General Description
The common hop plant is an herbaceous perennial native to Europe
and cultivated in temperate regions thoughout the world. The viny
stems of the plant, which are produced new annually, reach up to
10 meters in length and retain a pliable, non-woody consistency.
The leaves are opposite and serrate with three to five lobes apiece.
Male and female flowers are produced on separate plants. The greenish-yellow
male flowers are small and inconspicuous, measuring about 5 millimeters
in diameter. The female flowers bloom in heavily blossomed, branched
clusters, eventually producing cone-like fruiting bodies called
hops, which are harvested and dried for use in the brewing of beer
and for medicinal purposes.
Health Applications
History and Traditional Use
While hops have been used in the brewing of beer for over 1,000
years, they have a history of medicinal use dating back several
centuries as well. In the 17th century, British herbalist Nicholas
Culpeper recommended hops for a variety of liver, spleen, skin,
and urinary tract ailments, as well as for ridding the body of
parasites.1 The herb also gained a reputation
as a sedative, and pillows filled with hops were used to treat
insomnia and nervous conditions.2
Chemical Composition
Hops' most active constituent is generally believed to be its
volatile oil, which is itself very complex in makeup, containing
several unstable compounds that break down quickly, causing wide
variances in potency over time. Hops also contain bitter acids,
resins, phenolic compounds, tannins, and flavonoids, which may
contribute to the herb's activity.3
Contemporary Uses
In keeping with the herb's traditional use as a sedative, Germany's
Commission E lists hops as an approved herb for treatment of sleep
disturbances and "mood disturbances such as restlessness and anxiety."4
Studies have shown that compounds found in hops have antibacterial,5,6
antifungal,6 and estrogenic7
activity, but it is not known if these compounds have any therapeutic
value. Preliminary in vitro and animal studies suggest that compounds
in hops may inhibit the progression of some types of cancer,8-10
but these effects have not been demonstrated in human subjects.
Dosage/Toxicity
The dosage approved by Commission E is 1/2 gram of dried hops
per day.4 While there are no known health
hazards associated with hops at this dosage, allergic reactions
may occur in some sensitive individuals.3
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