Functional food for hangover and liver protection
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Research Analysis by Consensus
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Introduction
Functional foods have gained significant attention for their potential to alleviate hangover symptoms and protect the liver from alcohol-induced damage. This synthesis reviews recent research on various natural extracts and their efficacy in managing hangovers and promoting liver health.
Key Insights
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Oenanthe javanica Extract Fermented by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (OEFL)
- OEFL and its main bioactive substance, p-coumaric acid, significantly reduce blood ethanol, acetaldehyde, GPT, and ALP concentrations, while increasing blood albumin levels. They also alleviate liver fibrosis by modulating TGF-β, SMAD-2, SMAD-4, α-SMA, and MMP-1, demonstrating potential as a functional food for hangover relief and liver protection.
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Phyllanthus amarus (PHYLLPRO™)
- PHYLLPRO™ reduces hangover symptoms and blood alcohol levels, while also showing significant anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects by upregulating cytokines IL-8, IL-10, and IL-12p70. This suggests its potential in managing hangovers and protecting liver function.
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Hovenia dulcis Extracts
- A mixture of oxidation-treated leaves and branches (OLB) of Hovenia dulcis shows better anti-hangover effects and protects the liver from oxidative/nitrosative damage induced by binge alcohol intake, highlighting its potential as a functional food for liver health.
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Shiyuan Fufang Oral Liquid
- This oral liquid significantly reduces the rate of drunkenness and prolongs drunken time in mice. It also increases the activity of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), indicating its efficacy in hangover relief and liver protection.
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Kakadu Plum Extracts
- Kakadu plum extracts, particularly from the Northern Territory, inhibit ROS generation and suppress ethanol-induced cytotoxicity in HepG2 cells. They also increase ADH and ALDH activity, suggesting their role in alleviating hangovers and protecting liver cells from oxidative damage.
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Turcuron (Bisacurone-rich Turmeric Extract)
- Turcuron significantly reduces blood alcohol and acetaldehyde levels, restores liver architecture, and reduces inflammatory protein expression in alcohol-induced liver injury models. It also increases ALDH activity, supporting its use as a functional food for liver protection and hangover prevention.
Conclusion
The reviewed studies collectively highlight the potential of various natural extracts, including OEFL, PHYLLPRO™, Hovenia dulcis, Shiyuan Fufang oral liquid, Kakadu plum, and Turcuron, in alleviating hangover symptoms and protecting the liver from alcohol-induced damage. These functional foods exhibit promising bioactive properties, such as reducing blood alcohol levels, enhancing liver enzyme activity, and providing anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, making them valuable candidates for managing hangovers and promoting liver health.
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