Alcohol-induced Hangover Research Articles

Psyllium fiber improves hangovers and inflammatory liver injury by inhibiting intestinal drinking.

Introduction: Excessive alcohol intake often results in hangovers and inflammatory liver damage, posing a significant health concern. Current treatment options for hangovers are still insufficient, highlighting the urgent need for new therapeutic approaches. Psyllium fiber (PF) is well-known for its gastrointestinal benefits, but its effect on hangovers is less explored. Methods: We utilized a mouse model with a single binge drinking (4g/kg) to induce hangover and inflammatory liver injury. Intestine and liver injury were serologically and histologically estimated. Hangover symptoms were assessed using cylinder and footprint tests to objectively quantify hangover symptoms in mice. Results: Binge drinking significantly activated alcohol-metabolizing enzymes in the small intestine and liver, leading to inflammatory damage. Concurrently, there was a rise in alcohol metabolites such as acetaldehyde and acetone, which exhibited a positive correlation with hangover symptoms in mice. Interestingly, the oral administration of PF (100mg/kg) alongside alcohol consumption significantly reduced the activity of these enzymes and lowered the levels of alcohol metabolites. Mice treated with PF exhibited a considerable improvement in hangover symptoms and a reduction in hepatic inflammation, compared to control groups. Furthermore, in vitro experiments using HepG2 cell lines and semipermeable membranes demonstrated that PF effectively inhibits alcohol absorption into the body. Discussion: In conclusion, PF demonstrates a potential protective effect against alcohol-induced hangover and liver injury by inhibiting the absorption of alcohol and lowering hangover-related alcohol metabolites. This study suggests that PF could serve as an effective therapeutic option for mitigating the adverse effects of excessive alcohol consumption.

Noni fruit extract ameliorates alcohol-induced hangover symptoms by reducing the concentrations of alcohol and acetaldehyde in a Sprague Dawley rat model and a human intervention study.

Various studies have reported that Noni shows various health effects. This study aimed to assess the ability of Noni fruit extract to serve as a single active functional ingredient for the alleviation of hangover symptoms in Sprague Dawley rats and healthy subjects in a single-dose, randomized, double-blind, crossover, placebo-controlled study. The rats were orally administered Noni fruit extract at 50 or 100 mg per kg body weight (B.W.) and HOVENIA. The blood ethanol (EtOH) and acetaldehyde concentrations were significantly lower in the 100 mg per kg B.W. group than in the EtOH group. Alcohol dehydrogenase and aldehyde dehydrogenase activity tended to increase in the 100 mg kg-1 B.W. group. In the human study, 30 subjects received either a placebo or Noni fruit extract (1 g). The Noni fruit extract group showed significantly fastertime point at which the maximum concentration (Tmax) of alcohol than in the placebo group. In addition, blood acetaldehyde levels and diarrhea at 40 and 720 min after alcohol intake and the area under the curve between 40 and 60 min of acetaldehyde were significantly decreased in the Noni fruit extract group compared to the placebo group. According to the QUalitative INteraction Trees, subjects who were ≤36 years old who consumed more alcohol (>15 drinks per week) and had a higher total hangover score (>27.5 and 33) presented significantly lower blood acetaldehyde levels and less severe hangover symptoms. These results indicate that Noni fruit extract has the potential to improve hangover symptoms by decreasing alcohol and acetaldehyde levels.

Hydrogen intake relieves alcohol consumption and hangover symptoms in healthy adults: a randomized and placebo-controlled crossover study

