|  | Diet Nutrition | Nutritional Supplements

Humulus Lupulus Side Effects

Humulus lupulus, otherwise known as hops, is considered to be generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is safe for use to aid patients with trouble sleeping as a result of tension, intermittent anxiety, restlessness, jet lag and mild to moderate mood changes. 100 mg to 325 mg is considered effective and safe for adult use.

  1. Usage

    • Humulus lupulus has been used in traditional homeopathic medicines to aid insomnia, promote relaxation and to provide sedating qualities. Studies performed on animals suggest that hops have the capability of enhancing sleep and providing mild sedating qualities. The Department of Biomedical Sciences, National InterUniversity Consortium for the Study of Natural Active Principals at the University of Modena performed research on rats and a 2006 study of the sedating qualities published in the September 13 edition of Phytomedicine both suggest that hops have sedating qualities.

    Mild Side Effects

    • Side effects are generally mild and include dizziness and drowsiness. Taking a hops supplement in addition to a prescription medication like benzodiazepines, SSRI medications or SNRIs could result in drowsiness. Other common side effects like rash or difficulty breathing have been reported. If you have previously experienced a severe allergic reaction to bananas, chestnuts or peanuts avoid taking hops as this indicates an increased risk of a similar reaction. To avoid any unwanted side effects, talk to your doctor before beginning this supplement.

    Serious Side Effects

    • Other side effects include respiratory infection, chronic bronchitis, dry cough and difficulty breathing. Some hops supplements are combined with skullcap, which may pose a risk of liver damage. Since humulus lupulus contains phytoestrogens, it may have an effect on conditions that are hormone sensitive, like breast cancer, uterine cancer, prostate cancer, cervical cancer or endometriosis. Eating large amounts of humulus lupulus may result in vomiting, abdominal pain, hyperthermia, restlessness, increased stomach acid or seizures.

    Interactions and Contraindications

    • While hops tend to reduce blood sugar levels in healthy individuals, it could have the opposite effect for diabetics. Diabetics and hypoglycemic patients should use caution if considering taking hops, including being monitored by your doctor for any changes in your blood sugar levels. Avoid taking hops with any other drugs that affect the central nervous system like lorazepam, diazepam, Phenobarbital, codeine, alcohol and some antidepressants. Until you know how humulus lupulus will affect you, use caution when driving.

    Other Considerations

    • Potential hormonal shifts from the phytoestrogens and the sedating properties make hops contraindicated for anyone pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding. Many preparations contain significant amounts of alcohol and not enough research has been done to determine if hops presents a safety risk to your baby.

Nutritional Supplements - Related Articles