What Is DHM? Plus 10 DHM Benefits

What Is DHM

What Is DHM? As a supplement company with experience using DHM, we've researched all about this powerful flavonoid. With our expertise, in this article will answer what is DHM and everything you wanted to know about DHM.

What Is DHM?

DHM, short for Dihydromyricetin, is a naturally occurring flavonoid found in the cherished Japanese Raisin tree (Hovenia Dulcis).

It's been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Traditional Korean Medicine for thousands of years and more recently has been studied for its use for the liver and detoxification after alcohol consumption.

Japanese Raisin tree is indigenous to eastern Asian countries including China, Japan and Korea, growing in altitudes up to 6500 feet (2000 meters).

Keep reading to discover all the impressive benefits of DHM based on the science-backed studies.

Where Does DHM Come From?

Scientifically, DHM is a flavonoid extracted from natural plants, and considered an antioxidant. DHM (Dihydromyricetin) most popularly is extracted from Japanese Raisin tree (medicinally called Hovenia Dulcis).

However, many supplements use are sourcing DHM from Vine Tea (Ampelopsis grossedentata) out of China.

So which is better, Japanese Raisin tree or Vine Tea?

1. Japanese Raisin tree

Japanese Raisin (Hovenia Dulcis) has been used as food, supplement and traditional medicine for long periods of time. Especially in Korean and Chinese traditional medicine, it's been a long time traditionally use for alcohol and detoxification. Recent science has shown its containing high levels of DHM.[¹]

In our research, there are more studies done on the benefits of Japanese Raisin tree than Vine tea, and specifically tied to some studies done on DHM.

2. Vine tea

Vine tea (Ampelopsis grossedentata), also known as rattan tea, is a herbal health tea used for centuries in China. The manufacturing process is similar to that of green tea, by using its stems and leaves. This tea is known as a folk herbal medicine, and reported having high levels of flavonoids including DHM.[²]

However, in our research there are not as many studies on Vine tea than of Japanese Raisin tree.

In conclusion, we'd pick Japanese Raisin tree as the best source of DHM over Vine tea.

Is DHM Safe?

Research was conducted on Hovenia Dulcis, which DHM is extracted from, for purposes of liver protection. Results were concluded safely without toxic side effects.[³]

  • During 14 day of observation, toxicity tests displayed that the doses fed to mice did not show any toxic side effects or death.[³]

This concludes DHM and Hovenia Dulcis to be safe based on this scientific study.

What Is DHM Used For?

Just as we answered what is DHM, you may be curious what is DHM used for?

DHM (Dihydromyricetin) is a natural compound that belongs to the class of flavonoids and can be found in the Japanese raisin tree (Hovenia dulcis).

DHM is commonly taken as a dietary supplement for many usages including:

  • Boost antioxidants
  • Athletic performance
  • Hangovers
  • Improve liver health
  • Mood and stress
  • Improve sleep
  • Brain function
  • Altitude 

There are many things DHM is supplemented for because of its many benefits. Read further is discover the benefits of why people take DHM.

10 DHM Benefits (Backed By Science)

With so many uses of DHM, you may wonder are the DHM benefits?

It has been used as a traditional medicine in several countries, including Japan and Korea.

In recent years, DHM has become popular among people who want to improve their health and overall wellness.

Here's ten DHM Benefits backed by science:

1. Reduce Oxidative Stress ⁴

Oxidative stress and damage can cause a lot of problems in the body. DHM was been shown to exert antioxidant effects, thereby reducing oxidative stress.[⁴]

2. Improve Aging

Referred to as an anti-aging compound in a 2016 study, DHM was shown to have profound effects on the brain and the autophagy of neurons. The results of these studies suggest DHM may improve aging.[⁴,⁵]

3. Lessen Stress ⁶

Stress can lead to many damaging effects on the body. A new 2021 study reveals that DHM may reduce the stress following social isolation, and impact corticosterone levels.[⁶]

4. Promote Liver Health ⁷

Alcohol and other toxins are know to cause liver damage. A study by Jing Liang proved DHM to promote liver health in relation to alcohol consumption.[⁷]