Alcohol-induced hangover represents a significant, yet understudied, global hazard and a large socioeconomic burden. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of hydrogen on relieving drinking and hangover symptoms in 20 healthy volunteers. In this pilot, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, matched, crossover interventional trial, participants were matched into pairs and randomly assigned. Study group 1 inhaled placebo air for 1 h, followed by drinking 100 mL liquor (40% alcohol) within 10 min, and then pure water. Study group 2 inhaled a mixture of hydrogen and oxygen gas for 1 h, followed by drinking 100 mL liquor within 10 min, and then hydrogen dissolved in water. On a second intervention day (crossover) ≥1 wk later, study-group subjects were switched to the opposite order. Breath alcohol concentration (BrAC), hangover severity, and cognitive scores were measured. The BrACs within the hydrogen group were significantly lower than those within the placebo group after 30 min, 60 min, and 90 min (P< 0.05). The hydrogen group reported having fewer hangover symptoms compared with the placebo group (placebo: 77% of symptoms absent, 19.7% of mild symptoms, 2.7% of moderate symptoms, 0.7% of severe symptoms; hydrogen: 88.6% of symptoms absent, 10% of mild symptoms, 1.3% of moderate symptoms, 0% of severe symptoms; P< 0.001). Hydrogen treatment improved cognitive testing scores (P< 0.05), including attention and executive functions. Furthermore, consumption of hydrogen was negatively (β = -13.016; 95% CI: -17.726, -8.305; P< 0.001) and female sex was positively (β = 22.611; 95% CI: 16.226, 28.997; P< 0.001) correlated with increased BrACs. Likewise, the consumption of hydrogen was negatively (OR: 0.035; 95% CI: 0.007, 0.168; P< 0.001) while female sex was positively (OR: 28.838; 95% CI: 5.961, 139.506; P< 0.001) correlated with the severity of hangover symptoms. Hydrogen decreases BrACs and relieves the symptoms of hangovers. This trial was registered at the China Clinical Trial Registry (http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=58359) as ChiCTR2200059988.

Effect of herbal extracts and supplement mixture on alcohol metabolism in Sprague Dawley-rats

This study aimed to investigate the effect of mixture of herbal extracts and supplementary formula (FNP-C) on hangovers and antioxidant enzymes in alcohol-induced liver damage in rats. HepG2 cells were used as the experimental cells and divided into five groups: non-treated control (normal), alcohol-induced control (control), mixture of herbal extracts (FNP-B), FNP-C, and a commercial treatment of liver diseases (Livers®); inhibition of detoxification and alcohol-induced damage was confirmed in vivo. Blood alcohol and acetaldehyde concentration after alcohol consumption were measured in a timely manner; alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), glutathione transferase (GST), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels were measured in the liver. FNP-C exhibited the highest effect. When FNP-C was administered to alcohol-induced animals, blood alcohol and acetaldehyde concentration decreased compared to FNP-B and Livers®. FNP-C reduced ADH levels and improved LDH, GSH, GST, and SOD levels. The FNP-C group was effective in preventing alcohol-induced hangovers and liver damage. Thus, FNP-C improves hangovers and increases antioxidant activity in an alcohol-induced model. Adding amino acids and vitamins to natural ingredients can potentially enhance the effect of improving hangovers.

The efficacy and tolerability of pharmacologically active interventions for alcohol-induced hangover symptomatology: a systematic review of the evidence from randomised placebo-controlled trials.

To compare quantitatively the efficacy and tolerability of pharmacologically active interventions in the treatment and prevention of alcohol-induced hangover. Systematic review of placebo-controlled randomised trials in healthy adults that evaluated any pharmacologically active intervention in the treatment or prevention of hangover. We searched Medline, Embase, PsycINFO and CENTRAL from database inception until 1 August 2021. The primary efficacy outcome was any continuous measure of overall hangover symptoms and the primary tolerability outcome the number of people dropping out because of adverse events (AEs). Quality was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment Development and Evaluation (GRADE) framework. A total of 21 studies were included reporting on 386 participants. No two studies reported on the same intervention; as such, meta-analysis could not be undertaken. Methodological concerns and imprecision resulted in all studied efficacy outcomes being rated as very low quality. When compared with placebo, individual studies reported a statistically significant reduction in the mean percentage overall hangover symptom score for clove extract (42.5% vs 19.0%, P < 0.001), tolfenamic acid (84.0% vs 50.0%, P < 0.001), pyritinol (34.1% vs 16.2%, P < 0.01), Hovenia dulcis fruit extract (P = 0.029), L-cysteine (P = 0.043), red ginseng (21.1% vs 14.0%, P < 0.05) and Korean pear juice (41.5% vs 33.3%, P < 0.05). All studied tolerability outcomes were of low or very low quality with no studies reporting any drop-outs because of AEs. Only very low quality evidence of efficacy is available to recommend any pharmacologically active intervention for the treatment or prevention of alcohol-induced hangover. Of the limited interventions studied, all had favourable tolerability profiles and very low quality evidence suggests clove extract, tolfenamic acid and pyritinol may most warrant further study.

