Love hormone blocks effects of alcohol in rats, study shows

24 February 2015 - 14:06 By Times LIVE
subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now
A glass of wine. File photo
A glass of wine. File photo
Image: SUPPLIED

Love' hormone does not only help you bond better with your partner but also has a sobering effect on alcohol use, an interesting study shows.

Research led by the University of Sydney has found that the “love hormone” oxytocin, which plays a key role in human bonding, has a big influence on the effects of alcohol on the body.

AU news reports that scientists found that infusing oxytocin into the brains of rats that were also given alcohol sobered up the animals.

The hormone stopped alcohol from reaching the parts of the brain in which alcohol usually inhibited co-ordination.

Researcher Michael Bowen, of the School of Psychology, said the breakthrough came when scientists observed the intoxicated rats behaving without the usual lack of co-ordination.

He said the sobering-up effect of oxytocin has yet to be shown in humans but, if the findings are able to be replicated, it could lead to significant advances in the world’s battle against alcoholism.

Dr Bowen however said the hormone is no miracle cure, as it won’t, for example, stop you from being arrested for drink-driving, because it doesn’t actually change your blood alcohol level.

subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now