Hops's therapeutic uses
Hops, primarily known for their role in beer production, possess various therapeutic uses rooted in herbal medicine traditions. Historically, hops have been employed to alleviate digestive issues and, more recently, to address restlessness and anxiety, as well as sleep disturbances. Though scientific evidence for their sedative effects is limited, some studies suggest that hops may help regulate sleep patterns and reduce anxiety, particularly when combined with other natural remedies like valerian. Additionally, hops exhibit phytoestrogen properties, leading to their proposed use in managing menopausal symptoms and possibly for breast enhancement, although direct evidence supporting these uses is lacking.
Emerging research indicates that hops may also have potential benefits in reducing allergic reactions, preventing dental cavities, and combating periodontal disease. Furthermore, their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties are being explored for broader health implications, including protection against chronic conditions. While generally considered safe, caution is advised for certain populations, such as those with a history of breast cancer or allergies, as well as pets like greyhounds, which may be sensitive to hops. Individuals taking sedative medications should consult a physician before combining them with hops due to potential interactions.
Hops's therapeutic uses
- DEFINITION: Natural plant product used to treat specific health conditions.
- PRINCIPAL PROPOSED USES: None
- OTHER PROPOSED USES: Allergic rhinitis, anxiety, breast enhancement, cavities, digestive problems, insomnia, menopausal symptoms, periodontal disease, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant
Overview
Hops, the fruiting bodies of the hop plant, are most famous as the source of beer’s bitter flavor, but it also has a long history of use in herbal medicine. In Greece and Rome, hops were used to remedy poor digestion and intestinal disturbances. The Chinese used the herb for these purposes and to treat leprosy and tuberculosis.
As the cultivation of hops for beer spread through Europe, it gradually became obvious that workers in hop fields tended to fall asleep on the job, more so than could be explained by the tedious work. This observation led to enthusiasm for using hops as a sedative. However, subsequent investigation suggests that much of the sedative effect seen in hop fields was caused by an oil that evaporates quickly in storage.
Despite the absence of this oil, dried hop preparations do appear to be somewhat calming. While the exact reason is not clear, it seems that a sedating substance known as methylbutanol develops in the dried herb over a period of time. It may also be manufactured in the body from other constituents of dried hops.
Therapeutic Dosages
The standard dosage of hops is 0.5 grams, taken one to three times daily.
Therapeutic Uses
Germany’s Commission E authorizes the use of hops for “discomfort due to restlessness or anxiety and sleep disturbances.” However, scientists have had difficulty proving that hops cause sedation. Because its sedative effect is mild at most, the herb is often combined with other natural treatments, such as valerian, for anxiety and insomnia. One small, double-blind study found evidence that a proprietary combination of hops and valerian extract is more effective as a sleep aid than a placebo; the results of this trial also hint that hops plus valerian is more effective than valerian alone, but this possible finding did not reach statistical significance. Further study in humans in 2013 and 2014 found evidence that supplementation with hops did correlate to regulating sleep patterns and relieving anxiety.
In addition, hops have fairly strong estrogen-like properties, making it a phytoestrogen. The basis for this activity is a constituent called 8-prenylnaringenin. Like soy, another phytoestrogen, hops have been proposed as a treatment for menopausal symptoms. It is also marketed as a breast enhancement product. However, there is no direct evidence that it works for either of these purposes. While there is no direct evidence of the latter, studies did show hops phytoestrogen properties improved hot flashes.
For reasons that are not clear, a water extract of hops, called hop water, has shown promise for reducing allergic reactions. In a small, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, using hop water at a dose of 100 milligrams daily significantly reduced symptoms of allergy to the Japanese cedar. (The Japanese cedar is a strong allergen, similar in its sensitizing power to ragweed.)
A special extract of the hop plant called hop bract polyphenols has shown promise for preventing cavities and treating or preventing periodontal disease. Like other bitter plants, hops are also used to improve appetite.
Study continued on hops in the twenty-first century as researchers looked into its potential as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer supplement. These properties suggest that hops could offer protection from free radicals that can lead to chronic health conditions. Hops’ bitter acid content was also being researched for antimicrobial properties. Further study of hops was needed to show the benefits to cardiovascular disease, cancer, and depression that some theorized hops were capable of providing.
Safety Issues
Hops are believed to be nontoxic. However, as with all herbs, some people are allergic to it. Interestingly, some species of dogs, greyhounds in particular, appear to be sensitive to hops, with reports of deaths occurring. The mechanism of this toxicity is not known. Those who enjoy the popular hobby of brewing beer at home are advised to keep pets away from the relatively large quantity of hops used in this process.
As noted, hops have estrogen-like effects. Like estrogen itself, hops might stimulate the growth of breast cancer cells. On this basis, women who have had breast cancer or who are at high risk for it should probably avoid hops until more is known. (Beer does not appear to contain enough of the active phytoestrogen in hops, 8-prenylnaringenin, to matter). Children should also probably abstain from hops to avoid their unwanted estrogen-like effects. Safety in pregnant or nursing women and in people with severe liver or kidney disease has not been established.
Important Interactions
One animal study suggests that hops might increase the effect of sedative drugs, so individuals should not take hops with other medications for insomnia or anxiety except under a physician’s supervision. Individuals who are taking sedative drugs should also not take hops except under a physician’s supervision.
Bibliography
"Hops - LiverTox." NCBI, 30 Mar. 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK548872. Accessed 8 Oct. 2024.
Koetter, U., et al. "A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Prospective Clinical Study to Demonstrate Clinical Efficacy of a Fixed Valerian Hops Extract Combination (ZE 91019) in Patients Suffering from Non-organic Sleep Disorder." Phytotherapy Research, vol. 21, no. 9, 2007, pp. 847-851.
Korpelainen, Helena, and Marja Pietiläinen. "Hop (Humulus lupulus L.): Traditional and Present Use, and Future Potential." Economic Botany, vol. 75, no. 3, 2021, pp. 302-322.
Lubeck, Brittany, and Elizabeth Barnes. "Do Hops Have Health Benefits?" Verywell Health, 17 Sept. 2024, www.verywellhealth.com/the-health-benefits-of-hops-89058. Accessed 8 Oct. 2024.
Segawa, S., et al. "Clinical Effects of a Hop Water Extract on Japanese Cedar Pollinosis During the Pollen Season." Bioscience, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, vol. 71, no. 8, 2007, pp. 1955-1962.
Shinada, K., et al. "Hop Bract Polyphenols Reduced Three-Day Dental Plaque Regrowth." Journal of Dental Research, vol. 86, 2007, pp. 848-851.
Zugravu, Aurelia, et al. "Antioxidants in Hops: Bioavailability, Health Effects and Perspectives for New Products." Antioxidants, vol. 11, no. 2, 2022, doi.org/10.3390/antiox11020241.