Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
Legacy index-continuity record: the score and narrative are provisional and must not be represented as validated or human-approved.
Review flags: AWAITING_SEMANTIC_VALIDATION
Japanese Raisin Tree seed contains dihydromyricetin (DHM), which modulates GABA receptors and upregulates alcohol dehydrogenase enzymes to support liver detoxification and alcohol metabolism. The seed's bioactive compounds kaempferol, stigmasterol, and naringenin work through NF-κB pathway inhibition to reduce hepatic inflammation and oxidative stress.
Reported Benefits (Provisional)
Origin & History
Hovenia dulcis, commonly known as Japanese Raisin Tree, is a deciduous tree native to East Asia, particularly Japan, Korea, and China. It thrives in temperate and subtropical forests, valued for its fruit and seeds. Traditionally revered in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Japanese Kampo medicine, its seeds are prized for their potent liver-detoxifying, neuroprotective, and metabolic-enhancing properties, making them a significant botanical in functional nutrition.
Research Narrative (Provisional)
Scientific research supports the hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, and metabolic benefits of Japanese Raisin Tree Seed, particularly its active compound dihydromyricetin (DHM). Studies, including in vitro and animal models, investigate its role in liver detoxification, blood sugar regulation, and cognitive enhancement. Further human clinical trials are ongoing to fully elucidate its therapeutic potential.
Preparation & Dosage
Dosage guidance is withheld because the publication gate has not recorded adequate support for this profile.
Nutritional Profile
- Phytochemicals/Bioactives: Dihydromyricetin (DHM), quercetin, rutin, chlorogenic acid, other flavonoids, polyphenols, terpenoids, saponins, tannins, phytosterols. - Vitamins: Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E. - Minerals: Potassium, Magnesium, Calcium, Zinc. - Fiber: Prebiotic fiber.
Reported Mechanism (Provisional)
Dihydromyricetin modulates GABA receptors to reduce alcohol intoxication while upregulating alcohol dehydrogenase and ALDH enzymes in hepatocytes for enhanced alcohol metabolism. The primary bioactive compounds kaempferol, stigmasterol, and naringenin inhibit CYP2E1-mediated oxidative stress and downregulate NF-κB pathways to reduce inflammatory responses. Quercetin derivatives provide additional hepatoprotection through free-radical scavenging and cell membrane stabilization under oxidative conditions.
Clinical Narrative (Provisional)
Animal studies demonstrate hepatoprotective effects with decreased plasma glucose, lipid peroxide, total cholesterol and triglycerides while increasing glutathione levels. In vitro studies on murine macrophages show significant inhibition of nitric oxide production, COX-2 expression, and TNF-α release. One fermented beverage analysis identified dihydromyricetin at 75.17 mg/L concentration using HPLC-DAD and UPLC-MS/MS methods. However, human clinical trial data with specific patient numbers, dosages, and quantified outcomes from randomized controlled trials is currently lacking in the literature.
Also Known As
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