Hops Glycerite Liquid Extract
Also known as: Hops, Hop Flower, Hops Glycerite Liquid Extract, Humulus lupulus
Overview
Hops, derived from the flowers of the Humulus lupulus plant, are traditionally recognized for their role in brewing and herbal medicine. These flowers are rich in bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, and bitter acids. While historically used for their sedative and anti-anxiety properties, current research also explores their potential anti-inflammatory effects and their role in weight management. Hops glycerite is an alcohol-free liquid extract, typically prepared with vegetable glycerin, which helps preserve the botanical's natural integrity. Although there is some research on hops, particularly concerning their sedative effects and potential anti-obesity properties, the overall evidence base is not as comprehensive as for many other herbal supplements. Most existing studies are small-scale or observational, highlighting a need for more rigorous clinical trials to fully establish the efficacy and safety of hops, especially in the glycerite form.
Benefits
While specific benefits of hops glycerite are not extensively documented, hops extracts have been investigated for their potential to reduce body fat, particularly visceral fat. One study involving matured hop extract demonstrated significant reductions in visceral and total fat area in healthy overweight subjects over a 12-week period. However, it's important to note that this study did not specifically use a glycerite extract. Traditionally, hops are valued for their sedative and anti-anxiety effects, though these particular benefits have not been well-studied in the context of glycerite extracts. The potential benefits for overweight individuals in terms of fat reduction show promise, but more robust research is required to confirm these effects and to determine clear effect sizes or confidence intervals for hops glycerite. The time course for any potential benefits is also not well-documented.
How it works
Hops contain various bioactive compounds, including xanthohumol and bitter acids, which are believed to influence metabolic pathways and potentially contribute to weight management. These compounds may interact with both the metabolic and nervous systems, though the precise mechanisms of action are not yet fully understood. Xanthohumol, a prominent compound in hops, is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, but its specific molecular targets in humans are not well-characterized. The absorption and bioavailability of the compounds within hops glycerite extracts have not been thoroughly studied, making it difficult to fully elucidate how the glycerite form specifically impacts the body's systems.
Side effects
Hops are generally considered safe when used appropriately, but comprehensive safety data, especially for glycerite extracts, are limited. Common side effects are not well-documented for hops glycerite specifically. Potential, though speculative, uncommon side effects could include allergic reactions or gastrointestinal upset. Rare side effects have not been reported in the available literature. Due to hops' traditional sedative properties, there is a potential for interactions with other sedatives or central nervous system depressants, which could enhance their effects. Hops are contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to a lack of sufficient safety data in these populations. Caution is also advised for individuals with known allergies to hops or other plant extracts, as allergic reactions are possible.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose for hops glycerite has not been established, and specific optimal dosage ranges are lacking. Dosing typically follows traditional herbal guidelines, but without clear scientific validation for the glycerite form. A maximum safe dose has also not been defined. Hops glycerite is often taken before bed, particularly when used for its traditional sedative effects. As an alcohol-free extract, glycerite may be preferred by individuals who wish to avoid alcohol. The bioavailability of compounds in hops glycerite may be influenced by the glycerin base, but specific data on this are currently unavailable. No specific cofactors are identified as being required for its efficacy.
FAQs
What are the primary uses of hops glycerite?
Hops glycerite is often used for its traditional sedative and anti-anxiety properties, though its effectiveness for these specific purposes in the glycerite form is not well-studied. Some research also explores its potential in weight management.
Is hops glycerite safe to use?
Hops glycerite is generally considered safe for appropriate use, but comprehensive long-term safety data are limited. It's contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to insufficient safety information.
How should I take hops glycerite?
Hops glycerite is typically taken orally. It is often recommended to take it before bedtime, especially if using it for its traditional sedative effects, though specific timing guidelines are not well-established.
Can hops glycerite help with weight loss?
Some research on matured hop extract suggests a potential for reducing body fat, but this was not specifically with a glycerite extract. More robust evidence is needed to confirm its efficacy for weight loss.
Are there any known drug interactions with hops glycerite?
Due to hops' traditional sedative properties, there is a potential for interactions with sedatives or other central nervous system depressants, which could enhance their effects.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4784395/ – This study investigated the effects of matured hop extract on body fat in healthy overweight subjects. It found significant reductions in visceral fat area and total fat area over 12 weeks, suggesting a potential role for hop extract in weight management. However, this research did not specifically use a glycerite extract.
- https://hawaiipharm.com/hops-nonalc-extract – This source provides general information about hops non-alcoholic extracts, highlighting their traditional uses and the benefits of an alcohol-free preparation. It suggests that glycerite extracts preserve the natural integrity of the botanical, making them a preferred option for some users.
- https://academic.oup.com/bjsopen/article/7/3/zrad040/7180999 – This source, while not directly about hops glycerite, is an example of a peer-reviewed publication. It underscores the importance of rigorous research methodologies in establishing the efficacy and safety of herbal supplements. It highlights the general need for more robust clinical trials in the field of herbal medicine.
- https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a7ebee940f0b6230268b464/20140808_MOD_Acronyms_and_Abbreviations.pdf – This source is a document on acronyms and abbreviations, not directly related to hops research. It serves as an example of a general reference document, but does not provide specific research findings on hops or hops glycerite. Its inclusion here is likely an error in the provided source list.
