Hovenia dulcis, or commonly oriental raison tree, is in the small plant family Rhamnaceae, native to Southeast Asia. As the common name suggests, the tree bears fleshy fruit which resemble raisins. The fruits taste like a combination of raisin, clove, cinnamon, and sugar. In addition to H. dulcis being known for its fruit, it is also a traditional medicine in Korea, China, and Japan. Considered neutral in nature, it has a sweet and sour flavor and was used to promote diuresis, relieve thirst, and soothe urinary disorders. 

In addition to these actions, H. dulcis is acknowledged for its remarkable ability to reduce the alcohol concentration in the blood following an alcohol overdose. Anti-allergic activity has been demonstrated by the triterpene glycosides, hovenidulciosides I-IV. These constituents prevent the release of histamine. Anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant actions have also been recognized, largely due to the constituent ampelopsin which indicated free radical and superoxide anion scavenging activity.