Korea Ginseng Corp. (KGC) announced on Tuesday that a recent joint clinical study indicates that a special formulation containing Korean red ginseng extract may be beneficial in reducing blood alcohol levels and easing hangover symptoms.
The research, spearheaded by KGC’s research and development team in collaboration with experts from CHA University’s Department of Food Science and Biotechnology and Jeonju Korean Medicine Hospital of Wonkwang University, has been published in the respected international academic journal, the Journal of Ginseng Research.
The study, which followed a double-blind crossover design and included 80 adults between the ages of 20 and 40, revealed that participants who consumed the red ginseng complex experienced lower blood alcohol and acetaldehyde concentrations compared to the placebo group. Furthermore, they reported a significant decrease in common hangover symptoms.
According to KGC, the study demonstrated that in the treatment group, blood alcohol levels started to decrease as early as 15 minutes after alcohol consumption. Notably, they were 19 percent lower than those in the placebo group 15 hours after intake. Similarly, blood acetaldehyde levels began to decline 30 minutes after alcohol consumption, showing a 52 percent reduction compared to the placebo group after 15 hours.
Researchers also documented considerable improvements in hangover-related symptoms, measured at six and 15 hours post-alcohol consumption.
“This study, conducted in accordance with the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety guidelines, scientifically validates that consuming a red ginseng complex can safely and effectively alleviate common hangover symptoms,” stated Hong Soon-ki, head of KGC’s R&D division. “We are optimistic that red ginseng can contribute not only to hangover relief but also to overall health management after alcohol consumption.”
