Researchers Investigate Modern Hangover Cures

Modern solutions have included an assortment of herbal extracts, vitamins, amino acids, and anti-inflammatory medications. But do any of these truly alleviate hangover symptoms? A team from University College London and one of the UK's National Health Service trusts conducted a review of 21 hangover remedies documented in scientific literature. Some of these included:

• L-cysteine
• N-acetyl-L-cysteine (ACC)
• L-ornithine
• A combination of L-cysteine, thiamine (B1), pyridoxine (B6), and ascorbic acid
• Yeast, thiamine (B1), pyridoxine (B6), and riboflavin (B2) (marketed as Rapid Recovery)
• Various anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., loksprofen, toflenamic acid, naproxen combined with fexofenadine)
• Propranolol, clomethiazole, pyritinol, curcumin, and various plant extracts.

Despite the wide array of options, the effectiveness of these remedies is generally minimal and often unsupported by subsequent studies.

In a systematic review published in the journal Addiction, researchers scrutinized existing studies on hangover remedies. While a few reports suggested that certain methods might mitigate hangover symptoms, the evidence remains weak and often unverified by independent research.

Methodological Challenges in Hangover Research

One significant issue with hangover studies is their methodology. Many involve subjects consuming large quantities of alcohol in a short timeframe, which can skew results. Some studies consider food intake during drinking, while others do not. Alarmingly, eight out of the 20 methods examined were tested exclusively on men, limiting the applicability of the findings.

Moreover, there are no studies assessing the effectiveness of widely used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like paracetamol or aspirin in relation to hangover symptoms. Additionally, comparisons between hangover treatments and placebos—standard practice in clinical trials—are lacking.

The scientific community agrees that hangovers merit more rigorous research. Establishing a scientific scale to measure hangover symptoms could significantly enhance future studies.

Dr. Emmert Roberts, the lead author of the review, stated, "Hangover symptoms can lead to considerable discomfort and hinder our professional and academic performance. With frequent media claims about the effectiveness of various remedies, it is crucial to scrutinize these substances’ efficacy." He further emphasized that the quality of research on hangover cures is alarmingly low, highlighting the need for more thorough evaluations.

"The most reliable way to prevent a hangover remains to abstain from alcohol or to consume it in moderation," Dr. Roberts noted. Surprisingly, even hydration does not effectively alleviate hangover symptoms, according to some studies.

What Causes Hangover Symptoms?

Understanding why we feel unwell after excessive drinking is also a complex issue. Ethyl alcohol breaks down into acetaldehyde—a more toxic compound than alcohol itself—within our bodies. Some researchers believe this byproduct is largely responsible for hangover symptoms. Eventually, acetaldehyde is further broken down into acetic acid, but the initial effects can be quite debilitating.

Consequently, it's advisable to limit alcohol consumption, ideally to none. Although some studies suggest that small amounts of alcohol may benefit brain health, most findings indicate that alcohol is predominantly harmful. Notably, it raises the risk of various cancers, including breast cancer in women and cancers of the mouth, throat, and stomach.