Last update Sept. 5, 2025

Hops

Likely Compatibility

Fairly safe. Mild or unlikely adverse effects. Compatible under certain circumstances. Follow-up recommended. Read Commentary.

Climbing plant. The female inflorescences or flower tips are used. It contains phloroglucinols, estrogenic, quercetin, kaempferol, tannins, phenolic acids essential oil and flavonoids. One of its components, 8-prenylnaringenin (8-PN) is the most powerful phytoestrogen known. Properties that are attributed: hypnotic, sedative, orexigenic. It is used as a flavoring and stabilizer of the beer (Tronina 2020, Zanoli 2008, WHO 2007, Zava 1998). Indications German Commission E Ministry of Health (Blumenthal 1988) and EMA (EMA 2014): insomnia, nervousness, anxiety.

At the time of the last update, we found no published data on its excretion in breast milk.

Although claimed (Ayers 2000), there is no scientific evidence to show that it increases milk production; due to its high phytoestrogen content, it could decrease it, and there is a report that shows a decrease in prolactin after its administration. (Kuang 1984)

Frequent breastfeeding on demand using the correct technique, reinforcing maternal self-confidence, assessing and correcting breastfeeding problems, and effectively supporting breastfeeding mothers are the most effective galactagogues. (ACOG 2021, ABM 2018 and 2011, Anderson 2013, Forinash 2012, Mannion 2012)

During breastfeeding its consumption should be moderate or occasional.

Suggestions made at e-lactancia are done by APILAM team of health professionals, and are based on updated scientific publications. It is not intended to replace the relationship you have with your doctor but to compound it. The pharmaceutical industry contraindicates breastfeeding, mistakenly and without scientific reasons, in most of the drug data sheets.

Jose Maria Paricio, Founder & President of APILAM/e-Lactancia

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José María Paricio, founder of e-lactancia.
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Other names

Hops is also known as


Hops in other languages or writings:

Groups

Hops belongs to these groups or families:

Tradenames

Main tradenames from several countries containing Hops in its composition:

List of 36 tradenames
  • Alluna™. Contains other elements than Hops in its composition
  • Ardeysedon™. Contains other elements than Hops in its composition
  • Baldriparan™. Contains other elements than Hops in its composition
  • Dormeasan™. Contains other elements than Hops in its composition
  • Duerme bien plus Pomapdour™. Contains other elements than Hops in its composition
  • Dulces sueños Deliplus Mercadona™. Contains other elements than Hops in its composition
  • Executive Sleep Formula™. Contains other elements than Hops in its composition
  • Hova™. Contains other elements than Hops in its composition
  • Ivel™. Contains other elements than Hops in its composition
  • Just for Women™
  • Klosterfrau Nervenruh Dragees™
  • Lunapret™. Contains other elements than Hops in its composition
  • Luvased Nacht™. Contains other elements than Hops in its composition
  • Nerfix™. Contains other elements than Hops in its composition
  • Nervinetas™. Contains other elements than Hops in its composition
  • Nervosol™. Contains other elements than Hops in its composition
  • Novo-Passit (Ново-Пассит)™. Contains other elements than Hops in its composition
  • Nytol Herbal™. Contains other elements than Hops in its composition
  • Puncto SleepTight™. Contains other elements than Hops in its composition
  • ReDormin™. Contains other elements than Hops in its composition
  • Relax and Sleep™. Contains other elements than Hops in its composition
  • Remilev™. Contains other elements than Hops in its composition
  • Sedacur™. Contains other elements than Hops in its composition
  • Sedaplus (Canada)™. Contains other elements than Hops in its composition
  • Sleep Extra™. Contains other elements than Hops in its composition
  • Sleepyl™. Contains other elements than Hops in its composition
  • Sominex Herbal™. Contains other elements than Hops in its composition
  • Somniplex™. Contains other elements than Hops in its composition
  • Tranquigor™. Contains other elements than Hops in its composition
  • Valdispertstress™. Contains other elements than Hops in its composition
  • Valerina™. Contains other elements than Hops in its composition
  • Valerina Natt™. Contains other elements than Hops in its composition
  • Valerina Night-Time™. Contains other elements than Hops in its composition
  • Valmane Stress™. Contains other elements than Hops in its composition
  • Valupass™. Contains other elements than Hops in its composition
  • Vivinox N™. Contains other elements than Hops in its composition

References

  1. ACOG - American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Breastfeeding Challenges: ACOG Committee Opinion, Number 820. Obstet Gynecol. 2021 Feb 1;137(2):e42-e53. Abstract Full text (link to original source)
  2. Tronina T, Popłoński J, Bartmańska A. Flavonoids as Phytoestrogenic Components of Hops and Beer. Molecules. 2020 Sep 14;25(18). Abstract Full text (link to original source)
  3. ABM: Brodribb W. ABM Clinical Protocol #9: Use of Galactogogues in Initiating or Augmenting Maternal Milk Production, Second Revision 2018. Breastfeed Med. 2018 Jun;13(5):307-314 Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  4. Anderson PO. The galactogogue bandwagon. J Hum Lact. 2013 Abstract
  5. Mannion C, Mansell D. Breastfeeding self-efficacy and the use of prescription medication: a pilot study. Obstet Gynecol Int. 2012;2012:562704. Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  6. Forinash AB, Yancey AM, Barnes KN, Myles TD. The use of galactogogues in the breastfeeding mother. Ann Pharmacother. 2012 Oct;46(10):1392-404. Abstract
  7. ABM. Comité de Protocolos de la Academia Médica de Lactancia Materna. ABM Protocolo Clínico #9: Uso de Galactogogos para Iniciar o aumentar la tasa de secreción de Leche Materna. Breastfeed Med. 2011 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  8. ABM. Academy Of Breastfeeding Medicine Protocol Committee. ABM Clinical Protocol #9: Use of galactogogues in initiating or augmenting the rate of maternal milk secretion (First Revision January 2011). Breastfeed Med. 2011 Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  9. Zanoli P, Zavatti M. Pharmacognostic and pharmacological profile of Humulus lupulus L. J Ethnopharmacol. 2008 Abstract
  10. WHO. World Health Organization. Geneva. WHO monographs on selected medicinal plants. Volume 3. WHO monographs. 2007 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  11. Ayers JF. The use of alternative therapies in the support of breastfeeding. J Hum Lact. 2000 Abstract
  12. Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Goldberg A, Gruenwald J, Hall T, Riggins CW, Rister RS, editors. The American Botanical Council. The Complete German Commission E Monographs. Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Integrative Medicine Com; Boston, MA, USA: 1998
  13. Zava DT, Dollbaum CM, Blen M. Estrogen and progestin bioactivity of foods, herbs, and spices. Proc Soc Exp Biol Med. 1998 Abstract
  14. Kuang AK. [Hordeum dislichon--effects on serum prolactin and clinical trial on patients with galactorrhea]. Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 1984 Mar;4(3):134-6. Chinese. No abstract available. Abstract

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