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Herbs and plants

Hops — a beer flower for insomnia?

Sources: 11 · Article: 16 065 characters

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) states that preparations made from hop cones may help with sleep and relieve mild nervous tension.

  • Long-standing use supports their use, but clinical studies do not allow the effects of hops alone on sleep to be assessed with confidence.
  • Studies used hops together with valerian, so no reliable conclusions could be drawn about hops alone.
  • Medicines containing hop cones are intended for adults and young people over 12 years of age. If symptoms last longer than two weeks, consult a healthcare professional.

What the authors write

Europejska Agencja Leków (EMA)

Preparations made from hop cones may help with sleep and relieve mild nervous tension.

„The HMPC concluded that, based on their long-standing use, these hop-cone preparations may be used to relieve mild symptoms of nervous tension and to aid sleep. 30 Churchill Place ● Canary Wharf ● London E14 5EU ● United Kingdom Telephone +44 (0)20 3660 6000 Facsimile +44 (0)20 3660 5555 Send a question via our website www.ema.europa.eu/contact © European Medicines Agency, 2017.”HMPC ustalił, że z uwagi na wieloletnie zastosowanie te przetwory z szyszki chmielu mogą być stosowane w łagodzeniu łagodnych stanów napięcia nerwowego oraz w ułatwianiu snu. 30 Churchill Place ● Canary Wharf ● London E14 5EU ● United Kingdom Telephone +44 (0)20 3660 6000 Facsimile +44 (0)20 3660 5555 Send a question via our website www.ema.europa.eu/contact © European Medicines Agency, 2017.
Szyszka chmielu — streszczenie EMA dla pacjentów
Henryk Różański

Hop cones and lupulin are described as sedatives, sleep aids and anti-anxiety remedies.

„Hop cones – Strobilus Lupuli – and lupulin (lupulinum) have a distinct sedative, sleep-inducing, antispasmodic and anti-anxiety effect. Lupulin is the oil glands (Glandulae Lupuli) of hop inflorescences. It is a yellow or brown powder with a distinctive strong smell (somewhat like valerian and butter).”Szyszki chmielu – Strobilus Lupuli oraz lupulina (lupulinum) wywierają wyraźne działanie uspokajające, nasenne, rozkurczowe i przeciwlękowe. Lupulina to gruczoły olejkowe (Glandulae Lupuli) kwiatostanów chmielu. Ma postać żółtego lub brązowego proszku o swoistym silnym zapachu (nieco walerianowo-masłowym).
Strobilus Lupuli et lupulinum, czyli chmiel jako sedativum
Europejska Agencja Leków (EMA)

Long-standing use supports the use of hops, but clinical studies are not sufficient to reliably confirm the effects of hops alone on sleep.

„This means that although the evidence from clinical studies is insufficient, the effectiveness of these herbal medicines is considered plausible, and there is evidence that they have been safely used in this way for at least 30 years (including for at least 15 years in the EU).”Oznacza to, że chociaż dowody z badań klinicznych nie są wystarczające, efektywność tych leków roślinnych jest do przyjęcia i istnieją dowody na to, że są one bezpiecznie stosowane w ten sposób od co najmniej 30 lat (w tym od co najmniej 15 lat w UE).
Szyszka chmielu — streszczenie EMA dla pacjentów
Europejska Agencja Leków (EMA)

Clinical studies on sleep used hops together with valerian, so no reliable conclusions could be drawn about hops alone.

„The HMPC also considered clinical studies, but these used combinations of hop-cone and valerian-root preparations to aid sleep, so it was not possible to draw firm conclusions about the effects of hop cones. Therefore, the HMPC’s conclusions on the use of medicines containing hop cones are based on their long-standing use.”HMPC wziął pod uwagę także badania kliniczne, ale w celu ułatwiania snu stosowano w nich połączenia przetworów z szyszki chmielu i korzenia kozłka lekarskiego, więc wyciągnięcie wiążących wniosków na temat działania szyszek chmielu nie było możliwe. Dlatego też ustalenia HMPC dotyczące stosowania leków zawierających szyszkę chmielu opierają się na ich długotrwałym stosowaniu.
Szyszka chmielu — streszczenie EMA dla pacjentów
Henryk Różański

Herbal honey with hops, valerian and lemon balm is recommended, among other things, for insomnia.

