Hops (Humulus lupulus L.)
Table of contents
- Brand Names
- Drug Combinations
- Pharmacologic Category
- Mechanism of Action
- Therapeutic Use
- Pregnancy and Lactation Implications
- Contraindications
- Warnings and Precautions
- Adverse Reactions
- Inhibits
- Induces
- Drug Interactions
Brand Names
Europe
Germany: Hopfenzapfen.
North America
Canada: Lupulinum.
Drug combinations
Hops: Bitter Orange Peel; Chamomile; Echinacea; Lavander; Lemon Balm Leaves; Ginseng; Horsetail; Hawthorn Fruit, Flowers, and Leaves; Mint Leaves; Mistletoe Herb; Nitroglycerin; Passion Flower Herb; Peppermint Leaves; Selenium; St. John’s Wort; Valerian Root
Chemistry
Pharmacologic Category
Natural Products; Herbs.
Mechanism of action
Contains several bitter acids (lupulone, myrcene, humulone) which may have antimicrobial activity, inhibit smooth muscle activity, and exhibit CNS depression. Probable dermal irritant.
Therapeutic use
Mild sedative/hypnotic. Traditional uses of hops include neuralgia, insomnia, excitability, and for restlessness associated with nervous tension.
Pregnancy and lactiation implications
Use with caution in pregnancy or lactation.
Unlabeled use
Contraindications
Use with caution in individuals on the following medications (action may be potentiated): antianxiety agents, antidepressants, antipsychotics, ethanol, hypnotics, sedatives.
Warnings and precautions
Use with caution when driving an automobile or operating heavy machinery and in individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions, such as breast, uterine, cervical, or prostate cancer, or endometriosis, due to presence of phytoestrogens in hops which may exert estrogen receptor agonist or antagonist properties. Use with extreme caution in children under 2 years of age and in pregnancy or lactation. Use with caution in individuals on medication and with pre-existing medical conditions. Large and prolonged doses may increase potential for adverse effects. Herbs may cause transient adverse effects such as nausea, vomiting, and GI distress due to a variety of chemical constituents. Use caution in known allergies to plants.