Korean red ginseng complex accelerates alcohol metabolism and relieves hangover symptoms in Humans: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover clinical trial

Abstract

Background

Alcohol hangovers are caused by delayed ethanol and acetaldehyde metabolism, leading to oxidative stress and physical discomfort. The Korean Red Ginseng Complex (KGC100FYK), composed of Korean red ginseng extract, fermented rice–soybean extract, and yeast extract, was developed to promote alcohol metabolism and relieve hangover symptoms.

Methods

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover clinical trial investigated the effects of KGC100FYK on alcohol metabolism and hangover-related symptoms in healthy adults. Participants received either KGC100FYK or placebo before alcohol ingestion (0.78 g/kg). Blood samples were obtained at baseline (0 h, before alcohol intake) and at 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, and 15 h after alcohol intake to measure serum ethanol and acetaldehyde concentrations, and hangover symptoms were assessed using validated questionnaires.

Results

KGC100FYK supplementation accelerated the initial reduction in serum ethanol concentrations and persistently attenuated acetaldehyde accumulation throughout the post-ingestion period relative to placebo. The area under the curve and maximum concentrations for both metabolites were decreased, indicating accelerated alcohol metabolism. Moreover, KGC100FYK alleviated subjective symptoms related to hangover at 6 and 15 h after alcohol consumption, resulting in lower total scores on both the Alcohol Hangover Scale and Alcohol Hangover Severity Scale. No adverse events or clinically relevant changes were observed in vital signs or biochemical parameters.

Conclusion

These findings demonstrate that KGC100FYK safely accelerates ethanol and acetaldehyde clearance and alleviates hangover symptoms in healthy adults, supporting its effectiveness as a hangover-relief intervention.