„Valerian, lemon balm and hop herbal honeys have a calming effect, especially when made with melilot, heather (also good for urinary tract infections), honeydew, lemon balm or lavender honey. While in Belgium, I saw lavender and lemon balm honey for sale; they are hard to find in Poland. Mix equal parts of valerian, lemon balm and hop tinctures. Add one part honey to one part of the tincture mixture and stir. To strengthen the effect, add 10 drops of natural lemon balm oil or chopped fresh lemon balm (1 teaspoon of lemon balm per 1 tablespoon of herbal honey), then stir again. Take one tablespoon 1–4 times a day (as needed) for neurosis, anxiety, stress, restlessness, insomnia, the period before and during menopause, and nervousness.”Ziołomiód walerianowy, melisowy, chmielowy – działają uspokajająco, zwłaszcza gdy są przygotowane na miodzie nostrzykowym, wrzosowym (dobry też na zapalenia układu moczowego), spadziowym, melisowym, lawendowym. Przebywając w Belgii spotkałem w sprzedaży miód lawendowy i melisowy, w Polsce trudno je kupić. Nalewkę z waleriany, melisy, chmielu w równych częściach zmieszać. Na 1 część mieszanki nalewek dać 1 część miodu, wymieszać, dodać dla wzmocnienia 10 kropel olejku melisowego naturalnego lub posiekaną melisę świeżą (1 łyżeczka melisy na 1 łyżkę ziołomiodu), wymieszać ponownie. Zażywać 1-4 razy dziennie (zależnie od potrzeby) po łyżce w nerwicach, lęku, stresie, niepokoju, bezsenności, okresie po- i przekwitania, w stanach zdenerwowania.
Ziołomiody w praktyce
Henryk Różański

A tincture made from fresh hop cones has a calming effect.

„A tincture can be made from fresh hop cones, especially when they are richly covered with glands. Such a tincture has antispasmodic, digestive and calming effects. It eliminates neurosis and attacks of anxiety and hysteria. Pure lupulin taken with honey also has a calming, estrogenic and antispasmodic effect, and protects the prostate gland in men.”Ze świeżych szyszek chmielowych przygotować można nalewkę, szczególnie, gdy są bogato pokryte gruczołkami. Taka nalewka działa rozkurczowo, trawiennie i uspokajająco. Likwiduje nerwice i ataki lęku oraz histerii. Także czysta lupulina zażyta na miodzie działa uspokajająco, estrogennie, przeciwskurczowo i ochronnie na gruczoł krokowy u mężczyzn.
Gruczołki chmielu – Glandulae Lupuli w medycynie XIX i początku XX wieku.
Henryk Różański

Water extracts of the cones mainly aid digestion, while the calming components dissolve poorly in water.

„Water extracts of hop cones mainly stimulate digestion, because the calming components dissolve poorly in water. However, an infusion of hop cones, or even hop leaves, is rich in phlobaphenes, tannins, phenolic acids, chalcones (xanthohumol) and flavonoids.”Wodne wyciągi z szyszek chmielowych działają przede wszystkim pobudzająco na trawienie, bowiem składniki o działaniu uspokajającym słabo rozpuszczają się w wodzie. Jednakże napar z szyszek chmielowych, a nawet z liści chmielu jest bogaty we flobafeny, garbniki, fenolokwasy, chalkony (xanthohumol) i flawonoidy ok.
Gruczołki chmielu – Glandulae Lupuli w medycynie XIX i początku XX wieku.
Henryk Różański

Hop oil was taken by mouth as a sedative and mild narcotic.

„Humulene is another name for alpha-caryophyllene! The oil was found to contain acids and their esters: valeric, acetic, formic, decylic, nonylic, octylic, oenanthylic and butyric acids. The oil was taken by mouth as a sedative and mild narcotic.”Humulen to synonimowa nazwa alfa-kariofilenu!. W olejku stwierdzono obecność kwasów i ich estrów: walerianowego, octowego, mrówkowego, decylowego, nonylowego, oktylowego, oenanthylowego i masłowego. Olejek podawany był doustnie jako środek uspokajający i lekko narkotyczny.
Gruczołki chmielu – Glandulae Lupuli w medycynie XIX i początku XX wieku.
Europejska Agencja Leków (EMA)

Hop cone is the common name for the inflorescences of the hop plant.

„Hop cone is the common name for the inflorescences of the plant Humulus lupulus L. The HMPC’s conclusions apply only to hop-cone preparations obtained by crushing (reducing them to small particles), or by drying and powdering the flowers, and to dry or liquid extracts.”Szyszka chmielu to nazwa zwyczajowa kwiatostanów rośliny Humulus lupulus L. Ustalenia HMPC dotyczą jedynie przetworów z szyszki chmielu, które są uzyskiwane przez rozdrabnianie (zmniejszając do drobnych cząstek) lub przez suszenie i proszkowanie kwiatów, oraz w postaci suchych lub płynnych wyciągów.
Szyszka chmielu — streszczenie EMA dla pacjentów
Europejska Agencja Leków (EMA)

Medicines containing hop cones are intended for adults and young people over 12 years of age. If symptoms last longer than two weeks, consult a healthcare professional.

