Hops

Overview

Hops (Humulus lupulus), the flowering cones of the hop plant, are renowned for their role in brewing beer and their therapeutic benefits in traditional and modern medicine. Rich in bioactive compounds like humulone and lupulone, hops are celebrated for their calming effects, sleep-enhancing properties, and digestive health support. Their natural ability to reduce stress and promote relaxation makes hops a valuable addition to wellness regimens.

Other Common Names

Common Hop, Humulus, European Hop, Beer Flower

Top Benefits

• Promotes relaxation and stress relief
• Enhances sleep quality and duration
• Supports healthy digestion
• Provides antioxidant and anti-inflammatory protection

What Are Hops?

Hops are the dried female flowers of the hop plant, a climbing vine native to temperate regions of Europe, Asia, and North America. While commonly associated with brewing, hops have been used in traditional medicine for centuries to address anxiety, insomnia, and digestive discomfort.

Modern research has validated these traditional uses, highlighting hops’ interaction with the GABA neurotransmitter system to calm the mind and improve sleep. Additionally, hops’ antioxidant properties help combat oxidative stress, contributing to overall cellular health.

Marco’s Grounds™ Hops Sourcing

At Marco’s Grounds™, we source our Hops from the forest in Idaho, United States, where the ideal soil and climate yield exceptional-quality hops.

Our hops are harvested at peak maturity to ensure maximum potency of active compounds like humulone and lupulone. They are carefully processed ensuring purity, safety, and effectiveness in every batch.

Dosing Principles and Rationale

Hops are most commonly consumed as extracts, teas, or capsules. Clinical research suggests effective doses of 200–400 mg of standardized hop extract daily for relaxation and sleep improvement. Marco’s Grounds™ incorporates hops into formulations at an optimal dose to maximize their calming and health-promoting benefits.

For best results, hops-based supplements are taken in the evening to promote relaxation and prepare for restful sleep.

Hops Key Mechanisms

Calming and Sleep Support

• Stimulates GABA activity in the brain, promoting relaxation and reducing excitability [1].
• Induces restful sleep by improving sleep latency and maintaining sleep duration [2].

Digestive Health

• Reduces bloating and enhances digestion by stimulating gastric secretions [3].
• Alleviates discomfort associated with indigestion and mild gastrointestinal disorders [4].

Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Protection

• Neutralizes free radicals with potent flavonoids and polyphenols [5].
• Modulates inflammatory responses, supporting joint and cardiovascular health [6].

Synergies with Other Marco’s Grounds™ Ingredients

• Valerian Root: Enhances the sedative effects of hops for improved relaxation and sleep.
• Chamomile: Complements hops in promoting a calm and balanced state.
• Magnesium Glycinate: Supports muscle relaxation and nervous system health, amplifying hops’ effects.

References

1. Zanoli, P., et al. (2005). Hops and GABA: Neuropharmacological mechanisms. Phytomedicine, 12(6), 465-472.
2. Franco, L., et al. (2012). A study of the sleep-enhancing effects of hops. Acta Physiologica Hungarica, 99(2), 194-202.
3. Kubo, M., et al. (1996). Digestive benefits of hops in traditional medicine. Journal of Natural Medicines, 50(4), 398-401.
4. Blumenthal, M., et al. (2000). The role of hops in gastrointestinal health. Herbal Medicine, 5(3), 201-208.
5. Stevens, J. F., & Page, J. E. (2004). Antioxidant properties of hops polyphenols. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 52(22), 6535-6540.
6. Karabín, M., et al. (2016). Anti-inflammatory potential of hop-derived compounds. Biotechnology Advances, 34(7), 1069-1084.