Traditional indications

Hops are anti-microbial, anti-spasmodic, astringent, hypnotic and sedative. Hops has a marked relaxing effect upon the central nervous system. It is used extensively for the treatment of insomnia. It will ease tension and anxiety, and may be used where this tension leads to restlessness, headache and possibly indigestion. As an astringent with these relaxing properties it can be used in conditions such as mucous colitis. It should, however, be used in caution in marked depression. (1)

Pharmacognosy

Hops, an essential beer ingredient, are a source of prenylflavonoids, including 8-prenylnaringenin (8-PN), one of the most potent phytoestrogens. (2) Hope is known to be a potent phytooestrogen (3) thereby protecting against oestrogen dependent cancers. (4)

A mixture of valerian and hops extract improves sleep-related behaviours, including sleeping time, by modulating GABAergic/serotonergic signaling. (5)

1. PFAF. Humulus lupulus. 2019.
2. Possemiers S, Bolca S, Grootaert C, Heyerick A, Decroos K, Dhooge W, et al. The prenylflavonoid isoxanthohumol from hops (Humulus lupulus L.) is activated into the potent phytoestrogen 8-prenylnaringenin in vitro and in the human intestine. J Nutr. 2006;136(7):1862-7.
3. Chadwick LR, Pauli GF, Farnsworth NR. The pharmacognosy of Humulus lupulus L. (hops) with an emphasis on estrogenic properties. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology. 2006;13(1-2):119-31.
4. Limer JL, Speirs V. Phyto-oestrogens and breast cancer chemoprevention. Breast cancer research : BCR. 2004;6(3):119-27.
5. Choi H-S, Ko BS, Kim HD, Hong K-B, Suh HJ. Effect of Valerian/Hop Mixture on Sleep-Related Behaviors in Drosophila melanogaster. Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin. 2017;40(7):1101-10.