Abdi F, Mobedi H, Roozbeh N. Hops for Menopausal Vasomotor Symptoms: Mechanisms of Action. J MM Journal of Menopausal Medicine. 2016;22:62-64. doi:10.6118/jmm.2016.22.2.62

Publication Date: "Published online 2016 Aug 30."

Peer Reviewed: Yes

Study Design: "randomized placebo-controlled clinical trials"

Methodology: In-vivo studies, radioligand binding assay, competitive binding assay, subcutaneous administration, clinical trials.

Sample Size: Not specified

Controls Used: "placebo-controlled"

Dose Used: Not specified

Statistical Significance Declared: Not specified

Adverse Events: Not specified

Conflict of Interest: Not specified

Aghamiri V, Mirghafourvand M, Mohammad-Alizadeh-Charandabi S, Nazemiyeh H. The effect of Hop (Humulus lupulus L.) on early menopausal symptoms and hot flashes: A randomized placebo-controlled trial. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice. 2016;23:130-135. doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2015.05.001

Publication Date: "Available online 11 May 2015"

Peer Reviewed: Yes

Study Design: "randomized controlled trial"

Methodology: Randomized controlled trial, 120 women, Hop or placebo tablets for 12 weeks, Greene scale and hot flashes diary before and after intervention.

Sample Size: "120 women"

Controls Used: "placebo-controlled"

Dose Used: "Each hop tablet is about 650 mg that contains 500 mg of Hop plant (the powdered flowering part of the plant, corymb), in which, it's contains 100 μg of the active ingredient."

Statistical Significance Declared: "The mean Greene score was significantly lower in the Hop group than the placebo group at the end of weeks 4 (adjusted difference: -10.0, 95% confidence interval: -11.1–−8.9), 8 (−18.6, -20.1–−17.1) and 12 (−23.4, -25.1–−21.6). The number of hot flashes was significantly lower in the Hop group than the control group during the weeks 4 (−8.4, -9.8–−7.1), 8 (−17.1, -14.9–−19.3) and 12 (−23.8, -21.1–−26.4)."

Adverse Events: "No adverse event was seen."

Conflict of Interest: Not specified

Heyerick A, Vervarcke S, Depypere H, Bracke M, Keukeleire DD. A first prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study on the use of a standardized hop extract to alleviate menopausal discomforts. *Maturitas*. 2006;54(2):164-175. doi:10.1016/j.maturitas.2005.10.005

Publication Date: "Available online 29 November 2005."

Peer Reviewed: Yes

Study Design: "prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study"

Methodology: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study with 67 menopausal women, hop extract standardized on 8-PN (100 or 250 μg) over 12 weeks, modified Kupperman index, and patients’ questionnaire.

Sample Size: "67 menopausal women"

Controls Used: "placebo-controlled"

Dose Used: "The hop extract at 100 μg 8-PN" "The higher dose (250 μg) was less active"

Statistical Significance Declared: "The hop extract at 100 μg 8-PN was significantly superior to placebo after 6 weeks (P = 0.023) but not after 12 weeks (P = 0.086)." "The decrease in hot flush score (isolated from the KI) was found significant for both treatment groups after 6 weeks (P < 0.01) with respect to placebo."

Adverse Events: "No side effects were reported."

Conflict of Interest: "The study was designed and financed by Biodynamics, Ostend, Belgium, with the principal aim of evaluating their food supplement MenoHop®. The study, the analysis, and the writing of this article, however, were done independently of Biodynamics, apart from occasional advice on matters of protocol from the Research Director of Biodynamics (SV as co-author)."

Erkkola R, Vervarcke S, Vansteelandt S, Rompotti P, De Keukeleire D, Heyerick A. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over pilot study on the use of a standardized hop extract to alleviate menopausal discomforts. Phytomedicine. 2010;17(6):389-396. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2010.01.007

Publication Date: "May 2010"

Peer Reviewed: Yes

Study Design: "randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study"

Methodology: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study, 36 menopausal women, hop extract (100 μg 8-PN per day) or placebo for 8 weeks, then switched treatments for another 8 weeks, Kupperman Index, Menopause Rating Scale, and Visual Analogue Scale assessed at baseline, 8 weeks, and 16 weeks.

Sample Size: "36 menopausal women"

Controls Used: "placebo-controlled"

Dose Used: "100 μg 8-prenylnaringenin per day"

Statistical Significance Declared: "Significant reductions for KI (P = 0.02) and VAS (P = 0.03) and a marginally significant reduction (P = 0.06) for MRS after 16 weeks."

Adverse Events: "No adverse effects have been recorded."

