hops

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum: 

• Sedative and Relaxing Effects: hops contain compounds such as alpha acids and essential oils that are believed to have calming and relaxing properties.  
• Anxiolytic Effects: hops have been suggested to possess anxiolytic properties, which may help reduce anxiety. 
• Anti-inflammatory Effects: hops contain various bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, which possess anti-inflammatory properties. These anti-inflammatory effects may contribute to their traditional use in herbal medicine for conditions such as arthritis or inflammatory-related symptoms. 
• Estrogenic Effects: hops contain compounds known as prenylflavonoids, such as 8-prenylnaringenin, which have been found to possess weak estrogenic activity. This has led to investigating hops for their potential in managing menopausal symptoms. 
• Antimicrobial Effects: Certain compounds found in hops, such as alpha acids and essential oils, have been shown to exhibit antimicrobial properties.

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined 

Contact dermatitis 

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning: 

None 

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

• Hormone-Related Conditions 
• Depression or Sedative Medications 
• Allergies 
• Pregnancy 
• Breastfeedin

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration:  

Pregnancy Category: N 

Breastfeeding warnings:  

Not available. 

Pregnancy category: 

Category A: well-controlled and satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester. 

Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women. 

Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.    

Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.    

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.    

Category N: No data is available for the drug under this category. 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology: 

• Sedative and Anxiolytic Effects: hops contain compounds such as alpha acids and essential oils with sedative and anxiolytic properties. These compounds can interact with receptors in the central nervous system, including GABA receptors, which help promote relaxation and reduce anxiety. 
• Estrogenic Activity: hops contain prenylflavonoids, including 8-prenylnaringenin, which exhibit weak estrogenic activity. These compounds can interact with estrogen receptors in the body, although their potency is lower than other plant-based estrogen sources like soy. This estrogenic activity has led to research exploring the potential use of hops for managing menopausal symptoms. 
• Anti-inflammatory Effects: hops contain flavonoids, such as xanthohumol, that possess anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds can inhibit inflammatory enzymes and modulate immune responses, which may contribute to the anti-inflammatory effects of hops. 
• Antimicrobial Activity: Certain compounds found in hops, including alpha acids and essential oils, exhibit antimicrobial properties. These compounds can inhibit the growth of various bacteria and fungi, making hops useful as a preservative in beer production and suggesting potential applications in natural antimicrobial therapies. 
• Antioxidant Effects: hops contain phenolic compounds with antioxidant properties. These antioxidants help neutralize harmful free radicals and protect cells from oxidative damage, potentially contributing to the overall health benefits associated with hops consumption. 

Pharmacodynamics: 

• Sedative effects 
• Anxiolytic effects 
• Anti-inflammatory effects 
• Antimicrobial activity 
• Antioxidant effects 

Pharmacokinetics: 

None 

Adminstartion

Administration: 

• Herbal Tea or Infusion: One of the simplest ways to consume hops is by brewing them into an herbal tea or infusion. Dried hops flowers can be steeped in hot water for several minutes to extract their bioactive compounds. hops are commonly used to promote relaxation and improve sleep. 
• Tincture: hops tinctures are alcohol-based extracts of the herb. They are made by macerating the hops flowers in alcohol for a period to extract the active constituents. Tinctures can be taken orally by adding a few drops to a beverage or directly under the tongue. 
• Capsules or Tablets: hops extract is also available in capsule or tablet form, providing a convenient way to consume standardized doses. These products typically contain concentrated hop extracts or powdered hops and can be taken orally with water. 
• Topical Preparations: Some topical products, such as creams or lotions, contain hops extract. These preparations are often used for their potential anti-inflammatory or soothing effects on the skin. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: hops 

Pronounced: hawps  

Why do we use hops?  

hops have a long history of traditional use as a sedative and sleep aid. They are believed to possess calming and relaxing properties, which can help promote relaxation, reduce anxiety, and support a good night’s sleep. 

hops also have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. The pleasant aroma of hops has led to its use in aromatherapy. Essential oils derived from hops are sometimes used in diffusers or added to bath products for their soothing and relaxing properties.  

hops are also available as dietary supplements, typically as standardized extracts or capsules. These supplements are marketed for various purposes, including relaxation, sleep support, and overall wellness.