Functional food for hangover and liver protection
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Functional Foods for Hangover Relief and Liver Protection
Introduction to Functional Foods for Hangover and Liver Health
Functional foods are increasingly being recognized for their potential to alleviate hangover symptoms and protect the liver from alcohol-induced damage. Various natural products, including traditional herbs, fruits, and vegetables, have shown promise in mitigating the adverse effects of alcohol consumption. This article synthesizes recent research on functional foods that offer hangover relief and liver protection.
Oenanthe Javanica Fermentation for Hangover and Liver Protection
Bioactive Compounds in Oenanthe Javanica
Oenanthe javanica, when fermented with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, produces bioactive substances that significantly alleviate hangover symptoms and protect the liver from ethanol-induced damage. The fermentation process increases the concentration of p-coumaric acid by 9.5 times and produces quinic acid, which is not present in the unfermented extract.
In Vivo Efficacy
In vivo studies on Sprague-Dawley rats demonstrated that diets containing the fermented extract (OEFL) and p-coumaric acid reduced blood ethanol, acetaldehyde, GPT, and ALP concentrations while increasing blood albumin levels. These findings indicate that OEFL and p-coumaric acid improve liver function and reduce liver fibrosis by modulating various molecular pathways.
Phyllanthus Amarus for Hangover Symptom Relief
Clinical Study on PHYLLPRO™
Phyllanthus amarus, traditionally known for its liver health benefits, has been studied for its effects on hangover symptoms. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study involving 15 subjects showed that PHYLLPRO™, a standardized ethanol extract of P. amarus leaves, significantly reduced hangover symptoms and oxidative stress. The active group exhibited lower levels of nausea, headache, and other hangover symptoms compared to the placebo group.
Anti-Inflammatory and Immunomodulatory Effects
PHYLLPRO™ also demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory effects by upregulating cytokines IL-8 and IL-10 and modulating IL-12p70. These findings suggest that PHYLLPRO™ is effective in managing hangover symptoms and improving liver function post-intoxication.
Oyster Hydrolysates for Alcohol Metabolism
Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Oyster hydrolysate (OH), derived from Crassostrea gigas, has shown potential in enhancing alcohol metabolism and protecting the liver from acute alcohol-induced damage. The main component, tyrosine-alanine (YA) peptide, was found to increase the activity of alcohol dehydrogenase, aldehyde dehydrogenase, and catalase, thereby improving alcohol metabolism.
Protective Effects in Rodent Models
In rodent models, OH and YA pre-administration reduced oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptotic signals in liver tissues, indicating their protective effects against alcohol-induced liver damage.
Hovenia Dulcis Extracts for Hangover and Liver Protection
Anti-Hangover and Liver Protective Effects
Hovenia dulcis, commonly known as the oriental raisin tree, has been used in traditional medicine for liver health. A study on the combined water extracts from oxidation-treated leaves and branches (OLB) showed that OLB had significant anti-hangover effects and protected the liver from oxidative and nitrosative damage induced by binge alcohol intake.
Flavonoid Content and Efficacy
The branch extract was particularly rich in the flavonoid catechin, which contributed to its efficacy. The mixture of leaves and branches in a 2:1 ratio provided better results than the leaves alone, highlighting the importance of specific bioactive compounds in functional foods.
Turmeric Extract for Liver Protection
Bisacurone-Rich Turmeric Extract
Turcuron, a bisacurone-rich extract from Curcuma longa, has been studied for its hepatoprotective effects. In vitro studies showed that Turcuron inhibited nitric oxide production and xanthine dehydrogenase activity, while in vivo studies demonstrated its ability to restore liver architecture and biochemical parameters in alcohol-induced liver injury models.
Enhanced Alcohol Metabolism
Turcuron also reduced blood alcohol and acetaldehyde levels and increased aldehyde dehydrogenase activity, making it a promising functional food for preventing alcohol-induced liver damage.
Conclusion
The research highlights several functional foods, including fermented Oenanthe javanica, Phyllanthus amarus, oyster hydrolysates, Hovenia dulcis extracts, and bisacurone-rich turmeric extract, as effective in alleviating hangover symptoms and protecting the liver from alcohol-induced damage. These natural products offer promising avenues for developing dietary supplements and medicinal products aimed at mitigating the adverse effects of alcohol consumption.
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