World's Largest Study to 'Cure' Hangover

Jun 16, 2020 by Kamran Ahmed



In the world's first and largest study on the topic, researchers in Germany have found that a plant-based mix of fruits, herbs, and roots may alleviate a hangover. You may assume that the participants consumed a combo of leaves and fruits during the study. But in reality, the investigators gave them a solution of a supplement in sugar water. 

The supplement was packed with different fruit and plant extracts, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. The extracts included cherry, pear, Ginkgo Biloba, ginger root, etc., and the vitamins and minerals included zinc, folic acid, magnesium, and potassium, to name a few. Steviol glycosides and inulin were used as antioxidants. 

The participants included 214 adults. The researchers took the blood and urine samples of the participants and noted their body water level and blood pressure. They were then randomized into three groups, and each group was served a distinct mixture. 

The first group drank a solution containing antioxidants, plant and fruit extracts, vitamins, and minerals. The second group received a solution of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, but no fruit and plant extracts. The third group was given only a placebo (sugar dissolved in water).

And finally, the researcher threw a party for the participants where they were served beer, wine, and a mix of beer and lemonade over the next four hours. After four hours of continuous boozing, each group of participants was given the same solution that they drank before the party. Their blood pressure was measured again, and blood and urine samples were taken. 

After twelve hours, the same measurements and samples were taken again. This time, the participants also filled out a questionnaire in which they were asked to rank their hangover level based on symptoms, including nausea, headache, thirst, dizziness, and fatigue, etc. 

After analyzing the data, the researchers found that the group that was given a solution of plant and fruit extracts, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals presented about 36 percent lesser hangover signs. The other two groups showed no significant reduction in their hangover level. The investigators concluded that the plant and fruit extracts were the ‘cure’ for hangover symptoms.

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