Effect of Extracts from Hovenia dulcis Thunb. on Alcohol Concentration in Rats and Men Administered Alcohol

Abstract

The effect of extracts from Hovenia dulcis Thunb. on alcohol (ethanol) concentration after administration of alcohol to rats and men were examined. When a fraction (Fr. G, 0.5g/kg b. w.) extracted from H. dulcis was administered orally to rats 5min before oral administration of alcohol (2g/kg b. w.), the percentage decreases in maximum blood alcohol and acetaldehyde levels were 40% and 37%, respectively, the decreases being larger than those induced by other fractions from H. dulcis. On the other hand, when ethanol extract (0.125g/kg b. w.) was administered orally to men 20min before oral administration of alcohol (0.3g/kg b. w.), decreases in alcohol and acetaldehyde concentrations in saliva were observed, and the expiratory alcohol concentration at 1h after drinking beer was significantly decreased in five men out of eight