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

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Hops (Humulus lupulus) have a long history of traditional use as a calming agent and sleep aid, particularly in European herbal medicine. Their use for supporting the "serotonin body system" is primarily based on the traditional understanding that hops possess sedative and anxiolytic effects, which may relate to neurotransmitter modulation, including serotonin. Several studies have investigated the potential of hops extracts to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality, often in combination with valerian. However, direct scientific evidence demonstrating that hops specifically increase serotonin levels or directly modulate the serotonin system in humans is limited. Animal and in vitro studies suggest that compounds in hops may influence GABAergic activity and potentially interact with serotonin receptors, but these effects have not been robustly validated in clinical studies focused on serotonin mechanisms. Thus, while traditional usage supports the calming and mood-supporting properties of hops, the evidence for its action on the serotonin system remains preliminary and indirect.

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