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Published on: January 25, 2016
Sedating effects of Humulus lupulus L. extracts
Summary
Humulus lupulus extracts demonstrated significant sedating effects, reducing activity and increasing sleep time in animal models. Alpha-bitter acids were the primary contributors to this observed central nervous system depressant activity.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Natural Product Chemistry
Background:
- Humulus lupulus (hops) is traditionally used for its calming properties.
- Lipophilic extracts contain various bioactive compounds, including bitter acids and hop oils.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the sedating and anxiolytic activities of ethanolic and CO2 extracts of Humulus lupulus.
- To identify the key constituents responsible for the observed pharmacological effects.
Main Methods:
- Administration of Humulus lupulus extracts to animal models.
- Assessment of spontaneous locomotor activity.
- Measurement of ketamine-induced sleeping time.
- Evaluation of body temperature changes.
- Anxiolytic activity testing using the elevated plus maze.
Main Results:
- Both ethanolic and CO2 extracts exhibited significant central sedating effects.
- Reduced spontaneous locomotor activity, prolonged sleeping time, and decreased body temperature were observed.
- No anxiolytic activity was detected in the elevated plus maze test.
- Alpha-bitter acids were identified as the most potent constituents, with beta-bitter acids and hop oil also contributing.
Conclusions:
- Humulus lupulus extracts possess notable central sedating properties.
- The sedating activity is primarily attributed to lipophilic constituents, particularly alpha-bitter acids, with contributions from beta-bitter acids and hop oil.
- The study did not find evidence for anxiolytic effects of these hop extracts.
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