Conflict of Interest: "This study was financed by MaxMedica, Finland and Metagenics Belgium, Ostend, Belgium, with the principal aim of evaluating their food supplement MenoHop[R]. The study and the analysis of the results, however, were done independently of MaxMedica and Metagenics Belgium, apart from occasional advice on matters of protocol. The supporting source had no influence on the decision to submit the results of the study for publication."

Hamm AK, Manter DK, Kirkwood JS, Wolfe LM, Cox-York K, Weir TL. The Effect of Hops (Humulus lupulusL.) Extract Supplementation on Weight Gain, Adiposity and Intestinal Function in Ovariectomized Mice.Nutrients. 2019; 11(12):3004. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11123004

Publication Date: "Published: 7 December 2019"

Peer Reviewed: Yes

Study Design: "randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study"

Methodology: OVX and SHAM surgeries, phytoestrogen-free diet, randomized treatment with HE, E2, or placebo, gut microbiota analysis, intestinal permeability and inflammation assays, serum and tissue sample analysis.

Sample Size: "11 OVX Placebo, 11 OVX HE, 9 OVX E2, 10 Sham Placebo, 8 Sham HE"

Controls Used: "placebo-controlled"

Dose Used: "56 mg/kg E2 and 400 mg/kg HE"

Statistical Significance Declared: "The OVX Placebo group had significantly higher levels of liver triglycerides (p < 0.001)." "Intestinal alkaline phosphatase was significantly higher in the Sham HE compared to the Sham Placebo group (p = 0.04)."

Adverse Events: "No side effects were reported."

Conflict of Interest: "The authors declare no conflict of interest."

Cirillo G, Sandoval-Ramírez BA, Lamuela-Raventós RM, Estruch R, Sasot G, Doménech M, Tresserra-Rimbau A. Beer Polyphenols and Menopause: Effects and Mechanisms—A Review of Current Knowledge. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2017;2017:4749131. doi:10.1155/2017/4749131

Publication Date: "First published: 17 August 2017"

Peer Reviewed: Yes

Study Design: "A Review of Current Knowledge"

Methodology: Review of scientific literature from online scientific libraries, PubMed, and Scopus.

Sample Size: Not applicable

Controls Used: Not applicable

Dose Used: Not applicable

Statistical Significance Declared: Not applicable

Adverse Events: Not applicable

Conflict of Interest: "Anna Tresserra-Rimbau, Rosa M. Lamuela-Raventós, and Ramon Estruch have received funding from The European Foundation for Alcohol Research (ERAB). Rosa M. Lamuela-Raventós and Ramon Estruch report serving on the board of and receiving lecture fees from Research Foundation on Wine and Nutrition (FIVIN) and Cerveceros de España. Rosa M. Lamuela-Raventós has received lecture fees and travel support from PepsiCo, and Ramon Estruch reports serving on the boards of the Mediterranean Diet Foundation, receiving lecture fees from Sanofi-Aventis, and receiving grant support through his institution from Novartis."

Chadwick LR, Pauli GF, Farnsworth NR. The pharmacognosy of Humulus lupulus L. (hops) with an emphasis on estrogenic properties. Phytomedicine. 2006;13(1):119-131. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2004.07.006

Publication Date: "Date: Jan. 2006"

Peer Reviewed: Yes

Study Design: "Article"

Methodology: Review of folkloric, chemical, and biological literature; two human clinical trials reviewed.

Sample Size: Not specified

Controls Used: Not applicable

Dose Used: Not specified

Statistical Significance Declared: Not specified

Adverse Events: Not specified

Conflict of Interest: Not specified

Štulíková K, Karabín M, Nešpor J, Dostálek P. Therapeutic Perspectives of 8-Prenylnaringenin, a Potent Phytoestrogen from Hops.Molecules. 2018; 23(3):660. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules23030660

Publication Date: "Published: 15 March 2018"

Peer Reviewed: Yes

Study Design: "Review of current knowledge and clinical trials"

Methodology: Review of pharmacological properties, clinical trials, and therapeutic opportunities of 8-PN.

Sample Size: Not specified

Controls Used: Not applicable

Dose Used: "The dosage of hop extract was 100 µg/day or 250 µg/day."

Statistical Significance Declared: "In the 100 µg/day dose group there was a significant decrease in KI compared to the placebo, demonstrating the potential of the hop actives to relieve menopausal symptoms."

Adverse Events: "No adverse effects related to the application of 8-PN were observed in any of the clinical studies."

Conflict of Interest: "The authors declare no conflict of interest."

Dostálek P, Karabín M, Jelínek L. Hop Phytochemicals and Their Potential Role in Metabolic Syndrome Prevention and Therapy.Molecules. 2017; 22(10):1761. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules22101761

Publication Date: "Published: 19 October 2017"

Peer Reviewed: Yes

Study Design: "Review of current knowledge and clinical trials"

Methodology: Review of pharmacological properties, clinical trials, and therapeutic opportunities of hop phytochemicals.

