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Hops Aerial Parts Extract

Also known as: Hops, Hop plant, Humulus lupulus L., Humulus, Hops Aerial Parts Extract, Humulus lupulus

Overview

Hops, scientifically known as *Humulus lupulus*, are the female flowers of the hop plant, primarily utilized in the brewing industry. However, these extracts are increasingly acknowledged for their medicinal properties. Rich in bioactive compounds like alpha and beta acids, alongside xanthohumol, hops have long been used to support various health benefits, such as appetite regulation, antibacterial activity, and antioxidant effects. Research into hops extracts has revealed a moderately mature landscape of studies, including randomized controlled trials and animal research, indicating promising health implications. Nonetheless, there remains a need for more comprehensive studies to better understand clinical applications and dosage guidelines. Common supplement forms include supercritical CO2 extracts, known for their enhanced stability and bioavailability, making them favorable for effective supplementation.

Benefits

Hops extracts have been associated with several evidence-based benefits, particularly in appetite regulation and antibacterial activity. One notable placebo-controlled study demonstrated that a bitter supercritical CO2 extract led to a significant decrease in energy intake among healthy-weight men. Hops extracts have also exhibited strong antibacterial effects against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) at concentrations as low as 0.01%. Additional benefits include antioxidant and cytoprotective properties, with studies suggesting cells can be protected from oxidative stress. While some animal studies and limited human trials hint at potential weight management advantages, further research across diverse populations is necessary to validate these claims. The appetite-regulating effect appears quickly, occurring within hours of consumption, indicating potential for immediate outcomes for users.

How it works

Hops extracts primarily exert their effects through interactions with bitter taste receptors (T2Rs) located in the gastrointestinal tract, promoting the secretion of gut hormones such as cholecystokinin (CCK), which play critical roles in regulating appetite and energy intake. The antibacterial properties are mainly attributed to alpha and beta acids, which act by disrupting bacterial cell membranes, causing cellular compromise. Furthermore, hops extracts may influence the gut-brain axis, indicating a potential effect on metabolic pathways linked with appetite and energy balance, aligning them as a compelling supplement for appetite control.

Side effects

Generally, hops extracts are considered safe when consumed in moderate amounts; however, long-term safety data is somewhat limited. Common side effects that occur in more than 5% of users can include gastrointestinal discomfort, although some studies show this was comparable to control groups. Less frequent side effects, occurring in 1-5% of users, might involve mild allergic reactions, while rare side effects affecting less than 1% have not been notable in literature. Users should use caution regarding possible interactions with medications that influence the gastrointestinal system or glucose metabolism. Contraindications include pregnancy and breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data, and individuals with known allergies to hops or other Cannabaceae plants should avoid these extracts. Special precautions are suggested for children, adolescents, and the elderly, given the lack of relevant studies on these groups.

Dosage

Clinical studies aimed at appetite regulation typically utilize approximately 500 mg of supercritical CO2 hops extract. Although optimal dosage ranges have not been firmly established, doses ranging from 500 mg to 1 gram daily appear promising for various health effects. No widely accepted maximum safe dose has been reported, but dosages exceeding 1 gram per day have less extensive safety evidence. Timing may be crucial; taking hops extracts before meals may enhance their appetite-regulating effects. The lipophilic nature of hops extracts suggests that ingestion alongside a fatty meal could improve absorption, although no specific cofactors are deemed necessary for their efficacy.