Humulus species: a traditional medicinal plant and its modern pharmacological importance
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56782/pps.388Keywords:
Hop, Humulus, complementary medicine, medicinal plants, antioxidantAbstract
The genus Humulus, particularly Humulus lupulus (hops), has been widely recognized for its historical and traditional uses in various cultures due to its diverse biological activities. This review compiles the general characteristics, traditional uses, essential oil compositions, and pharmacological properties of Humulus species, with a focus on their antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antiviral, and insecticidal activities. The essential oils of Humulus species, rich in bioactive compounds such as β-caryophyllene, α-humulene, and β-myrcene, contribute to their broad-spectrum therapeutic effects. These compounds have demonstrated significant potential in reducing oxidative stress, combating microbial infections, alleviating inflammation, and exhibiting cytotoxic effects against cancer cells. Additionally, the traditional uses of Humulus species for sleep regulation, digestive health, and hormone balance are supported by modern pharmacological studies. The antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of Humulus species highlight their potential as natural sources of antioxidants and alternatives to synthetic antibiotics, particularly in the face of rising antibiotic resistance. Furthermore, the insecticidal and allelopathic effects of these plants suggest their applicability in sustainable agriculture as eco-friendly biopesticides and weed control agents. Despite the promising findings, gaps remain in understanding the pharmacokinetics, bioavailability, and safe dosage ranges of the bioactive compounds in Humulus species. Future research should focus on in vivo and clinical studies to validate these effects, explore their potential in functional foods and nutraceuticals, and assess their ecological and environmental impacts for large-scale cultivation. In conclusion, Humulus species represent a versatile and valuable natural resource with significant potential in medicine, agriculture, and industry. Continued research efforts are essential to fully unlock their benefits and integrate them into modern therapeutic and industrial applications.
Downloads
References
1. Sevindik, M.; Akgul, H.; Pehlivan, M.; Selamoglu, Z. Determination of therapeutic potential of Mentha longifolia ssp. longifolia. Fresenius Environ. Bull. 2017, 26, 4757–4763.
2. Mohammed, F.S.; Günal, S.; Şabik, A.E.; Akgül, H.; Sevindik, M. Antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of Scorzonera papposa collected from Iraq and Turkey. Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam Univ. Tarım Doğa Derg. 2020, 23, 1114–1118.
3. Korkmaz, N.; Dayangaç, A.; Sevindik, M. Antioxidant, antimicrobial and antiproliferative activities of Galium aparine. J. Fac. Pharm. Ankara Univ. 2021, 45, 554–564. DOI: 10.33483/jfpau.977776
4. Mohammed, F.S.; Korkmaz, N.; Doğan, M.; Şabik, A.E.; Sevindik, M. Some medicinal properties of Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice). J. Fac. Pharm. Ankara Univ. 2021, 45, 524–534. DOI: 10.33483/jfpau.979200
5. Alinkina, E.S.; Vorobyova, A.K.; Misharina, T.A.; Fatkullina, L.D.; Burlakova, E.B.; Khokhlov, A.N. Cytogerontological studies of biological activity of oregano essential oil. Mosc. Univ. Biol. Sci. Bull. 2012, 67, 52–57. DOI: 10.3103/S0096392512020022
6. Sevindik, M.; Uygun, A.E.; Uysal, İ.; Şabik, A.E. A comprehensive review on the biological activities, usage areas, chemical and phenolic compositions of Lycium barbarum used in traditional medicine practices. Sci. Technol. Indonesia 2025, 10, 173–182. DOI: 10.26554/sti.2025.10.1.173-182
7. Mohammed, F.S.; Akgül, H.; Sevindik, M.; Khaled, B.M.T. Phenolic content and biological activities of Rhus coriaria var. zebaria. Fresenius Environ. Bull. 2018, 27, 5694–5702.
8. Sevindik, M.; Gürgen, A.; Krupodorova, T.; Uysal, İ.; Koçer, O. A hybrid artificial neural network and multi-objective genetic algorithm approach to optimize extraction conditions of Mentha longifolia and biological activities. Sci. Rep. 2024, 14, Art. No: 31403. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-83029-8
9. Sevindik, M.; Uysal, İ.; Sevindik, E.; Krupodorova, T.; Koçer, O.; Ünal, O. Citrullus colocynthis (Bitter apple): a comprehensive review on general properties, biological activities, phenolic and chemical contents. Notul. Sci. Biol. 2024, 16, Art. No: 12202. DOI: 10.55779/nsb16412202.
