The History and Development of Hovenia Dulcis Extract in Korea

Hey everyone!

In my last post, I talked about why Hovenia dulcis extract is beneficial for our health, citing some research studies. Back in Korea, where I used to live, products containing this extract are quite common. Many people take it to protect their liver or as a hangover remedy before drinking, and you can easily find it in convenience stores across various cities.

So today, I want to dive deeper into Korean Hovenia dulcis extract products. Since moving to New York, I've often heard New Yorkers say that I look younger than my actual age. In fact, many Asians tend to appear younger in Western countries. But why is that? I believe one key reason is diet. Compared to the Western diet, which often includes a lot of flour-based and fried foods, many Asians focus on eating vegetables, meat, and rice, which naturally leads to a healthier lifestyle.

Let's explore the history of Hovenia dulcis extract as a traditional Korean ingredient—when it first started being mentioned and how it became widely used in Korea.

1. Historical Background of Hovenia Dulcis

Hovenia dulcis, also known as "heotgae namu" (헛개나무) in Korean, holds a significant position in traditional Korean medicine. Its fruit, referred to as "Jiguja," has been a key ingredient for centuries, primarily used to alleviate hangovers and improve liver health.

1.1 Hovenia Dulcis Use in Ancient Times

The use of Hovenia dulcis in traditional Korean medicine dates back to the Goryeo Dynasty. Its efficacy is detailed in "Seonghyebang," a medical text from the Song Dynasty that was introduced to Korea during King Hyeonjong's reign.

2. Traditional Usage and Names

Hovenia dulcis is traditionally called "haedok-su" (해독수), reflecting the traditional belief in its detoxifying properties. Ancestors utilized its fruit and bark for various purposes, including:

• Hangover relief

• Liver function improvement

• Digestion promotion

• Detoxification

3. Modern Development and Industrialization

Known as a traditional beverage used primarily in Korea and China for approximately three centuries, Hovenia dulcis tea has evolved into various forms in modern times.

3.1 Modern Product Forms

Numerous companies produce products utilizing Hovenia dulcis extract. Examples include:

• Kwangdong Hovenia Tea: A popular product containing Hovenia dulcis fruit extract. Each 340ml bottle contains 17,500mg of concentrated Hovenia dulcis fruit extract.1

• CONDITION by HK inno.N: Launched in 1992, this product uses 100% Korean Hovenia dulcis fruit.1

• Prince Natural Korean Hovenia Dulcis Fruit Herbal Tea: A 110ml pouch containing 100% Korean Hovenia dulcis fruit extract.1

• Hovenia Dulcis Drinks: Several brands offer Hovenia dulcis extract beverages.1 (e.g., Condition Hovenia Dulcis)

• Various Brands of Hovenia Dulcis Tea Bags: Many tea bags are available, often mixed with other ingredients (e.g., Ophiopogon japonicus, brown rice).1

In addition to the types mentioned above, various forms of Hovenia dulcis products (drinks, health supplements, pills/tablets, extracts, capsules, powder) are sold commercially.1 Product types and content may vary across brands and products.

In the modern era, it's available in various forms:

Beyond those listed above, Hovenia dulcis extract is also available in capsule and powder forms, broadening consumer choices.

• Beverages

• Health Supplements

• Teas

• Pills/Tablets

• Extracts

4. Scientific Research and Efficacy Verification

Recent studies show that Hovenia dulcis extract exhibits various benefits, including promoting alcohol breakdown, improving liver function, and providing antioxidant effects.Thieme Connect, PubMed, e-Century Multiple studies provide scientific evidence for its efficacy. Specifically, research indicates that dihydromyricetin (DHM), abundant in Hovenia dulcis fruit, enhances the activity of alcohol dehydrogenase, making it effective for hangover relief.Frontiers in Pharmacology Furthermore, its antioxidant effects can protect liver cells and improve liver function, as seen in studies byEuropean Commission, ClinicalKey, EFSA. Research fromEwha Womans University demonstrated that a standardized Hovenia dulcis extract alleviates alcohol-induced liver damage. However, as seen inPubMed, larger-scale clinical trials are needed to obtain more conclusive evidence on efficacy and safety.ClinicalTrials.gov lists relevant clinical research.

Hovenia dulcis image.Oxford University Herbaria

Hovenia dulcis fruit maturation stages.ResearchGate

Modern scientific research has proven the various efficacy of Hovenia dulcis, particularly in the following areas:

Key Scientifically Proven Effects: Alcohol breakdown promotion, Liver function improvement, Antioxidant effects, Fatty liver improvement

5. Industrial Development and Market Growth

Since the 1990s, the Hovenia dulcis extract market has grown rapidly, with safer and more effective products emerging thanks to modernized manufacturing processes and quality control systems.

5.1 Development of the Product Manufacturing Process

Modern manufacturing processes have evolved through the following stages:

1. Raw material harvest and selection

2. Extraction process optimization

3. Introduction of quality control systems

4. Standardization of effective ingredients

5. Product diversification

6. Modernization of the Hovenia Dulcis Industry

Today, it is used beyond its traditional medicinal value, in fields such as:

• Health Supplements Industry

• Beverage Industry

• Pharmaceutical Industry

• Cosmetics Industry

7. Future Outlook and Development Direction

The Hovenia dulcis industry is expected to continue developing in the following ways:

Future Development Directions: 1. Research and development of new efficacy, 2. Diversification of product forms, 3. Expansion of global market entry, 4. Enhancement of quality control systems

8. Harmony of Tradition and Modernity

Hovenia dulcis is a prime example of a successful transition from a traditional medicinal plant to a modern health supplement. The combination of traditional knowledge and modern science has led to more effective and safer products.

8.1 Modernization of Research and Development

Modern research and development focuses on:

• Analysis of effective ingredients

• Elucidation of mechanisms of action

• Safety assessment

• Efficacy optimization

• Development of new application areas

Hovenia dulcis extract has successfully evolved from its origins in traditional Korean medicine into a modern health supplement. Its value is constantly increasing through scientific research and advanced manufacturing processes, and its continued growth is anticipated.