Regulation of a synbiotic herbal-probiotic formula (HBF) on alcohol metabolism in human: A randomized controlled trial
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31989/ffhd.v15i10.1762Abstract
Background: Excessive alcohol intake is a global health concern. Short-term alcohol consumption can lead to unpleasant hangover experiences, while long-term excessive intake is associated with liver injury, neurological disorders, cancer, and various other diseases. Herbal and probiotic interventions have shown promise in modulating alcohol metabolism, but the effects of combined synbiotic formulas remain underexplored.
Methods: This study aimed to investigate the effects of a novel herbal–probiotic formula (HBF), composed of Pueraria lobata (30%), Hovenia dulcis (30%), Lactobacillus rhamnosus Alcoker0067 (20%), and Lactobacillus plantarum ZQ15 (20%), on alcohol metabolism in healthy male volunteers. In a randomized, placebo-controlled trial, 20 participants were assigned to either the HBF or placebo group. Following HBF or placebo administration and subsequent alcohol consumption, blood samples were collected at multiple time points (0.5–8 h) to measure ethanol, acetaldehyde, and acetic acid concentrations, as well as ADH and ALDH activities. Liver function (ALT, AST), oxidative stress markers (MDA, SOD, GPx), and inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-1β) were also evaluated.
Results: HBF significantly (p < 0.05) accelerated ethanol clearance and enhanced serum ADH and ALDH activities at 0.5 and 1.5 h. Compared to the placebo group, HBF administration led to lower serum ethanol and MDA levels, elevated SOD activity, and reduced TNF-α and IL-1β concentrations, especially at 0.5 h and 3 h. ALT and AST levels were also decreased, indicating a hepatoprotective effect.
Conclusion: The HBF formula effectively promotes alcohol metabolism and alleviates oxidative stress and inflammation associated with alcohol consumption, supporting its potential as a safe and effective anti-hangover intervention.
Keywords: anti-hangover, alcohol, Pueraria lobata, Hovenia dulcis, Lactobacillus rhamnosus Alcoker0067, Lactobacillus plantarum ZQ15.
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