Evaluation of the effects of Hangover-releasing agent containing freeze-dried mature silkworm larval powder (SMSP) on alcohol metabolism and hangover improvement

• Published in: Han'guk Sikp'um Kwahakhoe Chi = Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology Vol. 53; no. 1; p. 72
• Main Authors: Woo, Miseon, Cha, Ji Hyeon, Kim, Yonghwan, Kang, Hee-Taik, Kim, Hyeondok, Cho, Kyong Won, Park, Sung Sun, Lee, Jong Hun
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English; Korean
• Published: Seoul Korean Society of Food Science & Technology 01.02.2021
• Subjects: Acetaldehyde; Amino acids; Blood; Blood levels; Criteria; Freeze drying; Metabolism; Minerals; Placebos; Silk; Silkworms; Textiles; Vitamins
• DOI: 10.9721/KJFST.2021.53.1.72
• ISSN: 0367-6293

Silkworms have traditionally been used to produce silk and textiles. However, steamed and freeze-dried mature silkworm larval powder (SMSP) contain large amounts of amino acids, vitamins, and essential minerals. In this study, we investigated the potential of SMSP as a hangover-relieving agent. Thirty individuals who met the selection criteria and exclusion criteria were included in the study and subsequently underwent a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, cross-design human application test. Importantly, the test product containing SMSP (CKDHC) was proven to alleviate hangovers through a significant reduction in the plasma concentration of acetaldehyde in the context of an alcohol-induced hangover model. In particular, from 0.5 h after SMSP intake, the blood acetaldehyde concentration (mg/L), area under the time curve (AUC; indicating the degree of bioabsorption of blood acetaldehyde), and the highest blood acetaldehyde concentration (Cmax) were reduced. Altogether, these results suggest that the test product (CKDHC) exhibits an accelerated hangover-relieving effect.