Common hops are used not only in the production of beer, but also in medicine, as it has numerous healing properties. Hops are a proven remedy for insomnia and sedation. It will also help relieve the symptoms of menopause, pain in the roots and get rid of dandruff. Check what other properties hops have.

Common hops (Humulus lupulus L.)found application primarily in the production of beer. Few people know that hops, specifically hop cones, i.e. hop seed heads ( Strobili Lupuli ), and lupulin, i.e. a sticky yellow powder obtained from hop cones, have numerous healing properties . It owes them mainly to a substance called xanthohumol - a compound from the flavonoid group, which has strong antioxidant properties (4 times greater than vitamin C). In addition, it helps fight viruses, fungi and bacteria.

It also has anti-cancer properties, incl. induces enzymes that are responsible for the detoxification of carcinogens and inhibits the process of angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels, thanks to which the tumor takes up substances needed for development).

Hops - healing properties and application

Hops can prevent the development of cancer

Some substances contained in hops can prevent cancer, especially those whose development depends on the level of estrogen in the body. This is confirmed by research using a breast cancer cell line called Sk-Br-3.

The experiment used three substances contained in hops - xanthohumol, isoxanthohumol (flavanone) and 8-prenylnaringenin (8-PN - also flavanone). It turned out that these compounds inhibited the activity of aromatase - the enzyme responsible for the synthesis of estrogens.

In addition, they initiated apoptosis (cell death) and reduced the proliferation (multiplication) of the cancer cells (in part due to insufficient estrogen availability due to reduced aromatase activity).

Besides, xanthohumol and its oxidized derivative - xanthaurenol (XAL) - depending on the dose - initiated the death of prostate cancer cells, both in hyperplasia (BPH-1) and in malignant prostate cancer (line of PC3 name).

Xanthohumol in an in vitro study provedis also effective in the fight against B-cell lymphocytic leukemia. Dose-dependent induction of tumor cell death has also been reported in this case.

Hops can prevent pneumonia

Scientific research clearly shows that hops extract has antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties. The substances it contains - lupulones and xanthohumol - managed to cope with the bacteria responsible for the formation of acne in in vitro tests. Low values ​​of the minimum concentrations of these compounds were comparable to the antibiotics most often used in the treatment of this ailment (erythromycin and clindamycin).

In addition, laboratory studies on the interaction of lupulones and xanthohumol with some antibiotics in inhibiting microbial growth have shown a positive interaction of hops compounds with antibiotics such as polymyxin, tobramycin and ciprofloxacin.

Scientists speculate that combining antibiotic therapy with hops extract could reduce the amount of antibiotic needed, and thus reduce the risk of antibiotic sensitivity.

In other studies it was shown that xanthohumol is a compound with a broad spectrum of activity against gram-positive bacteria ( Streptococcus mutansand Staphylococcus aureus), fungi ( Trichophyton spp . ) and viruses (herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2, cytomegalovirus, HIV-1). It has also been shown to strongly inhibit replication of the malaria spore.

Japanese scientists from the Medical University of Saporro also claim that another component of hops - the so-called alpha acids, called humulones - is an effective protection against RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus), responsible for respiratory infections, including severe forms of bronchitis and pneumonia.

Therefore, in subsequent studies, they plan to develop not only drugs, but also various types of meals and non-alcoholic drinks containing a large dose of hops. They hope that thanks to this, the number of cases of colds in the fall and winter will decrease and the RSV virus will be neutralized.

Hops can prevent cavities

Hop bracts (the part that is not used in the beer production process) contain compounds that can help fight tooth decay and gum disease, argue scientists from Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences and Japanese food company Asahi Group Holdings, the research results of which were published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.

Their research shows that substances contained in bracts inhibit developmentbacteria in the mouth and prevent them from releasing some toxins. Scientists argue that based on hop bracts, it could be used to produce toothpastes or chewing gums supporting the treatment of teeth.

Hops can prevent the development of Alzheimer's disease?

Scientists from the University of Lanzhou (China) argue in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry that xanthohumol protects neurons from damage due to oxidative stress.

It can therefore prevent the development of Prakinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases caused by the destruction of neurons due to oxidative stress.

Hops for insomnia and calming down

Both hop cones and lupulin (hop secretory glands) make it difficult to transfer stimuli to the nervous system, inhibit the activity of the cerebral cortex and have a calming effect, especially on the sexual sphere. Therefore, in folk medicine, hop cone extract has long been used in states of increased tension, anxiety and nervous hyperactivity.

In addition, hops will work well for people suffering from problems with falling asleep, because it also has a hypnotic effect. It is worth knowing that hops can be combined with other herbs that soothe the nerves.

Hops will ease the symptoms of menopause

Hops contain phytoestrogens - plant compounds that act like human estrogens - which are used to alleviate the symptoms of the menopause. Phytoestrogens mimic natural estrogens in a gentle way and do not cause side effects (taking them does not increase the risk of breast cancer or endometrial cancer).

Research shows that hop extracts especially reduce hot flashes. As such, hops can be an effective addition to an alternative treatment of menopausal symptoms.

Hops will facilitate digestion

Hop bitterness stimulates the secretion of saliva and gastric juice, thanks to which it facilitates digestion and assimilation of food and increases appetite. Therefore, hop cones can be administered in the case of weakening of digestive processes, ischemia or excessive intestinal fermentation, as well as flatulence, belching and other symptoms indicating chronic gastroenteritis.

Hops for urinary tract ailments

Modern phytotherapy recommends the use of hops in ailments of the urinary system. Hops have a diastolic effect - it reduces the tension of smooth muscles in blood vessels, intestines and urinary tract. In addition, it has a mild diuretic effect.

Hops for rheumatic pains and radiculitis

Hop cone extract in the form of compresses is also used in radiculitis, rheumatic pains, as well as in skin inflammation and wounds that are difficult to heal.

Hops - contraindications

Hops should not be used simultaneously with synthetic sedatives.

Due to the sedative and hypnotic effects, the use of hop cones is not recommended for people driving vehicles and operating mechanical devices in motion.

In addition, hops are better not to be given to children under 12 years of age, as well as to pregnant and lactating women (due to the lack of sufficient data on side effects).

Hop cone infusion - recipe

1 teaspoon of hops (approx. 0.5 g) into a cup and pour boiling water (150 ml). Infuse covered for 10-15 minutes. Then strain.

You can drink the warm infusion 2-4 times a day, especially before a meal (to improve digestion) or before going to bed (to help you fall asleep).

Hops - a recipe for a rinse against hair loss and dandruff

Ingredients:30 g hops, 30 g shredded burdock roots, 30 g horsetail herb, 80 g shredded soapwort roots and 20 g chamomile flowers.

Preparation:Pour 1-2 tablespoons of the mixture into 2 glasses of cold water and simmer slowly, covered, 15-30 minutes. Leave for 15 minutes and strain. The herbs remaining after straining, pour 2 cups of water again and bring to a boil, and after slightly cooling, strain and add 2 cups of warm water.

Use the first lotion to wet your hair and massage the scalp with your fingers, then wait 5 minutes and wash with the water obtained from the repeated decoction. It is a strengthening treatment for hair loss, seborrhea, dandruff and even mycosis.

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