Revolutionary gel developed by Swiss scientists halves alcohol's toll
Scientists from ETH University in Zurich have potentially made a groundbreaking discovery. They have developed a special gel that can negate the negative symptoms of alcohol consumption. Initial studies on mice have shown the possibility of reducing blood alcohol levels by up to 50 percent.
While this discovery has been tested only in animals, scientists celebrate their success. Before embarking on human trials, Zurich researchers decided to patent their invention. If it proves successful in humans, it could revolutionise medicine.
In experiments conducted on mice, the gel that neutralises the effects of alcohol consumption has performed impressively. In rodents administered with alcohol, it managed to lower the blood alcohol concentration by as much as 50%. This suggests a significant decrease in the health risks associated with drinking alcoholic beverages.
The gel shifts the breakdown of alcohol from the liver to the digestive tract. In contrast to when alcohol is metabolised in the liver, no harmful acetaldehyde is produced as an intermediate product - explains Professor Raffaele Mezzenga from the Laboratory of Food Materials and Soft Materials at ETH Zurich.
Beyond just mitigating the effects of alcohol consumption, the gel could also play a role in combating hangovers. In addition, mice that were administered the gel daily alongside alcohol showed significantly less damage to the liver or spleen. This also correlated with almost no weight loss.
However, the scientists emphasize that the gel does not encourage alcohol consumption. It is designed for individuals who consume alcohol occasionally and wish to avoid compromising their health.
It’s healthier not to drink alcohol at all. However, the gel could be of particular interest to people who don’t want to give up alcohol completely, but don’t want to put a strain on their bodies and aren’t actively seeking the effects of alcohol - says Prof. Mezzenga.