Effects of the hangover secret on mitigating hangover symptoms: A pilot study.

BackgroundDue to the popularity of excessive alcohol consumption, there is an increasing need for hangover symptom remedies. Most commercially available hangover treatment products have not been tested for efficacy through clinical study.AimsThe purpose of this pilot study was to characterize the activity of a commercially available hangover product, The Hangover Secret (THS).MethodsThis was a randomized, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled, crossover pilot study. Healthy volunteers of 21‐ to 40‐years‐old were eligible for participation, and received either THS or placebo on two different occasions. Participants were given 43 mL of whiskey every twenty minutes for up to 3 hours to achieve a blood alcohol concentration (BrAC) ≥ 0.12%. Hangover severity was assessed using the Acute Hangover Scale (AHS) and Acute Hangover Severity Scale (AHSS) validated tools.ResultsNine participants completed the study. AHS scores increased from baseline to 7 am by 4.11 ± 3.17 and 1.26 ± 2.29 for the placebo and active arms respectively (P = .16). AHS headache scores increased from baseline to 7 am by 2.44 ± 1.67 and 1.11 ± 1.17 for the placebo and active arms respectively (P = .06). AHSS scores increased from baseline to 7 am by 1.0 ± 1.05 and 0.41 ± 1.08, for the placebo and active arms respectively (P = .30). There was no significant difference between average BrAC at 7 am between the placebo and active arms.ConclusionTHS showed positive signals in the prevention of alcohol‐induced hangover, especially headaches. The improvements with THS surpassed the minimum clinically important difference in overall AHS score and three individual AHS symptoms scores (hangover, headache, and thirsty). THS's reduction in AHS or AHSS scores did not reach statistical significance likely due to the small sample size. Larger studies with appropriate sample sizes are needed in light of these promising findings.

A Bioprocessed Black Rice Bran Glutathione-Enriched Yeast Extract Protects Rats and Mice against Alcohol-Induced Hangovers

Human and animal alcohol-induced hangovers are caused by adverse effects of acetaldehyde formed in vivo by the enzymatic oxidation of ethyl alcohol to acetaldehyde. This study aims to determine the effect of the combination of a bioprocessed black rice bran (BRB-F) and glutathione-enriched yeast extract (GEYE) on hangovers as tested in rats and mice. Because analysis by HPLC showed that the content of the biologically active rice bran compound γ-oryzanol as well as of the antioxidant reduced glutathione were unaffected during the preparation of tablets containing 100 mg/kg of the bran formulation, the tablets were then administered orally to rats. The results showed decreased blood concentrations of both alcohol and acetaldehyde compared to the control group. Additional behavior experiments using the Rota-rod and wire tests in mice confirmed that the food formulation relieved hangover behavior caused by alcohol. It seems that the combination of BRB-F and GEYE can effectively control hangovers in rodents caused by alcohol intake. Mechanistic aspects of the hangover and anti-hangover effects of alcohol-derived acetaldehyde are similar to browning-type reactions between the aldehyde group of glucose and proteins, the antibiotic effects of cinnamaldehyde against pathogenic bacteria, the adverse effects of the heat-induced food toxin acrylamide, and the alkali-induced formation of the unnatural amino acid lysinoalanine.

