Hops, the flower of the hop plant (Humulus lupulus), are commonly used to make beer.
This means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.
However, many of these claims are unsubstantiated.
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It’s also important to note that no supplement should replace standard medical care for any health condition.
Here is a look at some of the current research.
No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease.
Verywell / Anastasia Tretiak
A few small studies have investigated the effects of hops onsleep-wake cyclesusing nonalcoholic beer.
One very small study included 17 nurses assigned female at birth.
Researchers monitored theirsleeppatterns with a wristband sleep tracker.
The results suggested that the beer not only helped participants fall asleep slightly faster but also reducedanxietylevels.
Hops are sometimes combined with other herbs, like valerian and passionflower, to treat insomnia.
Hot flashesare a common side effect of menopause.
Hops may be able to help ease this effect.
In both animal and human trials, hops supplementation has correlated with improvements in hot flashes.
However, the researchers noted the potential for adverse effects with long-term supplementation with hops.
Additionally, further research is needed to determine an optimal dosing strategy.
One study performed on rats found that xanthohumol extracted from hops reducedcalcificationinarteriesand veins.
More research is needed in this area.
According to a 2018 review,xanthohumol was found to kill various types of cancer in test tube studies.
Xanthohumol was found to becytotoxic, meaning that it “poisoned” and killed cells, including cancer cells.
It was also found to triggerapoptosis, also known as programmed cell death.
More research, including human trials, must be conducted to draw conclusions.
Depression
Hops are being studied as a potential treatment for depression and othermood disorders.
A small human trial from 2017 looked at healthy college students with self-reported mood disorders.
More large-scale human trials are needed.
What Are the Side Effects of Hops?
When taken as a supplement, hops are believed to be generally safe and have minimal side effects.
However, side effects are possible when taking hops and may be mild or severe.
Some people may experiencedrowsinessordizzinesswhen taking hops supplements.
Typically, these side effects will go away once you stop taking hops.
If side effects don’t improve or disappear, talk to your healthcare provider.
Severe Side Effects
Hops may cause hypersensitivity reactions in some people.
Hypersensitivityis characterized as an extreme allergic reaction.
These reactions may occur within 24 hours of taking hops, or they may take longer to appear.
These reactions can range in severity, withanaphylaxisbeing a medical emergency.
You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience a severe reaction to hops.
It’s recommended that people who are pregnant or breastfeeding avoid using hops.
Due to its sedative properties, hops should be stopped at least two weeks before surgery.
The concern is that taking hops before surgery may amplify the effects of anesthesia.
Dosage: How Much Hops Should I Take?
Because of this, there are no standardizeddosagerecommendations for hops.
Hops extracts are generally considered safe in doses of up to 300 milligrams daily for three months or less.
Hops bitter acids may be used in 35-milligram daily doses for the same amount of time.
It’s best to follow dosage instructions on your hops supplement label or healthcare provider.
Supplement Facts
What Happens If I Take Too Much Hops?
Little is known about adverse events associated with taking too many hops.
This is due to limited research regarding any potential toxicities.
Hops do not appear to causeliver injuryor toxicity.
Keep in mind that potential side effects include drowsiness anddizziness.
To prevent potential adverse effects, use hops supplements only as directed.
It is important that you carefully read the ingredients list and nutrition facts panel of any new supplement.
How to Store Hops
Store hops supplements in a cool, dry place.
They should be kept away from extreme temperatures as well as direct sunlight.
Typically, hops don’t need to be refrigerated but follow any storage directions on the product label.
Discard any remaining hops supplements once the expiration date passes.
Some people choose to add dried hops to various dishes and recipes.
However, they’re generally used as supplements for health purposes.
Hops Supplements
Typically, hops supplements are sold in capsule, tincture, or powder forms.
Tablets and other forms may also be available.
Most hops supplements are vegan.
Check the product label if you follow these or other special diets.
Some capsules may be made with non-vegan ingredients.
Dietary supplements are not required to undergo the rigorous testing and research that pharmaceutical drugs do.
For this reason, the quality of supplements can vary from one brand to the next.
To ensure quality and safety, only choose supplements from reliable, well-known brands.
Summary
Hops are dried flowers from theHumulus lupulusplant that may have health benefits.
Hops have been studied for potential uses in alleviating hot flashes, treating insomnia, and improving mood.
However, research regarding the specific uses of hops is limited and conflicting.
Moreover, hops may interact with some medications and other herbal supplements.
You should talk with your healthcare provider before adding hops to your daily routine.
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