Humulus Lupulus

Family: Cannabaceae
Other Names: Houblon, Lupulin, Pliny the Elder, Common Hop
Parts Used: Flowers (female)

Plant Overview:

Humulus lupulus, commonly known as hops, is a fast-growing climbing plant native to Europe but now cultivated worldwide, especially in Belgium, Germany, New Zealand, and Australia. The plant can climb up to 22 feet using its rough, hairy stems.

It bears heart-shaped, dark green leaves with toothed edges. Male and female flowers grow on separate plants, but only the female flowers are used for medicinal and brewing purposes. These female flowers, known as strobiles, look like small green pine cones and contain a yellowish substance called lupulin, which is responsible for the plant’s distinctive bitter flavor and medicinal properties.

Varieties:

• H. lupulus var. lupulus – Europe, Western Asia

• H. lupulus var. cordifolius – Eastern Asia

• H. lupulus var. lupuloides (H. americanus) – Eastern North America

• H. lupulus var. neomexicanus – Western North America

• H. lupulus var. pubescens – Midwest North America

Chemical Composition:

According to The Wealth of India, hops contain:

• Moisture: 6-12%

• Resins: 11-21% (but no tetrahydrocannabinols)

• Volatile oils: 0.2-0.5%

• Tannins: 2-4%

• Proteins: 13-24%

• Sugars (Fructose & Glucose): 3-4%

• Pectins: 12-14%

• Ash: 7-10%

The volatile oil is mainly composed of:

• Humulene (Caryophyllene)

• Myrcene

• Caryophyllene

• Farnesene

Together, these make up over 90% of the oil content.

Hops also contain important compounds like 8-prenylnaringenin (a strong plant estrogen), xanthohumol, myrcenol, linalool, and various tannins and resins.

Uses:

• In Brewing: The flower cones (hops) are essential for making beer, providing its characteristic bitterness, flavor, and preservative qualities.

• In Natural Products: Due to its antimicrobial properties, hops are used in natural deodorants and skincare products.

• Medicinal Benefits:
  Traditionally used for:

  • Indigestion (Dyspepsia)

  • Worm infestations

  • Nervous debility

  • Anxiety and Insomnia

Its calming, bitter, and tonic properties make it valuable in herbal medicine for digestive issues and sleep disorders.