Nate Eaton talks with a health professional and parents about the new drug...watch his report tonight at 11, only on 8News!
Richmond,
VA—A drug claiming to be an alcohol antidote will soon be tested on humans; if
it's approved, it could drastically change how—and how much--people drink.
A drug called dihydromyricetin or DHM, claims to instantly
make its user sober, no matter how much they've had to drink.
The pill is made from a Chinese raisin tree, and has only
been tested on laboratory rats. But the results of the testing have shown
promise in severely reducing recovery time after consuming alcohol.
Researchers loaded a rat with an alcohol equivalent of a
human drinking 15 to 20 beers in two hours. Normal recovery time is 70 minutes,
but after being injected with DHM, the rat was on its feet in just five
minutes.
Some health professionals have deep concerns over the new
drug. Pharmacist Baylor Rice of South River Pharmacy says the drug needs more
study.
"The actual mechanism of action, we really don't fully
understand yet."
The drug raises red flags for parents, too, who think the
pill may send the wrong message to young people.
"I think if we start with the pill, we may be encouraging
the underage, teenage and college drinking," said local parent Nancy White.
Others wouldn't have a problem with the drug being used, as
long as it was monitored.
Parent Kanikia Ward voiced, "I think it should be regulated,
you have to show proof of ID, and [make it] something behind the counter,
instead of over the counter."
Stay with 8News for updates.
Copyright 2013 by
Young Broadcasting of Richmond
