Hops
OTHER NAME(S): Hops, Humulus lupulus
Overview
Hops are made from the cones and flowers of a plant called Humulus lupulus. Due to their naturally bitter flavor, they are commonly used in the beer brewing process and as a flavoring. Hops extracts, which are available as dietary supplements, are used for various health purposes. However, their benefits for any use are not well defined. Hops seem to be well tolerated when added to foods and beverages, but there is not enough research on hops extracts to know what side effects they may cause. Before taking hops, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking.
Uses
What are hops used for?
Hops (Humulus lupulus) are commonly used in beer brewing and as a flavoring.
Hops supplements are used for various purposes, but their benefits are not well defined. Some common reasons for using hops include the following.
- Anxiety
- Menopause symptoms
- Trouble sleeping (insomnia)
- Weight loss
- To help manage stress
Note: Hops are commonly used in foods and beverages, which are regulated by the FDA. Learn more about the regulation of foods and beverages here. The FDA has not reviewed hops supplements for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.
How does hops work (mechanism of action)?
Hops are made from the cones and flowers of a plant called Humulus lupulus. Due to their naturally bitter taste, hops are a popular ingredient in the beer brewing process and are also used to flavor other drinks and foods. Although hops are often found in alcoholic beverages, hops and hops extracts do not contain alcohol. In fact, hops are commonly used as a flavoring in nonalcoholic beers and hop waters, and hops extracts are available as dietary supplements.
Certain chemicals found in hops, called prenyl flavonoids, are similar to estrogen and are sometimes known as “phytoestrogens” (plant estrogens). These chemicals may be able to mimic some of the effects of estrogen in the body, which could help with managing some of the health problems that come with menopause. But there is limited research on the use of hops extracts for menopause, and their benefits for managing menopause symptoms are not well defined.
Although there is also interest in hops extracts for other reasons, evidence for their use is limited. Some research suggests that hops extract may help to reduce appetite, but there is no good evidence that it can actually help with weight loss. It is also not clear if it is helpful for reducing fat mass or cholesterol levels. Hops extracts are sometimes marketed to help with mild anxiety or sleep problems, but most of these products also contain other herbs. The benefits of taking hops alone for these uses are not well defined.
Herbal products, such as hops, naturally contain many chemicals. The amounts of each chemical in a specific hops product may vary. Some, none, or all of these chemicals may have effects on the body. These effects may change depending on how much of each chemical is found in the product you are using.
How should I store hops?
You should store hops according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of hops?
Hops seem to be well tolerated when added to foods and drinks. But there is not enough research to know what the common side effects of hops supplements may be. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
There may be side effects of hops that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of hops?
While less common, the most serious side effects of hops are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Hops may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking hops and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching or skin rash
- Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Precautions
Who should not use hops?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take hops.
- Hops
- Humulus lupulus
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific hops products they stock.
What should I know about hops before using it?
Hops are often used in the beer brewing process and as a flavoring in other drinks and foods. Hops extracts are available as dietary supplements. These products cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.
Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are taking, or take it as recommended by your health care provider.
Keep hops out of the reach of children.
Herbal products, such as hops, naturally contain many chemicals. The amount of each chemical in a specific hops product can change for many reasons, including the area where the plant was grown, the weather during growth, the time of year when it was harvested, and the way that the plant was processed after it was harvested. If you switch to a new bottle or a different brand, you may not have the same effects or side effects because of this variability. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.
Hops extracts are available in many forms, including a liquid extract, dried and ground powder, capsules, and more. Each of these forms may contain different amounts of the chemicals that are naturally found in the plant.
Some dietary supplements that contain hops extracts are marketed for their calming effects. These products often contain other herbs, such as valerian and passionflower, that may affect your alertness or coordination. Read the product label to confirm which ingredients it contains. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how these products affect you.
Alcoholic beverages that contain hops can also affect your alertness or coordination. But not all beverages that contain hops are alcoholic. Hops is also commonly used to make nonalcoholic beverages, such as hop water and nonalcoholic beers. It is important to read the product label to confirm whether it contains alcohol.
The FDA has not tested hops extracts to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.
What should I tell my health care provider before using hops?
Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if hops are right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Current and Past Health Conditions.Before taking hops extracts, tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.
- Hormone-sensitive cancer, such as breast or ovarian cancer
- Kidney or liver problems
Other Medicines and Supplements.Hops extracts may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking hops extracts, tell your health care provider about any prescription or OTC medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how hops could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if hops pass into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
Interactions
Do hops interact with foods or drinks?
Hops are often used as a flavoring in foods and drinks. There are no known interactions between hops extracts and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect hops extracts.
Do hops interact with medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using hormone replacement therapy or any medicines that contain hormones, including certain types of birth control.
The interactions between hops and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with hops is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking hops with any medicines.
Dosing
What should I do if I accidentally use too much hops?
If you or someone else has used too much hops, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
Hops are commonly used to flavor foods and drinks. Hops extracts are available as dietary supplements and may be combined with other ingredients. Read the product label closely, and speak with a health care provider about how to take hops extracts safely. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.
References
- Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]: “Hops.”
- Hormones: “Effects of a hops (Humulus lupulus L.) dry extract supplement on self-reported depression, anxiety and stress levels in apparently healthy young adults: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover pilot study.”
- International Journal of Clinical Practice: “Effect of Humulus lupulus L. (Hop) on postmenopausal sexual dysfunction: a randomized clinical trial.”
- LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury [Internet]: “Hops.”
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre: “Hops.”
- Molecules: “Therapeutic perspectives of 8-prenylnaringenin, a potent phytoestrogen from hops.”
- Nutrients: “Effect of a hop extract standardized in 8-prenylnaringenin on bone health and gut microbiome in postmenopausal women with osteopenia: a one-year randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.”
- Nutrition Journal: “Matured hop extract reduces body fat in healthy overweight humans: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel group study.”
- The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition: “An extract of hops (Humulus lupulus L.) modulates gut peptide hormone secretion and reduces energy intake in healthy-weight men: a randomized, crossover clinical trial.”