Common Name Hops, Humulus

Latin Binomial Humulus lupulus L.
Family: Cannabaceae

Part Used Strobile

Pharmacopoeial & Other Monographs

BHC 1992 (19)
BHP 1996 (21)
BP 2007 (33)
Complete German Commission E 1998 (17)
ESCOP 2003 (31)
Martindale 35th Edition (34)
Ph Eu 2007 (32)

Active Constituents Xantohumol
Lupulone
Humulone
2-methyl-3-buten-2-ol

Side Effects Allergic reactions are known to occur. Contact dermatitis to hops is known (25) and due to pollen. (67) Small doses of hops are stated to be non-toxic. (68) Large doses given to animals have caused deep sleep, followed by death. (69)

Pharmacological Action Antibacterial activity mainly against Gram-positive bacteria has been documented for hops and attributed to the humulone and lupulone constituents. (70) The activity of bitter acids against Gram-positive bacteria is thought to involve primary membrane leakage. Resistance of Gram-negative bacteria to the resin acids is attributed to the presence of phospholipid-containing outer membrane, as lupulone and humulone are inactivated by serum phospholipids. (70) 2-methyl-3-buten-2-ol, a bitter acid degradation product, has been identified as a sedative principle in hops. (71)(72)

Dosage Dried strobile: 0.5g as an infusion 2-4 times per day. (31)
Liquid extract: 0.5-2.0ml (1:1 in 45% alcohol) up to 3 times per day. (31)
Tincture: 1-2ml (1:5 in 60% alcohol) up to 3 times per day. (31)

Contra-Indications Drug Interactions
Hops may cause oestrogenic effects and may stimulate cancer growth and oppose the action of competitive oestrogen receptor antagonists such as tamoxifen. (73) More trials are needed.
Pregnancy and lactation
Due to a general lack of toxicity date, hops should be avoided during pregnancy and lactation.

Herbal Use/Indication Hops can be used as a sedative or topical bactericidal. The German Commission E approved use for mood disturbances such as restlessness and anxiety as well as for sleep disturbances. (17) Hops are used in combination with Valerian root for nervous sleeping disorders and conditions of unrest.

BHC 1992

BHP 1996

BP 2007

Complete German Commission E 1998

ESCOP 2003

Martindale 35th Edition

Ph Eu 2007

Mitchell J, Rook A. Botanical Dermatology-Plants and Plant Products Injurious to the Skin. Vancouver: Greengrass, 1979.

Leund AY. Enclyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs, and Cosmetics. New York-Chichester: Wiley, 1980.

Mabey R., ed. The Complete New Herbal. London: Elm Tree Books, 1988.

Hamon NW< Blackburn JL. Herbal Products - A Factual Appraisal for the Health Care Professional. Winnipeg: Cantex, 1985.

Teaber M, Schmalreck AF. Membrane leakage in Bacillus subtilis 168 induced by the hop consituents lupulone, humulone, isohumulone, and humunlinic acid. Arch Mikrabiol 1973; 94: 159-171.

Hansel R et al. The sedative-hypnotic principle of hops. 3. Communication: Contents of 2-methyl-3-butene-2-ol in hops and hop preparations. Planta Med 1982; 45: 224-228.

Wohlfart R, et al. Detection of sedative-hypnotic hop constituents. V: Degredation of humulones and lupulones to 2-methyl-3-buten-2-ol, a hop constituent possessing sedative-hypnotic activity. Arch Pharm (Wenheim) 1982, 315: 132-137.

Baxter KB, ed. Stockley's Drug Interactions, 7th edn. London, Pharmaceutical Press. 2006.