Humulus lupulus
Botanical Nomenclature | Humulus lupulus |
Common Name | Common Hop |
Taxonomy- Family | Cannabaceae (formerly classified as Moraceae) |
Distinguishing Features of the Plant | Humulus lupulus is a herbaceous, perennial plant growing up to 6m, with serrated, heart-shaped, green leaves and yellow or green, oval flowers. The flowering and the harvesting take place from July to August |
Region Found | Epirus |
Part of the Plant with Active Substances | Leaves, root, frutis |
Active Substances | Lupulin, coordination compounds which are formed from ketones, such as humulone and lupulone, resins, choline, asparagine, flavonoids |
Pharmacological Effects - Therapeutic Applications | The herbal tea is used as antibiotic, estrogen, hypnotic, sedative, painkiller, bacteriostatic, digestive, analgesic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, diuretic and antipyretic. It is recommended for the treatment of menopausal symptoms, hypertension, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyspepsia and bladder's inflammation. A lot of studies are conducted to prove its possible use against cancer (prostate, breast and ovarian cancer), as well as anticholesterolemic. It is applied externally to the skin in the form of poultice made from the fresh fruits as sedative and anti-inflammatory against skin ulcers, rash, edema and other skin problems. Finally, Hop is widely used in brewing for beers' production. |
Method of Administration | It is applied externally to the skin as soothing and healing in the form of herbal tea (1-2 spoons of dried flowers in a cup of boiled water, 3 times a day) and in the form of poultice (made from the fresh fruits). It is also used as an ingredient in creams and ointments in cosmetics. Warning: The use of herb preparations is not recommended without seeking advice from your physician or pharmacist. The substances they contain may interact with the subscribed drugs that the patient already takes, thus eliminating their therapeutic efficacy or inducing toxicity. They may also burden further weakened vital functions of the body thus exposing the patient to increased morbidity and life threatened conditions. |
Toxicity- Adverse Effects | The plant may cause contact dermatitis. It's consumption should be avoided during pregnancy, to patients who suffer from chronic depression and to those with hormone-dependent cancers. |
References | 1) http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-856-hops.aspx?activeingredientid=856&activeingredientname=hops 2) http://cms.herbalgram.org/herbalgram/issue87/article3559.html?ts=1445755404&signature=20420f00014824b54cb04f79d0337e6a 3) https://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/h/hops--32.html#rec 4) http://www.medicalhealthguide.com/herb/hops.htm 5) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1852439/ |