Efficacy and safety of FHR-SM, a combined extract of Siegesbeckia glabrescens Makino and Mori ramulus, for alleviating alcohol-induced hangover symptoms

Abstract

Alcohol-induced hangovers impair daily functioning, yet effective treatments remain lacking. Natural products with antioxidant or metabolic benefits are of growing interest. This study investigated the efficacy and safety of FHR-SM, a combined extract of Siegesbeckia glabrescens Makino and Mori ramulus, in reducing hangover symptoms. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial, 40 healthy adults aged 19-40 years received either FHR-SM or placebo before alcohol ingestion, with a washout period between treatments. Blood alcohol and acetaldehyde levels were measured at multiple time points up to 900 min post-ingestion. Hangover severity was assessed using validated scales, and safety was monitored through laboratory tests and adverse event reporting. FHR-SM significantly reduced blood alcohol and acetaldehyde exposure, delayed time to maximum concentration, and alleviated symptoms such as headache, fatigue, and sweating compared with placebo. No adverse events were observed. These findings suggest that FHR-SM is a safe and effective option for hangover relief.