# Dihydromyricetin

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/dihydromyricetin
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-19
**Evidence Score:** 8 / 10
**Category:** Compound
**Also Known As:** (2R,3R)-3,5,7-trihydroxy-2-(3,4,5-trihydroxyphenyl)-2,3-dihydrochromen-4-one, DHM, Ampelopsin, Vine Tea extract, Moyeam tea extract, Ampelopsis grossedentata extract, 显齿蛇葡萄素

## Overview

Dihydromyricetin is a flavonoid compound found in Hovenia dulcis that demonstrates [hepatoprotective](/ingredients/condition/detox) effects by modulating AMPK signaling pathways. Clinical research shows it reduces liver enzymes and improves [insulin sensitivity](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) in patients with metabolic disorders.

## Health Benefits

• Supports [liver health](/ingredients/condition/detox) in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) - Moderate evidence: RCT showed reduced liver enzymes (ALT, AST, GGT) after 3 months (PMID: 26032587)
• Improves [insulin sensitivity](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) and glucose metabolism - Moderate evidence: Clinical trial demonstrated significant HOMA-IR reduction in NAFLD patients (PMID: 26032587)
• Reduces cholesterol and [cardiovascular risk](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) markers - Moderate evidence: RCT found decreased LDL-C and apolipoprotein B levels (PMID: 26032587)
• Enhances [mitochondrial function](/ingredients/condition/energy) and energy production - Preliminary evidence: Animal studies show increased ATP via AMPK/PGC-1α activation (PMID: 33080338)
• Modulates beneficial gut microbiota - Preliminary evidence: Mouse studies demonstrated increased Lachnospiraceae and Ruminococcaceae (PMC11729546)

## Mechanism of Action

Dihydromyricetin activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathways, which regulate cellular [energy metabolism](/ingredients/condition/energy) and fatty acid oxidation. It inhibits hepatic lipogenesis by downregulating SREBP-1c and ACC enzymes while promoting fatty acid β-oxidation. The compound also enhances insulin signaling through PI3K/Akt pathway activation and reduces [inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) cytokines like TNF-α and IL-6.

## Clinical Summary

A randomized controlled trial with 60 NAFLD patients showed dihydromyricetin (300mg daily for 3 months) significantly reduced ALT, AST, and GGT liver enzymes compared to placebo. The same study demonstrated improved [insulin sensitivity](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) with HOMA-IR reductions of approximately 40%. Additional clinical research indicates benefits for glucose metabolism, though most studies involve small sample sizes of 50-80 participants. Evidence quality is moderate, with most trials lasting 8-12 weeks.

## Nutritional Profile

Dihydromyricetin (DHM), also known as ampelopsin, is a flavanonol (dihydroflavonol) with the molecular formula C₁₅H₁₂O₈ and molecular weight 320.25 g/mol. It is not a food consumed for macronutrient content; rather, it is a bioactive polyphenolic compound typically consumed as a purified supplement or obtained from dietary sources. Key details: • Primary bioactive compound: Dihydromyricetin (ampelopsin) itself — a 3,5,7,3',4',5'-hexahydroxyflavanone. • Natural source concentration: Found abundantly in Ampelopsis grossedentata (vine tea/moyeam tea), where dried leaves contain approximately 20–40% DHM by weight, making it one of the richest natural sources of a single flavonoid. Also present in smaller quantities in Hovenia dulcis (Japanese raisin tree), Cedrus deodara, and certain Vitis species. • Supplement dosages typically range from 150–600 mg per dose, with clinical studies using 300–600 mg/day. • Macronutrients: Negligible — DHM is consumed in milligram quantities and contributes essentially zero calories, protein, fat, carbohydrate, or fiber. • Micronutrients (vitamins/minerals): None intrinsic to the purified compound. Vine tea extracts may contain trace minerals and other polyphenols (myricetin, gallic acid, quercetin derivatives) but these are incidental. • Key bioactive properties: DHM possesses six hydroxyl groups contributing to strong [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) capacity (ORAC and DPPH radical scavenging activity comparable to or exceeding that of many common flavonoids). It chelates metal ions (Fe²⁺, Cu²⁺) and modulates AMPK, SIRT1, Nrf2/ARE, and [NF-κB](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) signaling pathways. • Bioavailability notes: Oral bioavailability is relatively LOW, estimated at approximately 4–17% in animal models. DHM undergoes extensive first-pass [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) including glucuronidation, sulfation, and methylation in the gut and liver. Absorption is primarily in the small intestine. Plasma half-life is short (~1.5–3 hours in animal studies). Bioavailability may be enhanced by co-administration with lipid-based carriers, phospholipid complexes (phytosomes), nanoformulations, or piperine. Gut microbiota metabolize unabsorbed DHM into smaller phenolic acids (e.g., phloroglucinol derivatives), which may contribute additional bioactivity. Peak plasma concentration (Tmax) occurs approximately 0.5–1.5 hours post-oral ingestion. Water solubility is limited (~20 mg/mL at room temperature), which partly explains the low bioavailability.

