine the potential benefits of traditional beverages containing a combination of <i>Hovenia dulcis</i> extract (HD) with either <i>Pueraria lobata</i> extract (HDPB) or glutathione yeast extract (HDGB) in abbreviating alcohol intoxication and mitigating hangover symptoms. A total of 25 participants between the ages of 19 and 40 who had previously experienced a hangover were evaluated in a randomized, double-blind, crossover, placebo (PLA)-controlled clinical trial. Results showed that lower blood alcohol concentrations in the HDPB and HDGB groups were significantly lower than in the PLA group at 0.25 and 0.5 h, suggesting that HD aids in early alcohol metabolism (0 h, <i>p</i> < 0.05). Analysis of the hourly Acute Hangover Scale (AHS) showed that all treatment groups had significantly reduced gastrointestinal disorder symptoms compared to the PLA group (<i>p</i> < 0.05). It can be confirmed that hangover symptoms can be significantly improved by consuming HD combination drinks, apart from the effect of reducing blood alcohol and acetaldehyde concentrations. Therefore, it is predicted that the consumption of natural phytochemicals added to HD is safe for humans and may help accelerate recovery from hangover symptoms.