Research

Hops (Humulus lupulus)

24 peer-reviewed studies curated from PubMed and Semantic Scholar.

0
Meta-analyses
0
Systematic reviews
19
RCTs
5
Other studies
RCTs (79%)
Observational (4%)

Studies

Sorted by quality and recency

2026·Molecular nutrition & food research·Sara Brehmer-Henkel, Christina Diekmann, Marit Eickeler, et al

The Bioavailability of Xanthohumol in Humans and the Influence of Formulation and Dose: Randomized Controlled Trial Data.

RCT

Randomized crossover bioavailability trial investigating plasma kinetics of micellar and native xanthohumol in humans. Micellation significantly increased bioavailability, with a 9-fold higher plasma concentration compared to the native form. A subsequent trial showed no acute effects on resting energy expenditure, blood pressure, or heart rate.

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2023·Nutrients·Manon Lecomte, Diego Tomassi, René Rizzoli, et al

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.

RCTn = 100Joint Bone Health Gut Health -

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial studied the effects of a hop extract standardized in 8-prenylnaringenin on bone health and gut microbiome in 100 postmenopausal women with osteopenia over 48 weeks. The hop extract increased total body bone mineral density and improved physical functioning scores compared to placebo, but did not affect gut microbiome diversity or short-chain fatty acid levels.

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2026·Molecular nutrition & food research·Ryan Bradley, Carina A Staab, Paige E Jamieson, et al

Safety and Tolerability of Xanthohumol in Adults With Crohn's Disease: Results of a Triple-Masked, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Phase 2 Trial.

RCTn = 20Gut Health Inflammation

This randomized, triple-masked, placebo-controlled phase 2 trial assessed the safety and tolerability of xanthohumol (XN) in 20 adults with Crohn's disease over 8 weeks. XN was well tolerated with no serious adverse events, and showed beneficial effects on BMI and gamma-glutamyltransferase, suggesting potential positive impacts on hepatic and metabolic health in Crohn's disease.

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2026·European journal of nutrition·K Csarmann, F Jung, A Baumann, et al

A single oral dose of an iso-alpha acids rich hop extract dampens the lipoteichoic acid mediated immune response of monocytes in healthy individuals.

RCTn = 13Immunity Inflammation

A randomized, placebo-controlled cross-over study in 13 participants evaluated the effects of a single oral dose of iso-alpha acids (IAA) from hops on LTA-induced immune responses. IAA reduced IL-6 and IL-1β secretion in PBMCs after LTA stimulation, suggesting its potential role in modulating inflammatory responses via JNK inhibition.

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2024·Gut microbes·Paige E Jamieson, Eli B Smart, John A Bouranis, et al

Gut enterotype-dependent modulation of gut microbiota and their metabolism in response to xanthohumol supplementation in healthy adults.

RCTn = 30Gut Health

Randomized, triple-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial of 30 healthy adults receiving 24 mg/day xanthohumol or placebo for 8 weeks. Xanthohumol did not significantly change gut microbiota composition but reshaped individual taxa in an enterotype-dependent manner. High inter-individual variation in metabolic profiles and bioavailability of xanthohumol metabolites was observed, with reductions in microbiota-derived bile acid metabolism specific to certain enterotypes.

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2022·The American journal of clinical nutrition·Edward G Walker, Kim R Lo, Malcolm C Pahl, et al

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.

RCTn = 19Gut Health Nutrition

A randomized, crossover clinical trial with 19 healthy-weight men tested the effects of a bitter hop extract on energy intake and hormonal responses. The hop extract reduced total ad libitum energy intake and modulated gut peptide hormone secretion, suggesting a potential role in appetite and glycemic regulation.

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2022·European journal of nutrition·Finn Jung, Raphaela Staltner, Ammar Tahir, et al

Oral intake of xanthohumol attenuates lipoteichoic acid-induced inflammatory response in human PBMCs.

RCTn = 14Inflammation

In a placebo-controlled single-blinded cross-over study, 14 healthy young men and women consumed a beverage containing 0.125 mg xanthohumol or a placebo. Xanthohumol ingestion suppressed the LTA-dependent induction of IL-1β, IL-6, and sCD14 protein release from PBMCs, suggesting anti-inflammatory effects through CD14 and TLR2 interaction.

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2022·International journal of molecular sciences·Finn Jung, Raphaela Staltner, Anja Baumann, et al

A Xanthohumol-Rich Hop Extract Diminishes Endotoxin-Induced Activation of TLR4 Signaling in Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells: A Study in Healthy Women.

