Hops Extract

What is Hops Extract?

Hops, the flowers of a tall, climbing plant (Humulus lupulus), are best known as the flavouring in beer. What is less well known is that, throughout the Middle Ages, as hops were being used to make beer, they were also being used in traditional herbal practice. Today, nutritionists are increasingly interested in hops, particularly around menopause and relaxation.

Hops contain a variety of biologically active compounds, including phytoestrogens. Phytoestrogens are naturally occurring plant compounds with a similar structure to oestrogen, and they can bind to the body's oestrogen receptors.

What does the research say about Hops Extract?

The phytoestrogen in hops that has attracted most research interest is 8-prenylnaringenin. A placebo-controlled study has looked at a standardised hop extract in women going through menopause.

Hops' traditional use for relaxation is also being looked at today. A review of plants traditionally used around stress and mood includes hops, and a pilot study in healthy young adults measured self-reported mood and stress levels while taking a hops extract.

You may also enjoy reading 'Mental health effects of menopause' and discovering our extensive menopause resources for home and work.