Hops In Beer: Understanding The Magic Numbers

Hops, the flower of the hop plant (Humulus lupulus), is most famous for its role in beer. However, hops have been used for centuries to flavour and preserve beer, and they have a variety of other uses and benefits. Hops contain many chemicals, including bitter acids, which contribute to its bitter flavour. Some of the chemicals in hops act similarly to the hormone oestrogen, and others cause sleepiness. Hops have been used to treat a variety of problems, from anxiety and sleep disorders to rheumatic disorders and leprosy.

Hops as a sedative

Hops, the female flowers of the hop plant (Humulus lupulus), are widely known for their use in beer-making. However, they also have a long history of use in herbal medicine, dating back to at least the 9th century in Europe. Hops have been traditionally used to treat various ailments, including indigestion and Hansen's disease (leprosy).

The perceived benefits of hops are largely attributed to the essential oils and flavonoid compounds found in the flowers, such as xanthohumol and 8-prenylnaringenin. These flavonoids are believed to possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. Hops also contain bitter acids, including humulone and lupulone, which may exhibit antimicrobial properties.

Hops have been of particular interest for their potential as a mild sedative or sleep aid. The dried strobile, or cone-shaped fruit, of the hop plant has been used in doses of 1.5 to 2 grams to promote sleep. The sedative effects of hops are mainly attributed to its bitter resins, specifically the α-acid component 2-methyl-3-buten-2-ol. This compound acts by increasing the activity of the neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which has an inhibitory effect on the central nervous system (CNS).

Several studies have been conducted to investigate the sedative effects of hops. One study examined the impact of drinking non-alcoholic beer with hops at dinnertime. The results showed that women who participated in the study experienced improved sleep quality and reduced anxiety levels. Another study involving university students also linked the consumption of non-alcoholic beer with hops to better sleep quality.

It is worth noting that hops are often combined with valerian, an herb that has been traditionally used to treat insomnia. Some scientific evidence suggests that valerian can improve sleep quality when taken alone or in combination with hops. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings.

While hops are generally considered safe, it is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional before incorporating them into your routine, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking medication.

Hops for menopause symptoms

Hops, the flowers of the hop plant, are used to make beer and give it its bitter flavour. Hops have been used for centuries to flavour and preserve beer, with the bitter, aromatic taste of beer being mostly due to the hops content. Hops have also been used for medicinal purposes, including aiding digestion, mild sedation, diuresis, and treating menstrual problems.

Hops contain phytoestrogens, which are plant-based compounds that mimic the action of female sex hormones, such as estrogen. Due to this, hops are believed to be effective in alleviating various menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes, sleep disturbances, fatigue, and vaginal dryness.

A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover trial was conducted on 36 women experiencing symptoms of natural menopause. The women were treated with hop extract capsules (standardized to 8-prenylnaringenin at 100 mcg/day) or a placebo daily for 16 weeks to investigate the relief of menopausal discomforts. At 8 weeks, both the treatment and placebo groups experienced significant improvements compared to baseline. After the crossover, the treatment group continued to experience significant improvements in all outcome measures over the next 8 weeks, whereas all scores worsened slightly in the placebo group.

However, it is important to note that the North American Menopause Society states that the evidence for using hops for menopause is limited and inconsistent (Level II). Additionally, the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada's guideline on menopausal vasomotor symptoms notes that efficacy data for hops is insufficient to recommend its use.

While hops may provide some relief from menopause symptoms, more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness and optimal dosing strategy. It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any supplements or herbal remedies, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking any medications.

Hops as an anti-inflammatory

Hops, the flower clusters of the hop plant, have been used for centuries to flavour and preserve beer. The bitter, aromatic taste of beer is largely due to the hops content. But hops have also been used for medicinal purposes, including as a digestive aid, mild sedative, and to treat menstrual problems.

Hops contain essential oils and flavonoid compounds, such as xanthohumol and 8-prenylnaringenin, which are believed to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. Hops also contain the bitter acids humulone and lupulone, which may have antimicrobial properties.

The anti-inflammatory properties of hops are due to their ability to inhibit the molecule that initiates the inflammatory response, called Nuclear Factor Kappa-B or NF kappa B. Hops have been found to assist with the programmed cell death of cancer cells, as NF kappa-B is often over-activated in rapid cancer cell growth.

Hops have also been found to have an insulin-sensitising effect, which is beneficial for those with diabetes and weight gain.

Hops for anxiety

Hops, scientifically known as Humulus lupulus, are the dried, flowering parts of the hop plant. They are most commonly used in brewing beer, where they contribute to its bitter flavour. However, hops have a long history of use in herbal medicine, dating back to at least the 9th century in Europe.

Hops have traditionally been used to treat various ailments, including indigestion, sleep disorders, and anxiety. While more research is needed, studies suggest that hops may help improve sleep quality and reduce anxiety levels. For example, a study published in PLOS One found that women who drank non-alcoholic beer with hops at dinnertime showed improvements in their sleep quality and reduced levels of anxiety.

Hops are often combined with valerian, another herb used to treat insomnia, as they may be more effective together. A clinical trial compared a sleeping pill, Ambien, to a combination pill containing hops, valerian, and passionflower. The study found that both the sleeping pill and the herbal remedy were equally effective, but it's challenging to determine the individual effects of hops.

The perceived benefits of hops are attributed to their essential oils and flavonoid compounds, such as xanthohumol and 8-prenylnaringenin. These flavonoids may possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. Hops also contain bitter acids like humulone and lupulone, which may have antimicrobial properties.

A small human trial from 2017 found that healthy college students with self-reported mood disorders who took 400mg of Melcalin hops daily for four weeks showed significant reductions in anxiety, stress, and depression levels compared to a placebo group. However, further research is needed to confirm these effects, and larger-scale human trials are required.

Hops are generally considered safe, but side effects may include drowsiness and dizziness. It is recommended to consult a healthcare professional before taking hops, especially for those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have estrogen-dependent conditions. Additionally, hops should be discontinued at least two weeks before surgery due to potential interactions with anaesthesia.

Hops for depression

Hops have been used for centuries to flavour and preserve beer, but they may also have health benefits. The Humulus lupulus L. plant (hops) is used as a herbal medicinal product for anxiety and mood disorders.

Hops contain essential oils and flavonoid compounds, such as xanthohumol and 8-prenylnaringenin, which are believed to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. Hops also contain the bitter acids humulone and lupulone, which may have antimicrobial properties.

A 2017 study found that a hops dry extract can significantly improve symptoms of self-reported depression, anxiety, and stress in otherwise healthy young adults. The study included 36 participants, who took either a hops supplement or a placebo for four weeks. At the end of the study, those taking hops showed significant reductions in anxiety, stress, and depression levels compared to the placebo group.

However, it's important to note that the health claims surrounding hops are not well-supported by scientific evidence, and more large-scale human trials are needed. Hops are generally considered safe, but they may cause drowsiness or dizziness, and people with certain medical conditions or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid using hops.

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