„Medicines containing hop cones should be used only by adults and young people over 12 years of age. If symptoms persist for more than two weeks of using the medicine or worsen while using it, consult a doctor or another qualified healthcare professional.”Leki zawierające szyszkę chmielu należy stosować wyłącznie u osób dorosłych i młodzieży w wieku powyżej 12 lat. Jeśli objawy utrzymują się dłużej niż przez dwa tygodnie stosowania leku lub ulegają pogorszeniu w trakcie jego stosowania, należy skonsultować się z lekarzem lub innym wykwalifikowanym pracownikiem służby zdrowia.
Szyszka chmielu — streszczenie EMA dla pacjentów

Research from PubMed · Europe PMC

We selected 7 studies with the best, positive results. This is a selection, not a full review of all research.

Total number of studies on this topic in PubMed: 31.

A review suggests that hops may improve sleep quality and relieve insomnia symptoms, although the strength of the evidence varies.

Aim of the study: Herbal and natural supplements have gained popularity as alternative treatments for insomnia and sleep disorders because they are seen as safe and potentially effective. This literature review summarizes the current evidence on the effectiveness, safety and mechanisms of action of commonly used sleep supplements, including valerian, hops, kava, German chamomile, cherry, tryptophan, theanine, melatonin, magnesium and zinc.

Results: The findings suggest that certain supplements, particularly valerian, hops and melatonin, may improve sleep quality and reduce insomnia symptoms by affecting neurotransmitter systems and regulating sleep-wake cycles. However, the strength of the evidence varies, and optimal doses, formulations and treatment durations have not been established. Although these supplements are generally considered safe, they are not without risks, such as rare but serious adverse effects associated with kava and possible interactions with prescription medicines. The quality and purity of supplements also vary widely because there are no strict regulations. Healthcare providers should keep up with the latest research and work closely with patients to develop personalized treatment plans.

Herbal and Natural Supplements for Improving Sleep: A Literature Review. · Psychiatry Investig 2024
Money for the studygovernment, public institutions · National Research Foundation of Korea, Ministry of Science and Information and Communications Technology, Institute of Information and Communications Technology Planning and Evaluation
Do the authors have ties to companies?no — the authors say so
Did a manufacturer help with the study?NO
Type of studydiscussion of other studies

“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.

In a small study, a combination of valerian and hops increased sleep duration compared with placebo.

Aim of the study: This study evaluated the feasibility of investigating the effect of a valerian- and hops-based herbal medicine (Ze 91019) on daytime cognitive performance, psychological measures and sleep in people with occasional sleep problems.

Results: The study design proved feasible, with high adherence to the study protocol. Exploratory analyses found a statistically significant increase in sleep duration during treatment among participants using Ze 91019 compared with placebo (mean daily increase: 21.7 min, p = 0.019), with no statistically significant effects on cognitive or psychological outcomes. In addition, Ze 91019 statistically significantly increased the sleep duration of the shortest night during treatment by 48.7 minutes. The medicine was well tolerated. The study design proved feasible, and Ze 91019 increased sleep duration without affecting daytime cognitive or psychological outcomes.

Effects of a Valerian-Hops Extract Combination (Ze 91019) on Sleep Duration and Daytime Cognitive and Psychological Parameters in Occasional Insomnia: A Randomized Controlled Feasibility Trial. · Brain Behav 2025
Money for the studycompany or manufacturer · Max Zeller Söhne AG
Do the authors have ties to companies?not stated
Did a manufacturer help with the study?YES
Type of studystudy with random allocation to groups (RCT)
Participants40

“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.

A review links the use of valerian, alone or with hops, to improvements in some sleep measures, but recommends interpreting the findings cautiously.

Aim of the study: To evaluate the effectiveness of valerian and hops in treating primary insomnia.

Results: Further randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials are needed before such herbal treatments can be confidently recommended for treating primary insomnia.

Treating primary insomnia - the efficacy of valerian and hops. · Aust Fam Physician 2010
Money for the studynot stated
Do the authors have ties to companies?not stated
Did a manufacturer help with the study?unknown
Type of studyreview of many studies

“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.

A combination product containing hops improved sleep duration, time to fall asleep and the number of nighttime awakenings, similarly to zolpidem.

Aim of the study: To assess the effectiveness and safety of NSF-3, a multi-herb sedative and sleep medicine containing standardized extracts of Valeriana officinalis, Passiflora incarnata and Humulus lupulus, compared with zolpidem in primary insomnia.

