Dihydromyricetin (DHM) vs Vine Tea Extract: Differences, Specifications and Sourcing

Vine tea is the leaf of Ampelopsis grossedentata, a climbing plant of southern China traditionally brewed as a herbal tea. Young leaves are unusually rich in DHM, reported at up to 20–30%, together with myricetin and other flavonoids.

Vine tea extract keeps that broad flavonoid mixture and is standardized to total flavonoids. DHM is purified from the same leaves by repeated crystallization until a single compound makes up at least 98% of the powder. They are two grades from one botanical, not competing products.

For the full DHM limits (heavy metals, microbiology, residual solvents, density) see the specification table on the dihydromyricetin (DHM) page; grades for the extract are on the vine tea extract page.

• DHM 98% if the label or your claim strategy depends on a defined single compound, or you need a small, predictable capsule fill (about 0.32 g DHM fills a size 00# capsule).
• Vine tea extract if you want the full flavonoid profile, a tea-style or instant-drink concept, or a lower cost per serving of flavonoids.
• Both can be combined: a total-flavonoid base with a DHM boost is a common design to discuss.

Always match the standardization on your label to the marker on the COA. A total-flavonoid figure and a DHM figure are different measurements and should not be compared directly.

DHM is one of the most studied vine tea constituents. Published work, mostly preclinical, has examined antioxidant behavior, interaction with neurotransmitter receptors and ethanol and lipid metabolism pathways in the liver (Shen et al., 2012; Silva et al., 2020), summarised in a review by Zhang et al. (2018). These papers describe research, not benefits of any product we supply, and we make no disease or hangover claims.

• HPLC chromatogram with the marker named, the method and the reference standard, not only a percentage on a COA.
• Botanical identity: the COA should name Ampelopsis grossedentata.
• Origin, leaf grade and season, with traceability to the grower.
• Heavy metals, microbiology, aflatoxin and pesticides that fit your target market.
• Residual solvents and a process overview (our DHM is purified by crystallization; residual solvents are specified at 0.5% or less by GC).
• Recent COAs from several lots, so you can see batch-to-batch spread.

Certificates and documents for company-level credentials are listed on our Quality & Certifications page.

It varies by market and by intended use. In the US, brands should consider new dietary ingredient requirements and use structure/function wording with the DSHEA disclaimer. In the EU, novel food status and the rules on health claims need to be assessed. We provide technical documentation, and the brand is responsible for confirming compliance and labeling in its own market.

1. Shen Y, Lindemeyer AK, Gonzalez C, et al. Dihydromyricetin as a novel anti-alcohol intoxication medication. J Neurosci. 2012;32(1):390–401. doi:10.1523/JNEUROSCI.4639-11.2012. Preclinical study.
2. Silva J, Yu X, Moradian R, et al. Dihydromyricetin protects the liver via changes in lipid metabolism and enhanced ethanol metabolism. Alcohol Clin Exp Res. 2020;44(5):1046–1060. doi:10.1111/acer.14326. Preclinical study.
3. Zhang J, Chen Y, Luo H, et al. Recent update on the pharmacological effects and mechanisms of dihydromyricetin. Front Pharmacol. 2018;9:1204. doi:10.3389/fphar.2018.01204. Review article.
4. Carneiro RCV, Ye L, Baek N, Teixeira GHA, O’Keefe SF. Vine tea (Ampelopsis grossedentata): a review of chemical composition, functional properties, and potential food applications. J Funct Foods. 2021;76:104317. doi:10.1016/j.jff.2020.104317. Review article.

References describe published research and regulatory context. They are not claims about any product we supply. Regulatory status differs by country and intended use; brands should confirm compliance and labeling for their own market.