RCTn = 9Inflammation

Single-blinded, placebo-controlled randomized cross-over study assessed the effect of a low dose of xanthohumol-rich hop extract on LPS-induced immune responses in PBMCs from healthy women. Xanthohumol significantly attenuated pro-inflammatory cytokine release and suppressed LPS-dependent activation of TLR4 signaling.

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2021·Molecular nutrition & food research·Blake O Langley, Jennifer Joan Ryan, Douglas Hanes, et al

Xanthohumol Microbiome and Signature in Healthy Adults (the XMaS Trial): Safety and Tolerability Results of a Phase I Triple-Masked, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.

RCTn = 30

A phase I triple-masked, placebo-controlled clinical trial assessed the safety and tolerability of 24 mg daily xanthohumol in 30 healthy adults over eight weeks. The trial found xanthohumol to be safe and well-tolerated, with no clinically relevant differences in laboratory biomarkers, body weight, vital signs, or health-related quality of life between groups.

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2013·Indian journal of pharmacology·Niteeka Maroo, Avijit Hazra, Tapas Das

Efficacy and safety of a polyherbal sedative-hypnotic formulation NSF-3 in primary insomnia in comparison to zolpidem: a randomized controlled trial.

RCTn = 91Sleep

RCT comparing the efficacy and safety of NSF-3, a polyherbal sedative-hypnotic containing Valeriana officinalis, Passiflora incarnate, and Humulus lupulus, to zolpidem in patients with primary insomnia. Both groups showed significant improvements in sleep metrics, with no significant difference between them. NSF-3 was found to be a safe and effective short-term alternative to zolpidem.

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2010·BMC complementary and alternative medicine·Catherine Cornu, Laurent Remontet, Florence Noel-Baron, et al

A dietary supplement to improve the quality of sleep: a randomized placebo controlled trial.

RCTSleep -

Randomized placebo-controlled trial evaluating a dietary supplement containing polyunsaturated fatty acids and Humulus lupulus extract on sleep quality in adults with insomnia. No significant effect on perceived sleep quality, melatonin metabolism, or sleep-wake cycle was observed.

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2007·Canadian journal of physiology and pharmacology·Deanna M Minich, Jeffrey S Bland, Jeffrey Katke, et al

Clinical safety and efficacy of NG440: a novel combination of rho iso-alpha acids from hops, rosemary, and oleanolic acid for inflammatory conditions.

RCTJoint Bone Health Inflammation

The study examines the clinical safety and efficacy of NG440, a combination of rho iso-alpha acids from hops, rosemary, and oleanolic acid, for inflammatory conditions. NG440 significantly reduced pain scores in patients with joint discomfort and showed no adverse effects in animal toxicity data or human trials, suggesting it as a safe alternative to COX-2 inhibitors.

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2006·Maturitas·Arne Heyerick, Stefaan Vervarcke, Herman Depypere, et al

A first prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study on the use of a standardized hop extract to alleviate menopausal discomforts.

RCTn = 67Womens Health

A prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study over 12 weeks with 67 menopausal women examined the efficacy of a hop extract enriched in 8-prenylnaringenin on menopausal discomforts. The hop extract at 100 microg 8-PN was significantly superior to placebo after 6 weeks but not after 12 weeks. The study concluded that hop extract exerted favorable effects on vasomotor symptoms and other menopausal discomforts.

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2018·Journal of cosmetic dermatology·Natalja Weber, Kay Schwabe, Christoph M Schempp, et al

Effect of a botanical cleansing lotion on skin sebum and erythema of the face: A randomized controlled blinded half-side comparison.

RCTn = 21Skin Hair Health

RCT comparing a botanical face cleanser with hops and willow bark extract to a standard cleanser with SLES in 21 volunteers. The botanical cleanser significantly reduced sebum levels without causing skin irritation, unlike the SLES cleanser which showed reactive seborrhoe after a treatment break.

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2018·Molecular nutrition & food research·Annalouise O'Connor, Veera Konda, Ralph L Reed, et al

Rice Protein Matrix Enhances Circulating Levels of Xanthohumol Following Acute Oral Intake of Spent Hops in Humans.

RCTn = 6

Randomized, double-blind, crossover study in 6 healthy participants evaluating the bioavailability of xanthohumol (XN) and its metabolites following consumption of a spent hops-rice protein matrix preparation versus a control spent hops preparation. Plasma concentrations of XN and metabolites were greater with the protein matrix preparation.

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2017·Hormones (Athens, Greece)·Ioannis Kyrou, Aimilia Christou, Demosthenes Panagiotakos, et al

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.

RCTn = 36Mood Stress

RCT of 36 young adults with mild depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms using a hops dry extract supplement. The study found significantly decreased DASS-21 anxiety, depression, and stress scores with hops compared to placebo over a 4-week period.