Turcuron: A standardized bisacurone-rich turmeric rhizome extract for the prevention and treatment of hangover and alcohol-induced liver injury in rats

Objectives: The present work investigated the hepatoprotective effects of Turcuron, a first-of-its-kind extract from Curcuma longa tubers containing 8% bisacurone, with respect to alcohol-induced liver injury in rats. We have further studied its efficacy in improving alcohol metabolism in rats. Materials and Methods: In vitro studies were performed using nitric oxide (NO) scavenging and xanthine dehydrogenase activity. Alcohol-induced liver injury was established in male Sprague Dawley rats by oral administration of 4 g/kg/day of 40% ethanol for 6 weeks. Turcuron (150 and 300 mg/kg) was administered to the rats after 3 weeks of alcohol treatment till the end of the study. In alcohol-induced hangover model, male Wistar rats were administered with single oral dose of 5 ml/kg b.w. of alcohol, 1 h after the treatment with Turcuron (200, 300, and 400 mg/kg). Results: In our preliminary study, Turcuron markedly inhibited the NO production and xanthine dehydrogenase activity in vitro . In the in vivo model rats, Turcuron restored the liver architecture and biochemical parameters and reduced the expression of inflammatory proteins in the liver. Furthermore, Turcuron reduced the blood alcohol and acetaldehyde levels in alcohol hangover model rats. It also increased the activity of Aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) significantly in the liver. Conclusion: Here, we report for the first time, Turcuron-mediated liver protection attributing to the presence of high content of bisacurone in the turmeric extract. Collectively, our data provide valuable evidence for the application of bisacurone-rich turmeric extract as a functional food and/or medicine.

흰쥐에서 황칠나무 열수 추출물을 포함한 혼합물의 혈중 알코올 농도와 숙취 해소 효과

흰쥐에서 황칠나무 열수 추출물을 포함한 혼합물의 혈중 알코올 농도와 숙취 해소 효과

RETRACTED ARTICLE: Effects of DA-5513 on alcohol metabolism and alcoholic fatty liver in rats

Hangover is characterized by a number of unpleasant physical and mental symptoms that occur after heavy alcohol drinking. In addition, consistently excessive alcohol intake is considered as a major reason causes liver disease. The present study investigated the in vivo effects of DA-5513 (Morning careê Kang Hwang) on biological parameters relevant to hangover relief and alcoholic fatty liver. Blood alcohol and acetaldehyde concentrations were determined in rats administered a single dose of alcohol and treated with DA-5513 or commercially available hangover relief beverages (Yeomyungê and Ukonê). The effects of DA-5513 on alcoholic fatty liver were also determined in rats fed alcohol-containing Lieber-DeCarli diets for 4 weeks. Serum liver function markers (aspartate and alanine aminotransferase activities) and serum/liver lipid levels were assessed. Blood alcohol and acetaldehyde concentrations were lower in the groups treated with DA-5513 or Yeomyungê, as compared with control rats. However, Ukonê did not produce any significant effects on these parameters. Treatment with DA-5513 significantly reduced serum aspartate and alanine aminotransferase activities and markedly reduced serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels, as compared with control rats. Histological observations using Oil Red O staining found that DA-5513 delayed the development of alcoholic fatty liver by reversing hepatic fat accumulation. These findings suggest that DA-5513 could have a beneficial effect on alcohol-induced hangovers and has the potential to ameliorate alcoholic fatty liver.

A standardized extract of the fruit of Hovenia dulcis alleviated alcohol-induced hangover in healthy subjects with heterozygous ALDH2: A randomized, controlled, crossover trial

