Clinical effect of a polysaccharide-rich extract of Acanthopanax senticosus on alcohol hangover

Pharmazie. 2015 Apr;70(4):269-73.

Abstract

The present study aimed to examine the effects polysaccharide-rich extract of Acanthopanax senticosus (PEA) on blood alcohol concentration (BAC) and hangover as well as blood lab parameters. A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind crossover trial was conducted. The PEA was orally administered before and after consuming alcohol 1.75 g/kg of pure alcohol. After alcohol consumption, BAC was measured for evaluation of alcohol pharmacokinetics. In the second day morning, subjects were asked to complete the Acute Hangover Scale (AHS) questionnarie. BAC results showed little difference between placebo and PEA groups, indicating that PEA does not have an effect on the pharmacokinetics of alcohol. However, several AHS items (i.e., tired, headache, dizziness, stomachache and nausea) and AHS total score were significantly improved by PEA. Blood lab parameters were significantly altered by alcohol in the placebo group. The alteration by alcohol of glucose and C-reactive protein (CRP) level was significantly attenuated by PEA. Therefore, PEA may have potential to reduce the severity of the alcohol hangover by inhibiting the alcohol-induced hypoglycemia and inflammatory response.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Alcoholic Intoxication / drug therapy*
  • Alcoholic Intoxication / psychology
  • Central Nervous System Depressants / blood
  • Cross-Over Studies
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Eleutherococcus / chemistry*
  • Ethanol / blood
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Plant Extracts / therapeutic use*
  • Polysaccharides / therapeutic use*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Central Nervous System Depressants
  • Plant Extracts
  • Polysaccharides
  • Ethanol