Ampelopsin

PhytochemicalFlavonoid

What is it

Ampelopsin is another name for dihydromyricetin (DHM), a flavonoid extracted from Ampelopsis grossedentata (vine tea) and the Japanese raisin tree (Hovenia dulcis). It is marketed for hangover prevention and liver support.

Evidence for 2 uses

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Hangover prevention

Mixed Evidence

Animal data supportive; human evidence limited and a 2020 RCT was negative.

Liver support during alcohol use

Mixed Evidence

Preclinical hepatoprotection; human trial evidence is limited.

How it works

Ampelopsin/DHM modulates GABA-A receptor activity, may upregulate alcohol-metabolizing enzymes (alcohol dehydrogenase, aldehyde dehydrogenase) in animal models, and provides antioxidant effects that may reduce alcohol-related liver oxidative stress. A 2012 rat study reported significant reductions in alcohol intoxication and withdrawal symptoms, generating the supplement market for hangover prevention. However, a 2020 randomized human trial found no significant hangover benefit, and human evidence overall remains limited. In traditional Chinese medicine, vine tea (containing ampelopsin) has long been consumed for liver support and general health. Preclinical hepatoprotective evidence exists but human trials are sparse.

Dosage

Common marketed doses: 100 to 600 mg per occasion, often around alcohol consumption. No clinically validated human dose for hangover or liver benefit.

When and how to take it

Marketing protocols suggest dosing before, during, and after alcohol. Evidence for specific timing benefit is limited.

2 commercial forms

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Dihydromyricetin (ampelopsin) capsules

Standard supplement form.

Oral bioavailability is moderate.

Vine tea (Ampelopsis grossedentata)

Brewed as tea; provides DHM among other flavonoids.

Traditional source.

Safety

Generally well tolerated at typical supplement doses. Side effects are uncommon and may include mild GI upset. Long-term safety data are limited. Product quality and DHM content vary.

Who should be cautious

Should not be considered a license to drink more or drive after drinking. Pregnancy and breastfeeding: avoid (no data, and alcohol use is contraindicated). Liver disease: consult a clinician.

Interactions

Theoretical interactions with sedatives, benzodiazepines, and other GABAergic drugs. May affect alcohol metabolism. Significant clinical interactions are not well characterized.

Protocols featuring Ampelopsin

Evidence-backed routines where Ampelopsin plays a role.

Alcohol Recovery / Hangover

detox

Hangover symptoms come from multiple mechanisms simultaneously: dehydration (alcohol is a diuretic), electrolyte loss, acetaldehyde toxicity (alcohol''s metabolite — actually more toxic than alcohol itself), B-vitamin depletion (alcohol metabolism burns through them), oxidative stress, glutamate rebound, and disrupted sleep architecture. No supplement makes hangovers disappear, but the right stack measurably reduces severity. NAC has the strongest evidence for acetaldehyde detoxification (glutathione precursor); B-complex addresses the nutrient depletion; electrolytes fix the dehydration; DHM (dihydromyricetin) has emerging trial evidence for accelerated alcohol clearance. This protocol is for occasional moderate drinking — not a license for heavy chronic alcohol use. Chronic alcohol use produces tolerance, liver damage, brain changes, and addiction risk that no supplement protocol addresses. If you''re drinking heavily often, please consider whether your relationship with alcohol is working for you. AUDIT (alcohol use disorders identification test) is a free 10-question self-assessment.

Food sources

Vine tea (Ampelopsis grossedentata)

Amount
1 cup brewed
%DV
—

Hovenia dulcis fruit

Amount
Variable
%DV
—

Frequently asked questions

Is ampelopsin the same as dihydromyricetin?⌄

Yes, ampelopsin and dihydromyricetin (DHM) are the same compound, named from different botanical sources.

Does ampelopsin really prevent hangovers?⌄

Despite popular marketing, human evidence is limited and the largest published RCT found no significant benefit. Animal studies are more promising but do not necessarily translate to humans.

References

Ampelopsin on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Ampelopsin (ChEBI:28429) — ChEBI link

Ampelopsin (PubChem CID 161557) — PubChem link

Ampelopsin on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Ampelopsin (PubMed search) — PubMed link

Track Ampelopsin with Pilora

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.