Ethnopharmacological relevanceHovenia dulcis, known as the oriental raisin tree, is mainly found in East Asia. It has long been used as traditional folk remedies for alcohol intoxication. Aim of the studyTo examine the anti-hangover effect of Hovenia dulcis Thunb. fruit extract (HDE) in a randomized controlled crossover trial. Materials and methodsTwenty-six eligible male adults with heterozygous ALDH2 (23.7±0.3 years old) consumed 360mL of Korean Soju (50g alcohol) together with HDE (2460mg) or matched placebo with subsequent crossover. The blood samples were taken at baseline and 1, 4, and 12h post-treatment. ResultsBlood alcohol, acetaldehyde, and total hangover scores were highest at 1h post-treatment with no difference between groups, but declines in hangover symptom scores were significant in the HDE group compared to the placebo group. Significant differences between groups were also observed on interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, IL-10/IL-6 ratio, and aspartate aminotransferase levels, but not on endotoxins. Pearson correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation between total hangover symptom scores and IL-6 and IL-10 level. Further analyses by CYP2E1 polymorphism at rs10776687, rs2031920, rs3813867, and rs4838767 alleles showed a reversed association, suggesting that CYP2E1 polymorphism might be an effect modifier. ConclusionsThe results suggest that a favorable effect of HDE on alcohol hangovers might be associated with enhancing homeostatic regulation of inflammatory response. The magnitude of impact might be different in the presence of CYP2E1 polymorphism.

A Review of the Physiological Factors Associated with Alcohol Hangover.

Alcohol hangovers are a commonly experienced consequence of drinking and are frequently associated with worsened mood and cognitive functioning. The physiological changes that occur with an alcohol-induced hangover state are largely unknown. This review focuses on key physiological factors of an alcohol-induced hangover, more specifically, oxidative stress, hormonal fluctuations, dehydration and changes to the immune system. The role of sleep disturbances and headaches will also be briefly discussed. Increased understanding of the relationship between the physiological factors and symptoms of a hangover is needed to further elucidate the mechanisms of an alcohol-induced hangover and potentially identify a treatment. The direct effects of the physiological factors occurring during an alcoholinduced hangover state should be further assessed under laboratory settings.

Effects of SM-2015 on Blood Alcohol Clearance and Hangover

Objectives This study investigated the effect of SM-2015 on blood alcohol clearance and hangover. We undertook this study to test whether SM-2015 is effective in decreasing blood alcohol concentration and preventing the symptoms of alcohol-induced hangover. Methods Twenty healthy volunteers participated in this randomized crossover study. All participants were classified between an SM-2015 intake group (test group) and a non-intake group (control group). The primary outcome measure was the difference in blood alcohol concentration and hangover severity scores between the test and control groups. The secondary outcome measure was the difference in a liver function test (LFT) between the test and control groups. Results After alcohol exposure, the sensitivity scores of blood alcohol concentration and hangover symptoms (sleepiness, dizziness, nausea, weakness, stomach pain, diarrhea, and concentration disorder) were significantly decreased in the SM-2015 intake group compared with the non-intake group. There were no differences in the LFT results between the SM-2015 intake group and the non-intake group. Conclusions SM-2015 is effective in decreasing blood alcohol concentration and preventing the symptoms of alcohol-induced hangover. Larger studies are required to confirm these findings. Keywords: SM-2015, blood alcohol concentration, alcohol hangover, liver function test

Alcohol Hangover and Risk of Drinking Problems and Alcohol Use Disorder: A Systematic Review

Introduction: Despite its high frequency, hangovers have received little systematic attention in the field of alcohol research, even though alcohol hangover contributes to a large number of socioeconomic consequences as well as health risks. Alcohol-induced hangover is a complex syndrome defined by a spectrum of symptoms. Not all drinkers experience hangovers, indicating individual alcohol tolerance. It is unknown whether frequently experiencing hangovers predicts the risk of problem drinking and alcohol use disorder. Methods: PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, Forskningsdatabasen.dk, Christin.no and Google were searched from January 1970 through August 2016 using combinations of search terms i.e., alcohol, alcohol dependence and hangover, and several other specific terms. All studies were conducted on human subjects, without restriction on participant demographics. Studies that investigated the association between experiencing hangover and alcohol use disorder were included. Two authors independently screened all papers, extracted study characteristics and assessed the quality by applying the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Results: Of 743 identified studies, only 4 met inclusion criteria. Studies were heterogeneous in multiple ways and the quality varied; two high-quality studies were identified. Results from three out of four studies indicated higher risk of problem drinking among individuals who experienced hangover compared to individuals who did not, adjusted for drinking habits. Conclusions: High-quality studies indicated an association of developing alcohol use disorder when frequently experiencing hangovers, adjusted for alcohol intake. This systematic review shows that the existing research is very sparse; hence further alcohol research in this area is much needed to increase our knowledge on alcohol hangover and its consequences.