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2016·Molecular nutrition & food research·Franziska Ferk, Miroslav Mišík, Armen Nersesyan, et al

Impact of xanthohumol (a prenylated flavonoid from hops) on DNA stability and other health-related biochemical parameters: Results of human intervention trials.

RCTn = 22Inflammation Hormone Health -

Randomized crossover intervention trial with 22 participants consuming a xanthohumol drink (12 mg XN/P/day) showed decreased oxidatively damaged purines and protection against reactive oxygen species induced DNA damage. A follow-up study confirmed DNA protection with pure XN. Other biochemical parameters related to redox, hormonal status, and lipid and glucose metabolism were not altered.

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2012·PloS one·Lourdes Franco, Cristina Sánchez, Rafael Bravo, et al

The sedative effect of non-alcoholic beer in healthy female nurses.

RCTn = 17Sleep Stress

RCT conducted with 17 healthy female nurses to analyze the sedative effect of hops in non-alcoholic beer on sleep/wake rhythm. Results showed improved night sleep quality and reduced anxiety in the treatment group compared to control.

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2010·Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology·R Erkkola, S Vervarcke, S Vansteelandt, et al

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over pilot study on the use of a standardized hop extract to alleviate menopausal discomforts.

RCTn = 36Womens Health

A 16-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study with 36 menopausal women examined the efficacy of a standardized hop extract for relief of menopausal discomforts. Results suggest that the hop extract may provide an alternative for relief of mild vasomotor symptoms, with significant reductions in the Kupperman Index and Visual Analogue Scale after 16 weeks.

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2024·eFood·Qiannan Pan, Cheng Chen, Jingyang Luo, et al

The stability and bioavailability of xanthohumol loaded by sophorolipid‐based microemulsions in functional beer

In vitroNutrition

The study investigates the use of sophorolipid-based microemulsions to enhance the stability and bioavailability of xanthohumol in functional beers. The microemulsions improved xanthohumol's stability and bioavailability, with a 1.79- to 7.33-fold increase in bioavailability. The study also assessed the sensory impact of the formulation on beer, finding it acceptable to consumers.

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2020·Journal of agricultural and food chemistry·R. V. van Breemen, Luying Chen, Alyssa Tonsing‐Carter, et al

Pharmacokinetic interactions of a hop dietary supplement with drug metabolism in peri-menopausal and post-menopausal women.

Studyn = 16

The study investigated the pharmacokinetic interactions of a hop dietary supplement in 16 peri- and post-menopausal women. The hop extract, containing xanthohumol and 8-prenylnaringenin, was tested for interactions with drug metabolism enzymes. The study found no clinically relevant pharmacokinetic interactions, except for a minor decrease in alprazolam levels, suggesting minor induction of CYP3A4/5.

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2019·Planta medica·Annett Gauruder-Burmester, Stefan Heim, Brigitte Patz, et al

Cucurbita pepo-Rhus aromatica-Humulus lupulus Combination Reduces Overactive Bladder Symptoms in Women - A Noninterventional Study.

Observationaln = 117Womens Health

This prospective, noninterventional study investigated the effectiveness of Granu Fink femina, a herbal combination, in women with overactive bladder. Significant improvements in urination frequency, leakages, and quality of life were observed over 12 weeks, with excellent tolerability reported.

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2006·Arzneimittel-Forschung·Giancarlo Morali, Franco Polatti, Elena N Metelitsa, et al

Open, non-controlled clinical studies to assess the efficacy and safety of a medical device in form of gel topically and intravaginally used in postmenopausal women with genital atrophy.

Studyn = 110Womens Health

Two clinical trials assessed the efficacy and safety of a gel containing hyaluronic acid, liposomes, phytoestrogens from Humulus lupulus extract, and Vitamin E in post-menopausal women with urogenital atrophy. The studies showed significant reductions in vaginal dryness and other symptoms, with no treatment-related adverse events reported, suggesting the gel as an effective and safe alternative to HRT.

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2020·Antioxidants·S. Liou, T. T. Nguyen, J. Hsu, et al

The Preventive Effects of Xanthohumol on Vascular Calcification Induced by Vitamin D3 Plus Nicotine

Animal studyn = 30Heart Health

This study investigated the effects of xanthohumol (XN) on vascular calcification (VC) in a rat model induced by vitamin D3 plus nicotine. XN treatment reduced calcium content and alkaline phosphatase activity in calcified arteries, improved vascular structure, and enhanced antioxidant capacity by regulating the Nrf2/Keap1/HO-1 pathway, suggesting potential cardiovascular benefits.

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