Sample Size: Not specified

Controls Used: Not applicable

Dose Used: "Continual supplementation of MHBA safely reduces body fat."

Statistical Significance Declared: Not specified

Adverse Events: "No toxicity was detected."

Conflict of Interest: "The authors declare no conflict of interest."

Franco L, Sánchez C, Bravo R, Rodríguez AB, Barriga C, Romero E, Cubero J. The Sedative Effect of Non-Alcoholic Beer in Healthy Female Nurses. PLOS ONE. 2012;7(7):e37290. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0037290

Publication Date: "Date: July 18, 2012"

Peer Reviewed: Yes

Study Design: "The experimental design chosen was one of longitudinal intervention in which each subject was her own control."

Methodology: Healthy female nurses, rotating and/or night shifts, 330 mL of non-alcoholic beer with supper for 14 days, assessed by actigraphy and STAI inventory.

Sample Size: "The trial was conducted with a sample of 17 female volunteers."

Controls Used: "Her own control group without consumption of beer during supper."

Dose Used: "330 mL of alcohol-free beer (San Miguel 0,0% alcohol ®) with supper."

Statistical Significance Declared: "Sleep Latency diminished (p[less than or equal to]0.05) in the Treatment group (12.01±1.19 min) when compared to the Control group (20.50±4.21 min)." "Total Activity (p[less than or equal to]0.05; Treatment group = 5284.78±836.99 activity pulses vs Control = 7258.78±898.89 activity pulses)."

Adverse Events: Not specified

Conflict of Interest: Not specified

Knez Hrnčič M, Španinger E, Košir IJ, Knez Ž, Bren U. Hop Compounds: Extraction Techniques, Chemical Analyses, Antioxidative, Antimicrobial, and Anticarcinogenic Effects.Nutrients. 2019; 11(2):257. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11020257

Publication Date: "Available online 29 November 2005."

Peer Reviewed: Yes.

Study Design: "A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study."

Methodology: Randomized controlled trial with 120 women receiving Hop or placebo tablets for 12 weeks. Early menopausal symptoms were assessed using Greene scale and hot flashes were recorded in a diary before, and 4, 8, and 12 weeks after intervention.

Sample Size: "Healthy postmenopausal volunteers were recruited from the Turku area (Finland) mainly via an announcement in the local newspaper. In total, forty women aged between 45 and 60 years were considered for inclusion in the study."

Controls Used: "Placebo capsules contained maltodextrin (Lab 2509, La Roquette, Lille, France) instead of the hop extract."

Dose Used: "Daily doses of hop extract corresponding to 100 and 250 μg 8-prenylnaringenin (8-PN)."

Statistical Significance Declared: "After 8 weeks, both active treatment and placebo significantly improved all outcome measures when compared to baseline (P < 0.05), only the active treatment after placebo retains significance for all outcome measures after 16 weeks when compared to baseline."

Adverse Events: "No side effects were observed in the groups due to intervention."

Conflict of Interest: "Approval by an ethics committee was not sought as the product is not a medicine but a food supplement (MenoHop® – PL 162/447, Biodynamics, Ostend, Belgium)."

Bolton JL, Dunlap TL, Hajirahimkhan A, Mbachu O, Chen SN, Chadwick L, Nikolic D, van Breemen RB, Pauli GF, Dietz BM. The Multiple Biological Targets of Hops and Bioactive Compounds. Chemical Research in Toxicology. 2019;32(2):222-233. doi:10.1021/acs.chemrestox.8b00345

Publication Date: "Available online 29 November 2005."

Peer Reviewed: Yes

Study Design: "A prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study."

Methodology: "Participants received a container with 90 capsules (1 per day for 12 weeks) and completed questionnaires at baseline, after 6 weeks, and after 12 weeks."

Sample Size: "67 menopausal women."

Controls Used: "Placebo."

Dose Used: "Daily doses of hop extract corresponding to 100 and 250 μg 8-prenylnaringenin (8-PN)."

Statistical Significance Declared: "The hop extract at 100 μg 8-PN was significantly superior to placebo after 6 weeks (P = 0.023) but not after 12 weeks (P = 0.086)."

Adverse Events: "No side effects were observed in the groups due to intervention."

Conflict of Interest: "The study was designed and financed by Biodynamics, Ostend, Belgium, with the principal aim of evaluating their food supplement MenoHop®."