5. High Altitude Performance ⁸

High altitude create a lot of physiological stress on the body. In 2014, a DHM study showed that the flavonoid could improve physical performance in high altitude simulated environments.[⁸]

6. Enhance Physical Activity ⁹

From athletes to the everyday workout goer, all want to enhance their performance. Hovenia Dulcis, which DHM is extracted from, was shown a South Korean study on swimming performance to enhance physical activity.[⁹]

7. Reduce Fatigue ⁹

Fatigue and performance can go hand-in-hand. The same study done on Hovenia Dulcic that showed enhanced physical activity also suggested an anti-fatigue effect.[⁹]

8. Alcohol Detoxification ¹⁰

Alcohol consumption can certainly take a toll on the body. DHM was found to prove alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activities. These enzymes play a role in breaking down acetaldehyde from alcohol consumption.[¹⁰]

9. Improve Memory ¹¹

Sleep deprivation can have a negative effect on memory. A 2019 study showed that DHM significantly reduced memory impairments from sleep deprivation, and may be due to its antioxidant properties.[¹¹]

10. Assist GABA In Brain ¹²

Alcohol can stimulate GABA receptors, in which this activity can cause sedation of the nervous system, feeling of being tiredness or even anxiety. Jing Liang at UCLA found that DHM could inhibit alcohol's effects on GABA.[¹²]

As you can see, there's a tremendous amount of DHM benefits that are based on scientific research and studies. This shows why this powerful flavonoid has gain such popularity in supplementation.

How Does DHM Work?

How Does DHM Work? While not all the mechanics of DHM are fully understood, science continually points to the high antioxidant profile of DHM.

DHM is also known as one of the most powerful flavonoids and biologically active compounds within the Hovenia Dulcis plant, in which is comes from.

In this article alone, we've referenced 10 studies done on DHM. And each one of them has discovered different ways DHM works.

Miraculous plants are often have mysteries to their powerful benefits such as DHM, but one thing that is certain is this flavonoid has incredibly highly potent antioxidant properties leading to reliable results.

When To Take DHM?

When to take DHM depends on what you're using it for.

In general, it's best to take DHM before. So whether for exercising, high altitude adventures, or traveling, take DHM before the activity.

For drinking, it's best to take DHM before bed.

The DHM flavonoid comes in various delivery forms such as DHM powder, DHM pills, and DHM tablets or chewables.

Top DHM Supplement

DHM Supplement
Since 2008, Zaca has been a trusted and reliable brand offering its DHM-infused chewable supplement. Used by thousands of customers, its formulated with the highest quality Japanese Raisin extract, which naturally contains the DHM flavonoid. These fast-acting chewables will help you rehydrate, replenish and recover. Try Zaca chewables today and be at the top of your game.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SOURCES

1. Hovenia dulcis – An Asian Traditional Herb
https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/pdf/10.1055/s-0030-1249776.pdf
2. Recent advances in research on vine tea, a potential and functional herbal tea with dihydromyricetin and myricetin as major bioactive compounds
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8572699/
3. Semen Hoveniae extract protects against acute alcohol-induced liver injury in mice
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20673184/
4. Preclinical Research of Dihydromyricetin for Brain Aging and Neurodegenerative Diseases
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6859532/
5. Ampelopsin attenuates brain
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27780933/
6. Social Isolation Induces Neuroinflammation And Microglia Overactivation, While Dihydromyricetin Prevents And Improves Them
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8491854/
7. Dihydromyricetin Protects the Liver via Changes in Lipid Metabolism and Enhanced Ethanol Metabolism
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/acer.14326
8. Dihydromyricetin improves physical performance under simulated high altitude
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24637344/
9. Anti-fatigue activity of Hovenia dulcis on a swimming mouse model through the inhibition of stress hormone expression and antioxidation
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23895162/
10. Dihydromyricetin As a Novel Anti-Alcohol Intoxication Medication
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3292407/
11. Dihydromyricetin ameliorates memory impairment induced by acute sleep deprivation
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30876981/
12. Alcohol use disorders and current pharmacological therapies: the role of GABAA receptors
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4125717/