고농도 산소수로 재배한 콩나물 추출 음료의 알코올 분해 효능

This study was conducted to investigate the detoxification effect of extract from soy-sprout grown using high concentrated oxygen water extract (SE) against alcohol-induced hangover in male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. The rats were orally administered with different concentrations of SE beverage [26, 260 and 2,000 ㎎/㎏ body weight (b.w.)] and, after 30 min, with alcohol at a dose of 3 g/㎏ b.w. After 1 and 3 h of alcohol administration, blood was collected from the retroorbital plexus, while after 5 h, blood was collected from the heart. In the 2,000 ㎎/㎏ b.w. SE group, the concentration of blood alcohol was significantly reduced after 1-5 h of alcohol loading as compared with that in the other groups. In addition, the blood acetaldehyde concentration was reduced by SE (2,000 ㎎/㎏ b.w.). These results suggest that SE beverage can alleviate alcohol hangover symptoms by stimulating the activities related to hepatic alcohol-metabolizing enzymes.

Socioeconomic Disadvantage and Indicators of Risky Alcohol-drinking Patterns

The purpose was to establish how the association between socioeconomic disadvantage and risky drinking depends on the indicator of risky alcohol-drinking patterns. Alcohol-drinking Finnish men (n = 9316) and women (n = 11,888) aged 20-54 years at baseline participated in the Health and Social Support (HeSSup) postal survey in 1998. Socioeconomic disadvantage was measured by low educational level, history of previous unemployment among those currently employed, current unemployment, being on disability pension and history of experiencing financial hardships. Indicators of risky drinking were hazardous weekly intake (≥24 and ≥16 Finnish standard drinks for men and women, respectively), frequency of intoxications/drunkenness, hangovers and alcohol-induced pass-outs. The study participants were also followed up for 7 years for alcohol-specific hospitalizations and deaths. Socioeconomic gradient in risky drinking was observed across all indicators of risky drinking, but the gradient was relatively larger in patterns of risky drinking representing high-intensity drinking occasions such as alcohol-induced hangovers and pass-outs. No marked gender differences were observed. These results highlight the need to take into account the multidimensionality of risky alcohol-drinking patterns as a contributing factor in the socioeconomic gradient in alcohol use.

오디 추출물의 알코올 분해능 및 항산화 효과

본 연구에서는 식용 가능한 오디를 용매별로 추출하여 항산화 효과 및 숙취 해소 활성능을 알아보고자 하였다. 오디Fig. 1. Contents of ADH ability of each solvent fraction of mulberry fruit extract. 추출물에 들어있는 총 페놀 함량을 정량하였으며, 오디 추출물의 전자공여능, SOD 유사 활성, TBARS 아질산염 소거능 등을 통하여 오디의 항산화 활성을 측정하였고, 알코올 분해능은 alcohol dehydrogenase activity assay 방법을 이용하여 조사하였다. 오디 추출물의 총 페놀 화합물은 60% methanol 추출물에서 가장 높게 나타났다. 전자공여능(EDA)은 오디의 40% ethanol 추출물에서 BHT와 유사한 활성을 나타났고, SOD 유사 활성은 BHT보다 오디 추출물이 낮은 활성을 나타내었다. 아질산염 소거능은 오디의 60% ethanol과 40% methanol 추출물이 각각 98%, 97%로 ascorbic acid와 상응하는 결과를 보였다. 알코올 분해능에서는 오디의 60% ethanol 추출물이 가장 높은 활성을 나타내었다. This study investigated the effects of mulberry fruit extract on antioxidant activities and the alleviation of an alcoholinduced hangover, which was measured with alcohol dehydrogenase(ADH) enzyme activity. The antioxidative capacity of each mulberry extract was measured by total phenolic compounds, electron donating ability, superoxide dismutase-like ability, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, and nitrite scavenging ability. The 60% methanol extract yielded the highest total phenolic compounds. The electron donating ability of the 40% ethanol and 40% methanol extracts were 68% and 67%, respectively. The superoxide dismutase-like abilities of the 40% methanol and 40% ethanol extracts were 30% and 28%, respectively, when extracts were assayed at 2.5 mg/<TEX>$m\ell$</TEX>. The nitrite scavenging ability of the 60% ethanol and 40% methanol extracts were 98% and 97%, respectively. The 60% ethanol extract yielded the highest ADH.