Results: A total of 91 subjects were recruited, of whom 39 in each group completed the study. Total sleep time, time to fall asleep, the number of nighttime awakenings and insomnia severity index scores improved significantly in both groups. However, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups. Epworth sleepiness scores did not change significantly during the study. Twelve treatment-emergent adverse events were reported with NSF-3 and 16 with zolpidem (the most common was drowsiness in both groups); most were mild, and no serious adverse events occurred. NSF-3 is a safe and effective short-term alternative to zolpidem for primary insomnia. It remains to be studied whether the benefits last and whether long-term use of this formulation can lead to dependence.

Efficacy and safety of a polyherbal sedative-hypnotic formulation NSF-3 in primary insomnia in comparison to zolpidem: a randomized controlled trial. · Indian J Pharmacol 2013
Money for the studynot stated
Do the authors have ties to companies?no — the authors say so
Did a manufacturer help with the study?YES
Type of studystudy with random allocation to groups (RCT)
Participants91

“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.

In animal models, some hop extracts increased sleep duration and improved sleep in a model of caffeine-induced insomnia.

Aim of the study: Among natural products that promote sleep, hops have been used since ancient times as a tranquilizer and sleep aid. This study investigated the sleep-promoting effects of extracts from various hop (Humulus lupulus L.) varieties in invertebrate and vertebrate models.

Results: Total sleep time in mice whose sleep was induced with pentobarbital increased significantly with Simcoe and Mosaic water extracts and Saphir and Simcoe ethanol extracts, compared with the normal group. Oral administration of Simcoe water extract and Saphir alcohol extract improved sleep in the caffeine-induced insomnia model and increased mRNA expression of GABAA (gamma 2 subunit) and GABAB receptors in mouse brains. In addition, Saphir alcohol extract significantly increased GABA content in mouse brains. Simcoe water extract and Saphir ethanol extract affected GABAergic signaling and improved sleep-related behaviors, including sleep duration.

Chemical compositions and sleep-promoting activities of hop (Humulus lupulus L.) varieties. · J Food Sci 2023
Money for the studycompany or manufacturer · Lotte Co., Ltd.
Do the authors have ties to companies?not stated
Did a manufacturer help with the study?YES
Type of studyanimal study

“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.

A mixture of two hop varieties increased sleep duration in an animal model of caffeine-induced insomnia.

Aim of the study: Hops contain flavonoids with sedative and sleep-promoting effects, such as α-acid, β-acid and xanthohumol. This study measured the sleep-enhancing activity of a Saaz-Saphir hop mixture.

Results: Because the GABA antagonists picrotoxin and bicuculline reduced sleep activity, this confirmed that the GABAA receptor was involved in the activity of the Saaz-Saphir mixture. In addition, a GABAA receptor antagonist also reduced the sleep activity induced by xanthohumol and humulone in the Saaz-Saphir mixture. Therefore, xanthohumol and humulone in the mixture showed sleep-promoting activity mediated by GABAA receptors. The Saaz and Saphir hop mixture may therefore help reduce sleep disturbances compared with other hop varieties.

GABAA Receptor-Mediated Sleep-Promoting Effect of Saaz-Saphir Hops Mixture Containing Xanthohumol and Humulone. · Molecules 2021
Money for the studycompany or manufacturer · Lotte Chilsung Beverage Co., Ltd.
Do the authors have ties to companies?no — the authors say so
Did a manufacturer help with the study?YES
Type of studyanimal study

“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.

A mixture of valerian and hops extended fruit flies’ sleep, partly even after caffeine was administered.

Aim of the study: The aim of this study was to investigate the sleep-promoting effect of a valerian/hops mixture in fruit flies. HPLC analysis showed that valerian and hops contained valerenic acid (1260.53 µg/g of extract) and xanthohumol (Cascade: 827.49 µg/g, Hallertau: 763.60 µg/g, Saaz: 186.93 µg/g), respectively.

Results: This effect of the mixture was partly seen in caffeine-treated flies. The valerian/Cascade mixture increased mRNA expression of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors and the serotonin receptor, with a stronger effect on GABA receptors than on the serotonin receptor. In a competitive GABA receptor-binding assay, the valerian/Cascade mixture extract showed stronger binding to the GABA receptor than valerenic acid and/or xanthohumol, which are considered active compounds in the extract. This study shows that a valerian/Cascade mixture extract improves sleep-related behaviors, including sleep duration, by affecting GABAergic and serotonergic signaling.

Effect of Valerian/Hop Mixture on Sleep-Related Behaviors in Drosophila melanogaster. · Biol Pharm Bull 2017
Money for the studynot stated
Do the authors have ties to companies?not stated
Did a manufacturer help with the study?unknown
Type of studyanimal study

“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.

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