Love is supposed to conquer all. And one day it may save you from making a fool of yourself on a boozy night out with your beloved.

Scientists from the University of Sydney have found the hormone that induces feelings of love and intimacy, oxytocin, can also counter the intoxicating effects of alcohol in rats.

The researchers plan to test oxytocin's sobering effect on people, noting its potential to treat alcohol dependence.

Often referred to as the "love hormone", oxytocin plays an important role in many behaviours, including bonding between mothers and their babies.