Bad news for New Year's revelers: Those hangover cures on which they're relying probably won't work.

Researchers from Britain and the Netherlands said there's no compelling evidence that any complementary or conventional intervention is effective for treating or preventing an alcohol hangover.

The team searched medical databases and the Internet, and contacted experts and manufacturers for studies of any medical intervention for preventing or treating alcohol hangovers.

They found eight trials testing eight different agents: propranolol (beta-blocking drug), tropisetron (drug for nausea and vertigo), tolfenamic acid (painkiller), fructose or glucose, and the dietary supplements borage, artichoke, prickly pear and a yeast-based preparation.

Most trials reported no beneficial effects, although encouraging findings existed for borage, a yeast-based preparation and tolfenamic acid.

The findings are published in this week's issue of the British Medical Journal. The researchers said the most effective way to avoid the symptoms of a hangover is to drink in moderation.

• New Year's Section: Recipes, Party Tips, More
• More Details: Full Study