Media contributions
1Media contributions
Title Changing the hangover cure game Degree of recognition National Media name/outlet The Star newspaper Malaysia Media type Print Duration/Length/Size Daily news paper Country/Territory Malaysia Date 10/03/20 Description ALCOHOL consumption is an ancient tradition that has formed an integral part of 21st century living. For instance, archaeologists have dated proof of alcohol consumption to as early as the Neolithic age. Göbekli Tepe, an archaeological site in Turkey, is reportedly more than 12,000 years old and hosts evidence of beer production at ancient feasting sites. It is clear that alcohol is a staple across many cultures, and each nation is robustly proud of its distinct alcoholic beverage.
Down the rabbit hole
Indulging in alcoholic beverages can make even the most inhibited person a spirited soul. Still, apart from breaking down inhibitions, alcohol changes how we feel as it increases the release of dopamine (a neurotransmitter that plays a role in pleasure, motivation and learning) in the brain’s reward centre, further adding to its appeal.
However, cautionary tales remind us that too much of a good thing can be bad. Moderate consumption of alcohol may leave you feeling a little more boisterous and confident than usual, but excessive drinking leads to an impairment in psychomotor skills and loss of inhibition. Individuals in this state may say or do things they ordinarily would not.
Despite being widely available and legal across many countries, excessive alcohol consumption paves the way for veisalgia (medical term for a hangover).
Hangovers occur when one’s blood alcohol content approaches zero. Individuals will notice mental and physical symptoms such as a pounding headache, fatigue and an inability to concentrate, typically in the morning after a night of heavy drinking. While they eventually go away on their own, hangovers can last up to 24 hours, in which time they can affect the productivity of working individuals.
“Numerous studies show that alcohol and drug use contribute to workplace accidents, absenteeism and medical and compensation claims,” says Dr Nagashekhara Molugulu, lecturer at Monash University Malaysia’s School of Pharmacy. Researchers add that other effects include memory loss and poor attention, as well as impairment in speed and coordination.
Tapping into nature’s bounty
Hangover remedies have been around for ages, many with dubious origins. However, with drinking being woven so tightly into the fabric of society, even in Malaysia, the importance of hangover remedies takes centre stage.
To prevent or treat hangovers, Hangaway Sdn Bhd, a Malaysian company founded by Monash alumni and registered pharmacist Marcus Chew, has been working with Monash Malaysia’s School of Pharmacy to develop a hangover remedy.
The product is made from natural ingredients and was initially manufactured in powdered form by Dr Molugulu. He then collaborated with School of Pharmacy head Prof Gan Siew Hua and School of Pharmacy senior lecturer Dr Nafees Ahemad to develop a liquid version of the product.
“This beverage is a herbal product with no side effects. As the liver plays a vital role in breaking down alcohol before transporting it to the kidneys to be flushed out, safeguarding liver function becomes crucial. Hangaway contains protective ingredients for the liver based on a formulation that has been used for more than 50 years. At the same time, we (the team) enhanced the solubility and organoleptic properties of the formulation,” explains Molugulu.
When alcohol is consumed, it is metabolised into acetaldehyde, a compound that is toxic at high levels. One 60ml dosage of Hangaway is enough to breakdown acetaldehyde for a moderate amount of alcohol consumed.Producer/Author Nagashekhara Molugulu URL https://www.pressreader.com/malaysia/the-star-malaysia-star2/20200310/281805695988404 Persons Nagashekhara Molugulu