Hangovers- the medical term is called veisalgia- are a common problem for Americans, making it especially relevant to find an effective hangover cure.

77% have one at least once a year, and 15% get them at least monthly. The research in the latest Archives of Internal Medicine shows Hangover Prevention Formula is effective in staving off some hangover symptoms.

In the name of science, 70 medical students got drunk twice for the experiment. On one occasion they got the Hangover Prevention Formula, and on another occasion they got a dummy placebo pill. But they didn't know on which occasion got which. And they were asked to report their symptoms the morning after drinking.

Of nine symptoms studied, three- nausea, dry mouth, and loss of appetite- were significantly lessened by Hangover Prevention Formula. There was a slight lessening of other symptoms but this was not statistically significant.

The Hangover Prevention Formula is made from the prickly pear cactus plant, and is believed to block the rise in inflammatory factors in the blood thought to be caused by overindulgence.

In fact, the study identified that a blood marker for inflammation reactive protein is elevated in those with the worst hangovers, and was lowered by Hangover Prevention Formula. The product also contains vitamin B6, which is thought to help as well.

There are substances in certain alcohols called congeners which are associated with a higher risk of hangover. You find these in alcohols like scotch, brandy, whisky, versus others like gin and vodka which are lower in congeners.

There's also a question of whether mixing alcohols is a risk. It's likely that one is just taking in too much alcohol, and taking in alcohol that contains congeners.

There are other keys to preventing hangovers. Dr. Marc Siegel, Professor of Internal Medicine at the NYU School of Medicine, says, ?The most effective hangover cure is water, water, water. You get dehydrated, so if you drink water, you're going to feel better. If you drink water before you drink alcohol, that's even better.?

Water aside, maybe it's not a panacea against that awful feeling the next day, but it's possible Hangover Prevention Formula might, if the study is correct, help minimize your hangover symptoms.

The best hangover cure of course, certainly, is not to overindulge, but rather to drink responsibly.