The present invention provides a composition for removing a hangover. In
particular, the present invention discloses a method of using ajoene as
an alcohol dehydrogenase inhibitor based on the fact that ajoene strongly
inhibits alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) activity. A composition for removing
a hangover comprising ajoene suppresses the over-production of
acetaldehyde during alcohol metabolism to maintain acetaldehyde
concentration in blood at a normal level that can be degraded in the body
and eliminated therefrom through normal metabolic and secretory pathways
to thereby prevent the hangover after consumption of alcohol, and a
method of preparing the same, are also provided. The present invention
also provides a novel use of ajoene, which is a natural substance
obtained by purification of garlic, and a composition for removing a
hangover comprising ajoene, which is harmless to the body and strongly
inhibits ADH activity, thereby showing very excellent relieving effect on
the hangover.