By Avni Dalal, ND
Hops (Humulus lupulus), long celebrated for its use in beer-making, may offer more than just a pleasant flavor and floral aroma to your favorite brew. This humble plant has a rich history in herbal medicine and is increasingly recognized for its potential health benefits, particularly in the realms of cardiometabolic health, appetite regulation, and even modulation of GLP-1 receptors.* One of the most promising compounds found in hops is xanthohumulone, a unique polyphenol extract derived from xanthohumul that has garnered attention for its wide-ranging therapeutic effects.
In this article, we explore the benefits of hops, with a focus on xanthohumulone, and dive into its potential impact on health and precautions to keep in mind.
Hops Extract and Cardiometabolic Health
Cardiometabolic health encompasses a wide spectrum of conditions, including obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and heart disease. Emerging research suggests that hops, specifically xanthohumulone, may play a crucial role in positively affecting body weight, lipid and glucose metabolism, and other aspects of both cardiovascular health and metabolic function.1*
In animal models, xanthohumulone supplementation has been shown to significantly reduce plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels.2 Additionally, xanthohumulone was found to activate AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which leads to decreased lipogenesis and increased fatty acid oxidation, contributing to reduced hepatic steatosis.2,3
Appetite Regulation and GLP-1 Receptor Activation of Hops Extract
One of the more intriguing effects of xanthohumulone lies in its potential to influence appetite regulation. GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) is a hormone that has been gaining popularity since it plays a pivotal function in controlling hunger and regulating blood sugar. GLP-1 receptors (the proteins that GLP-1 “latches onto") are found throughout the body including the pancreas, digestive tract, and brain to work together to stimulate the release of insulin, regulate food intake, and support health energy expenditure and weight.
Research has suggested that xanthohumulone acts as a natural agonist and activator of GLP-1 receptors. It improves GLP-1 receptor sensitivity by enhancing GLP-1 mediated signaling pathways such as cAMP formation (a cellular signal) and intracellular calcium mobilization.4* The effects of this modulation could be particularly benefits for weight management, appetite regulation, feelings of satiety, and glycemic control, all of which additionally contribute to improved cardiometabolic health.1,5*
Other Health Benefits of Hops
Beyond cardiometabolic health and appetite regulation, hops have a range of other potential benefits. Traditional uses of hops include their sedative and calming effects, making them a popular remedy for mild anxiety (non-GAD), sleep issues, and occasional stress.* The bitter and pungent taste of hops also makes them an excellent aromatic digestive herb that has been used to ease upset stomach, gas and bloating, and digestion issues.* Adding dry hops to a pillow is an old-wives tale to help with sleep, but mixing hops with other digestive and relaxing herbs in a tea is also an effective yet gentle way to garner some of these benefits.*
Potential Side Effects and Precautions
Hops, in general, are considered safe for most individuals when used appropriately, but there are a few potential side effects to be aware of. Some people may experience mild digestive discomfort or drowsiness and sedation when consumed at high doses. For individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions, such as breast cancer and other estrogen-related cancers, caution should be taken, as the phytoestrogen in hops could potentially interact with estrogen receptors in the body. As always, it is important to speak with a trusted healthcare provider before making changes to your healthcare regimen.
References:
1. Neumann HF et al. Molecular Nutrition & Food Research. 2022;66(6):e2100831.
2. Doddapattar P et al. Molecular Nutrition & Food Research. 2013;57(10):1718-1728.
3. Atteia HH et al. Foods (Basel, Switzerland). 2023;12(23):4214.
4. Wootten D et al. The Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics. 2011;336(2):540-550.
5. GĂ³mez-Zorita S et al. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2024;25(22):12434.
