Dihydromyricetin

Common Names: Ampelopsin, DHM

Scientific Names: (2R,3R)-3,3′,4′,5,5′,7-Hexahydroxyflavan-4-one, (2R,3R)-3,5,7-Trihydroxy-2-(3,4,5-trihydroxy)-2,3-dihydro-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one

Summary

Dihydromyricetin, also known as DHM, is a flavanonol, a specific type of flavonoid, extracted from the Japanese raisin tree. Widely used in traditional Japanese, Chinese, and Korean medicines, this naturally occurring compound is believed to be the active ingredient in treating various conditions, including fever, parasite infections, liver diseases, and hangovers. Despite its potential therapeutic benefits, dihydromyricetin exhibits poor bioavailability, limiting its medicinal applications. Research indicates that DHM may offer positive effects on glucose and lipid metabolism, showcasing potential anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, studies on rats suggest that dihydromyricetin could be a candidate for treating alcohol use disorders. DHM is technically classified as a benzodiazepine, although it does not have the same effect on the CNS as other benzodiazepines. DHM functions as a partial GBAA receptor potentiator. It can block or lessen the effects that acute alcohol intoxication has on the brain, but due to its poor membrane permeability and low solubility in water, when ingested orally, these effects happen slowly. Because DHM is hydrophobic while containing hygroscopic functional hydroxyl groups, it may cause watery stool the next day if taken after a night of drinking.