## Dosage & Preparation

Clinical studies used 300mg daily (150mg twice daily in capsules) for NAFLD management. Commercial supplements typically contain 100-300mg per capsule of purified DHM (≥98% purity). No other human dosing regimens have been clinically validated. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Dihydromyricetin appears generally well-tolerated with minimal reported side effects in clinical trials. Potential interactions may occur with diabetes medications due to glucose-lowering effects, requiring blood sugar monitoring. No specific drug interactions have been documented, but theoretical concerns exist with hepatically-metabolized medications. Safety during pregnancy and lactation has not been established, so use should be avoided in these populations.

## Scientific Research

The primary human evidence comes from a double-blind RCT (PMID: 26032587) where 60 NAFLD patients received 300mg/day DHM or placebo for 3 months, showing significant improvements in liver enzymes and metabolic markers. Supporting preclinical research includes mouse NAFLD models demonstrating [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects and gut microbiota modulation (PMC11729546).

## Historical & Cultural Context

DHM-rich Ampelopsis grossedentata has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for over 1,000 years as 'Vine Tea' or 'Moyeam tea' to treat liver disorders, drunkenness, and [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation). Historical TCM texts document its use for sobering effects and liver protection, which sparked modern research interest (PMID: 34339914, PMID: 39830336).

## Synergistic Combinations

Milk thistle, Alpha-lipoic acid, N-acetylcysteine, Berberine, [Probiotic](/ingredients/condition/gut-health)s

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the effective dosage of dihydromyricetin for liver health?

Clinical studies used 300mg daily of dihydromyricetin for 3 months to achieve significant reductions in liver enzymes ALT, AST, and GGT. This dosage was well-tolerated and showed measurable hepatoprotective effects in NAFLD patients.

### How long does dihydromyricetin take to improve liver enzymes?

Clinical trials demonstrate liver enzyme improvements within 8-12 weeks of daily dihydromyricetin supplementation. The most significant reductions in ALT and AST levels were observed after 3 months of consistent use at 300mg daily.

### Can dihydromyricetin help with insulin resistance?

Yes, dihydromyricetin improved insulin sensitivity by approximately 40% reduction in HOMA-IR scores in clinical trials. It works by activating AMPK pathways and enhancing PI3K/Akt insulin signaling mechanisms.

### What foods naturally contain dihydromyricetin?

Dihydromyricetin is primarily found in Hovenia dulcis (Japanese raisin tree) fruit and bark. Smaller amounts occur in vine tea (Ampelopsis grossedentata) and some grape varieties, though concentrated supplements provide therapeutic dosages.

### Does dihydromyricetin interact with diabetes medications?

Dihydromyricetin may enhance glucose-lowering effects of diabetes medications due to its insulin-sensitizing properties. Patients taking metformin or other antidiabetic drugs should monitor blood sugar closely and consult healthcare providers before use.

### Is dihydromyricetin safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women?

There is limited clinical data on dihydromyricetin safety during pregnancy and lactation, so it is generally recommended that pregnant and breastfeeding women avoid supplementation unless specifically advised by a healthcare provider. Most prenatal safety protocols err on the side of caution with compounds lacking robust human pregnancy studies. If considering use during these periods, consultation with an obstetrician is essential.

### How does dihydromyricetin compare to milk thistle for liver support?

Both dihydromyricetin and milk thistle (silymarin) demonstrate hepatoprotective properties, but dihydromyricetin has additional benefits for glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity that milk thistle does not strongly exhibit. Dihydromyricetin appears to work through AMPK activation and antioxidant pathways, while milk thistle primarily functions as a hepatocellular protectant and anti-inflammatory agent. Combining both may offer complementary liver and metabolic support, though comparative efficacy studies are limited.

### What is the bioavailability of dihydromyricetin supplements, and how can absorption be optimized?

Dihydromyricetin has relatively low oral bioavailability, with most clinical studies showing modest systemic absorption when taken as a standalone compound. Taking dihydromyricetin with fat-containing meals may enhance absorption due to its lipophilic properties, and some formulations use specialized delivery systems to improve bioavailability. The standardized extracts used in clinical trials (typically 50–100 mg doses) are formulated to maximize absorption, making them generally more effective than raw plant material.

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*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
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