Perluxan Hops Standardized Extract
Also known as: hops, Perluxan, xanthohumol, 8-prenylnaringenin, Humulus lupulus
Overview
Hops are the flowers of the *Humulus lupulus* plant, traditionally used in brewing beer and herbal medicine. The standardized extract known as Perluxan is enriched with bioactive compounds, particularly xanthohumol and 8-prenylnaringenin, which contribute to its health benefits. Perluxan is recognized for its phytoestrogenic properties, mimicking natural estrogen, and exhibiting notable anti-inflammatory effects. Preliminary research suggests that Perluxan may alleviate menopausal symptoms, reduce anxiety and stress levels, and promote anti-inflammatory outcomes. Although existing studies offer moderate support for these benefits, further clinical trials are necessary to substantiate these findings across various health demographics and conditions, highlighting the extract's relevance in dietary supplementation.
Benefits
Hops extract offers several evidence-based benefits, including: 1. **Menopausal Symptoms**: Animal studies suggest effectiveness in managing weight and metabolic challenges linked to menopause. 2. **Anxiety and Stress Reduction**: A randomized, double-blind study found a substantial 44% reduction in anxiety scores in participants after four weeks. 3. **Anti-inflammatory Effects**: Research shows hops extract selectively inhibits the COX-2 enzyme, reducing inflammatory markers while sparing COX-1. Menopausal women and younger adults dealing with stress and anxiety are the primary demographics that could benefit from these effects, substantiated by high-quality data from various trials.
How it works
The benefits of hops extract are largely attributed to its phytoestrogenic activity, particularly through the compound 8-prenylnaringenin, which mimics estrogen to help alleviate menopausal symptoms. Additionally, the extract exhibits anti-inflammatory properties by selectively inhibiting the COX-2 enzyme, thereby reducing inflammatory mediators. Emerging evidence also suggests its potential role in positively modulating gut microbiota, which could enhance metabolic health and further aid in controlling inflammation.
Side effects
Hops extract is generally recognized as safe, with clinical evidence indicating minimal adverse effects reported among participants. Common mild side effects have been observed in over 5% of participants, while uncommon (1-5%) and rare side effects (<1%) are not documented. Due to the phytoestrogen components, caution is advised for individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions. Additionally, a minor induction of CYP3A4/5 enzymes was noted; however, significant interactions with cytochrome P450 enzymes have not been reported. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should consult their healthcare providers before use due to insufficient safety research in these populations.
Dosage
The minimum effective dosage for managing anxiety and stress is around 0.2 grams per day, with optimal daily dosages ranging from 0.2 grams to 1.25 grams, where no serious side effects are recorded. It is recommended to take the extract consistently on a daily basis without specific timing requirements. Standardized extracts like Perluxan ensure consistent delivery of the active compounds. The metabolism by gut microbiota may enhance bioavailability, and while no specific cofactors are required for absorption, maintaining a balanced diet may support the extract's overall efficacy.
FAQs
Is hops extract safe to use?
Yes, hops extract is generally considered safe, but individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions should exercise caution.
How should I take hops extract?
Consistent daily dosing is recommended, with a minimum effective dose of approximately 0.2 grams.
What benefits can I expect from using hops extract?
You may notice reduced symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress, as well as potential relief from menopausal symptoms.
Can I replace my medication with hops extract?
Hops extract is not a substitute for medical treatment but can complement therapy.
Research Sources
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6050212/ – This article reviews the phytoestrogenic properties of hops and their potential impact on menopausal symptoms and metabolic challenges. Animal and clinical studies suggest that constituents such as xanthohumol may have beneficial effects on hormone balance and inflammatory responses.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26043391/ – This randomized, double-blind study analyzes the efficacy of hops extract in reducing anxiety levels among participants. Results showed a significant decrease in anxiety scores, reinforcing the extract's potential as an adjunct therapy for anxiety management.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2021.673621/full – The study presents evidence regarding the anti-inflammatory properties of hops extract by focusing on the selective inhibition of COX-2 enzyme activity, outlining a beneficial mechanism for inflammatory knockout in various populations.
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