Evidence supporting the use of: Hops
For the body system: GABA

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Hops (Humulus lupulus) is traditionally used as a mild sedative and sleep aid, and recent scientific research has investigated its effects on the GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) system, which plays a key role in calming neuronal activity in the brain. The evidence suggests that certain compounds in hops, particularly prenylflavonoids and bitter acids like humulone and lupulone, may interact with GABAA receptors, enhancing the inhibitory signaling of GABA. This mechanism is similar to how some pharmaceutical anxiolytics and sedatives work, although hops is milder in its effects.

Preclinical studies (in vitro and in animal models) have shown that hops extracts can positively modulate GABAergic neurotransmission, leading to sedative, anxiolytic, and sleep-promoting effects. Some small human studies and clinical trials suggest that hops, especially when combined with valerian, may improve subjective sleep quality and reduce sleep latency. However, clinical research specifically isolating hops’ GABAergic effects in humans is limited, and many studies use combinations with other herbs, making it difficult to attribute effects solely to hops.

Overall, there is moderate scientific support (evidence rating: 3/5) for the use of hops in supporting the GABA system, mostly from preclinical and limited clinical data. More high-quality, well-controlled human research is needed to confirm its efficacy and clarify its specific mechanisms of action on the GABA system.

More about hops
More about GABA