Can pears stop hangovers? The CSIRO is on the case

If you fear beer or whine about wine after a night out, you're not alone - but the solution to your woes could cost as little as $7 a kilo.

The Australian research body the CSIRO has been investigating the medicinal properties of the pear, and as part of a literature review to find out what's already known about the fruit, it may have found a credible cure for hangovers.

A variety of Asian pear, known as a Korean pear, helps to metabolise alcohol more quickly and reduce the severity of hangovers, an investigation into past studies found.

Several studies into the pear, which have used human and animal subjects, found when half of participants drank pear juice then alcohol, while the other half had a placebo, there was a difference in their hangovers.

Those who drank the juice found they could concentrate better and said the overall severity of their hangover was reduced.

The CSIRO's lead researcher on the project, Professor Manny Noakes, said the Asian pear had several differences to its Western counterpart, so more tests were being done to see if other varieties had the same effect.

"So far the effect has been seen from consuming 220mL [of] Korean pear juice, although consumption of whole pears may produce a similar effect," Professor Noakes said.

She said the pears appeared to be effective in increasing the metabolism of alcohol and helping the body slow down or block absorption of alcohol.

In particular, reductions were seen in blood acetaldehyde levels, the toxic metabolic thought to be responsible for the hangover symptoms, with pear juice consumption, she said.

But don't celebrate with a pear cocktail just yet. From initial investigations, it looks like the effects only happen when you drink the juice before alcohol.

"The effect was only demonstrated if pears were consumed before alcohol consumption," Professor Noakes said.

"There is no evidence that you can consume pears after drinking and avoid a hangover."

There could be more secrets to unlock, with the literature review the first step before the CSIRO can begin its own studies, supported by Horticulture Innovation Australia.

In the meantime, the review also uncovered that the fruit can help get things moving if you're constipated, help to lower cholesterol, and improve inflammation.

We'll drink to that.