Hops Strobile Supercritical Extract
Also known as: Hops, Houblon, Lupulin, *Humulus lupulus L.*
Overview
Hops are the flowers of the *Humulus lupulus* plant, primarily known for their use in beer production and as a herbal remedy. They have been traditionally utilized for their sedative and calming effects, making them popular for addressing anxiety, mood disorders, and menopausal symptoms. The flowers contain bioactive compounds such as 8-prenylnaringenin (8-PN) and xanthohumol (XH), which are responsible for their physiological properties. Research on hops is at a moderate to high level, indicating several positive effects on mental health and hormonal balance. Various forms of hops extract, including supercritical extracts, are available, potentially enhancing their bioavailability and efficacy.
Benefits
Hops have demonstrated several evidence-based benefits: 1) Significant reductions in anxiety, depression, and stress in young adults with mild symptoms, as demonstrated by a randomized controlled trial which found reductions in DASS-21 scores (p < 0.05). 2) The compound 8-PN shows estrogenic properties, which may aid in alleviating menopausal symptoms. Evidence suggests that specific populations, particularly young adults dealing with stress and women in menopause, may benefit the most. Other potential benefits include chemopreventive effects attributed to XH, indicating a multifaceted therapeutic profile for hops. Further confirmatory research is essential to ascertain the extent and safety of these benefits.
How it works
Hops exert their effects primarily through bioactive constituents such as 8-PN and XH. 8-PN functions as a phytoestrogen by binding to estrogen receptors (ERα and ERβ), influencing hormonal balance. XH is associated with chemopreventive properties, as it induces detoxification enzymes. Hops also act on the central nervous system, contributing to their sedative and anxiolytic effects, yet the precise mechanisms remain to be fully elucidated. They may also modulate interactions with immune and endocrine systems.
Side effects
Hops are generally considered safe, with few reported side effects. Common side effects occurring in over 5% of users include drowsiness and dizziness. Uncommon side effects, occurring in 1-5% of users, may include hypersensitivity reactions; however, these are rare. There are virtually no reports of significant rare side effects. Caution is advised when combining hops with other sedatives or hormonal therapies due to potential interaction issues. Pregnant or breastfeeding women are recommended to avoid hops due to insufficient safety data. Additionally, those with hormone-sensitive conditions should consult a healthcare provider before use.
Dosage
The minimum effective dosage for managing anxiety and mood disorders is not firmly established, but a daily dosage of 0.2 grams of hops dry extract has shown positive outcomes. Optimal dosages typically range from 0.2 to 1 gram per day, depending upon the desired effects and specific extract preparation. Evening administration may enhance the sedative effects of hops. There is no upper limit for safe dosing established, but doses exceeding 1 gram daily have not been widely studied. It's advisable to use standardized extracts for consistent dosing of active compounds.
FAQs
Is hops safe to use?
Hops are generally regarded as safe for most individuals, but should be used cautiously by those with hormone-sensitive conditions.
When is the best time to take hops?
Taking hops supplements in the evening may enhance their sedative effects.
What results can I expect from using hops?
Users can anticipate a reduction in symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress over a few weeks of consistent use.
Is hops effective for severe mental health conditions?
Hops are not a substitute for conventional treatment for severe mental health issues; they should be used under medical guidance when necessary.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28742505/ – This study presents a randomized, double-blind, crossover trial indicating significant reductions in anxiety, depression, and stress scores associated with hops dry extract in young adults.
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/356580314_Traditional_Herbal_Remedies_Used_for_Managing_Anxiety – An exploration of various traditional herbal remedies, highlighting the estrogenic properties of hops, particularly through 8-PN, which may assist in managing menopausal symptoms.
- https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0067947 – An in vitro examination of the estrogenic activity of hops, underscoring the strong influence of 8-PN on human estrogen receptors.
- https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/15/20/4380 – This review encapsulates the safety profile of hops, confirming their general safety with few adverse effects and affirming they are not linked to significant liver injury.
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK548872/ – An extensive review discussing various herbal supplements, including hops, highlighting their safety and efficacy for anxiety and mood-related conditions.