The Alcohol Hangover Research Group Consensus Statement on Best Practice in Alcohol Hangover Research

Alcohol-induced hangover, defined by a series of symptoms, is the most commonly reported consequence of excessive alcohol consumption. Alcohol hangovers contribute to workplace absenteeism, impaired job performance, reduced productivity, poor academic achievement, and may compromise potentially dangerous daily activities such as driving a car or operating heavy machinery. These socioeconomic consequences and health risks of alcohol hangover are much higher when compared to various common diseases and other health risk factors. Nevertheless, unlike alcohol intoxication the hangover has received very little scientific attention and studies have often yielded inconclusive results. Systematic research is important to increase our knowledge on alcohol hangover and its consequences. This consensus paper of the Alcohol Hangover Research Group discusses methodological issues that should be taken into account when performing future alcohol hangover research. Future research should aim to (1) further determine the pathology of alcohol hangover, (2) examine the role of genetics, (3) determine the economic costs of alcohol hangover, (4) examine sex and age differences, (5) develop common research tools and methodologies to study hangover effects, (6) focus on factor that aggravate hangover severity (e.g., congeners), and (7) develop effective hangover remedies.

A Review of the Next Day Effects of Alcohol on Subjective Mood Ratings

Alcohol-induced hangover is commonly experienced after excessive alcohol consumption. This paper presents a critical review of literature on the next day effects of excessive alcohol consumption on subjective ratings of mood. The review has identified 7 comprehensive studies which have followed either the pharmacological approach or the naturalistic approach to investigating the mood state of the individual during the post intoxication hangover phase. There is diversity in the tools used to assess mood and in the aspects of mood measured, this needs to be addressed in future research however there is a general finding that mood is decreased during hangover.

Effect of Evodiae fructus extracts on gene expressions related with alcohol metabolism and antioxidation in ethanol-loaded mice

The effects of Evodiae fructus on alcohol concentration in blood plasma and the relative expression of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), Cu–Zn superoxide dismutase (Cu–Zn SOD), glutathione peroxidase type 5 (GPX5), and catalase (CAT) in mice were assessed 1, 2, 3, and 4 h after acute alcohol consumption. Evodiae fructus extracts (2.5, 5, and 10 mL/kg-bw), a commercial hangover removal drug (2.5, 5, and 10 mL/kg-bw), and saline solution, referred to as treatment, positive control, and negative control group, respectively, were orally given at the same time as alcohol administered to mice (20% and 40% concentration). Alcohol concentrations were the lowest in all of the Evodiae fructus treatment groups, as well as one (10 mL/kg-bw) of the positive control groups, 4 h after ethanol exposure (0–5 mg/dL and 60–110 mg/dL for 20% and 40% ethanol-loaded mice, respectively). Overall, the relative expression of ADH and Zn–Cu SOD were higher in treatment groups than in positive controls; whereas, the relative expression of GPX5 was higher in positive control groups than in treatment groups. The relative expression of ALDH and CAT was unchanged between treatments and positive controls. This study suggests that Evodiae fructus extracts can be used as a possible therapy for alcohol-induced hangover symptoms by stimulating the expression of hepatic alcohol metabolizing and antioxidant enzymes.