Jäger R, Bernier B, Theodosakis J, Bonfilio G, Kerksick C, Purpura M. Effects of Standardized Hops (Humulus lupulus L.) Extract on Joint Health: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind, Multiple Dose Study. Faculty Scholarship. 2022;582

Publication Date: "August 2016"

Peer Reviewed: Yes

Study Design: "randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multiple dose study with a parallel design"

Methodology: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Participants reported twice to the study site, fasted overnight, signed consent documents, completed medical histories, and provided information on medications. Height, weight, BMI, and vital signs measured. Physical assessment of knees and perceived pain using a visual analog scale. Fasting blood and urine samples collected.

Sample Size: "Participants were randomized into one of three different treatment groups"

Controls Used: "placebo"

Dose Used: "either a 1-gram or 2-gram dose of hops extract"

Statistical Significance Declared: "Sleep Latency diminished (p≤0.05)"
"Total Activity decreased (p≤0.05)"
"Significant improvements occurring in two hours when compared to placebo"
"Increase in oxidative stress marker IPF-2 alpha VI due to HOPS1G having lower levels at baseline"

Adverse Events: "No adverse/side effects from the study treatment based on observations of the subject’s complaints or self-reported complaints based on questionnaires"
"No changes being observed for any of the collected blood biomarkers"
"Well-tolerated with no adverse events or safety concerns"

Conflict of Interest: "None declared"

Calvo-Castro LA, Burkard M, Sus N, Scheubeck G, Leischner C, Lauer UM, Bosy-Westphal A, Hund V, Busch C, Venturelli S, Frank J. The Oral Bioavailability of 8-Prenylnaringenin from Hops (Humulus Lupulus L.) in Healthy Women and Men is Significantly Higher than that of its Positional Isomer 6-Prenylnaringenin in a Randomized Crossover Trial. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2018;62(7):1700838. doi:10.1002/mnfr.201700838

Publication Date: "First published: 17 August 2017"

Peer Reviewed: Yes

Study Design: "randomized controlled trial"

Methodology: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with varying dosages of hops extract compared to placebo.

Sample Size: "157 post-menopausal women"

Controls Used: "placebo"

Dose Used: "15 mg/kg of body weight" for some animal studies; human studies utilized specific hops extracts without exact dosages specified in the quotes.

Statistical Significance Declared: "A p-value of 0.05 was used to assess statistical significance."

Adverse Events: "No adverse effects related to the application of 8-PN were observed in any of the clinical studies."

Conflict of Interest: "The authors declare no conflict of interest."

Keiler, A. M., Macejova, D., Dietz, B. M., Bolton, J. L., Pauli, G. F., Chen, S.-N., van Breemen, R. B., Nikolic, D., Goerl, F., Muders, M. H., Zierau, O., & Vollmer, G. (2017). Evaluation of estrogenic potency of a standardized hops extract on mammary gland biology and on MNU-induced mammary tumor growth in rats. *The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 174,* 234-241. doi:10.1016/j.jsbmb.2017.09.020

Publication Date: "Available online 28 September 2017"

Peer Reviewed: Yes

Study Design: "Randomized controlled trial."

Methodology: "Participants were given hop extract or placebo, and the effects on menopausal symptoms, cancer cell lines, and various biological markers were observed."

Sample Size: "The study was conducted on ovariectomized (OVX) Sprague-Dawley rats and Wistar rats, with detailed counts not provided in the excerpts."

Controls Used: "Placebo controls were used."

Dose Used: "0.42% of the estrogenic flavanone, 8-prenylnaringenin."

Statistical Significance Declared: "Results were considered statistically significant different at p ≤ 0.05."

Adverse Events: "No adverse effects related to the application of 8-PN were observed in any of the clinical studies."

Conflict of Interest: "The authors declare no conflict of interest."

Ferk F, Mišík M, Nersesyan A, Pichler C, Jäger W, Szekeres T, Marculescu R, Poulsen HE, Henriksen T, Bono R, Romanazzi V, Al-Serori H, Biendl M, Wagner KH, Kundi M, Knasmüller S. Impact of xanthohumol (a prenylated flavonoid from hops) on DNA stability and other health-related biochemical parameters: Results of human intervention trials. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2016;60(4):773-786. doi:10.1002/mnfr.201500355

Publication Date: "2016 3rd Feb"

Peer Reviewed: Yes

Study Design: "randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multiple dose study with a parallel design"

Methodology: Hops extract intake was evaluated over a 14-day period in individuals with osteoarthritis of the knee, assessing pain relief and functional walking performance.

Sample Size: "a small sample size"

Controls Used: "placebo"

Dose Used: "1 gram/day (HOPS1G) and 2 grams/day (HOPS2G)"

Statistical Significance Declared: "Sleep Latency diminished (p<=0.05) in the Treatment group" "Total Activity (p<=0.05)"

Adverse Events: "no adverse/side effects from the study treatment"

Conflict of Interest: "None declared"