10. Mohammed, F.S.; Karakaş, M.; Akgül, H.; Sevindik, M. Medicinal properties of Allium calocephalum collected from Gara Mountain (Iraq). Fresenius Environ. Bull. 2019, 28, 7419–7426.
11. Sim, L.Y.; Abd Rani, N.Z.; Husain, K. Lamiaceae: An insight on their anti allergic potential and its mechanisms of action. Front. Pharmacol. 2019, 10, Art. No: 677. DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.00677
12. Uysal, İ.; Sevindik, M.; Doğan, M.; Mohammed, F.S.; Seğmenoğlu, M.S.; Pehlivan, M. Biological activities, phenolic contents and chemical compositions of essential oils and different extracts of Origanum laevigatum. Pharm. Chem. J. 2024, 58, 1289–1297. DOI: 10.1007/s11094-024-03272-1.
13. Gürgen, A.; Sevindik, M.; Krupodorova, T.; Uysal, İ.; Ünal, O. Biological activities of Hypericum spectabile extract optimized using artificial neural network combined with genetic algorithm application. BMC Biotechnol. 2024, 24, Art. No: 83. DOI: 10.1186/s12896-024-00914-w
14. Mohammed, F.S.; Pehlivan, M.; Sevindik, E.; Akgül, H.; Sevindik, M.; Bozgeyik, I.; Yumrutas, O. Pharmacological properties of edible Asparagus acutifolius and Asparagus officinalis collected from North Iraq and Turkey (Hatay). Acta Aliment. 2021, 50, 136–143. DOI: 10.1556/066.2020.00204
15. Ünal, O.; Eraslan, E.C.; Uysal, İ.; Mohammed, F.S.; Sevindik, M.; Akgül, H. Biological activities and phenolic contents of Rumex scutatus collected from Turkey. Fresenius Environ. Bull. 2022, 31, 7341–7346.
16. Ayenew, K.D.; Wasihun, Y. Hepatoprotective effect of methanol extract of Agave americana leaves on paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar albino rats. BMC Complement. Med. Ther. 2023, 23, Art. No: 99. DOI: 10.1186/s12906-023-03931-y.
17. Laha, A.; Sarkar, A.; Chakraborty, P.; Panja, A.S.; Bandopadhyay, R. Efficacy screening of prospective anti allergic drug candidates: An in-silico study. Curr. Bioinform. 2023, 18, 143–153. DOI: 10.2174/1574893618666221019092212
18. Yazar, M.; Sevindik, M.; Polat, A.O.; Koçer, O.; Karatepe, H.K.; Uysal, İ. General properties, biosynthesis, pharmacological properties, biological activities and daily uses of luteolin. Prospect. Pharm. Sci. 2024, 22, 146–154. DOI: 10.56782/pps.286
19. Uysal, İ.; Koçer, O.; Mohammed, F.S.; Lekesiz, Ö.; Doğan, M.; Şabik, A.E.; Sevindik, E.; Gerçeker, F.Ö.; Sevindik, M. Pharmacological and nutritional properties: Genus Salvia. Adv. Pharmacol. Pharm. 2023, 11, 140–155. DOI: 10.13189/app.2023.110206
20. Mohammed, F.S.; Sevindik, M.; Uysal, İ.; Çesko, C.; Koraqi, H. Chemical composition, biological activities, uses, nutritional and mineral contents of cumin (Cuminum cyminum). Meas. Food 2024, 14, Art. No: 100157. DOI: 10.1016/j.meafoo.2024.100157
21. Moir, M. Hops—a millennium review. J. Am. Soc. Brew. Chem. 2000, 58, 131–146. DOI: 10.1094/ASBCJ-58-0131
22. Zanoli, P.; Zavatti, M. Pharmacognostic and pharmacological profile of Humulus lupulus L. J. Ethnopharmacol. 2008, 116, 383–396. DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2008.01.011
23. Dostálek, P.; Karabín, M.; Jelínek, L. Hop phytochemicals and their potential role in metabolic syndrome prevention and therapy. Molecules 2017, 22, Art. No: 1761. DOI: 10.3390/molecules22101761
24. Girisa, S.; Saikia, Q.; Bordoloi, D.; Banik, K.; Monisha, J.; Daimary, U.D.; (Ek yazarlar italik veya tam liste çekilmedi) Kunnumakkara, A.B. Xanthohumol from Hop: Hope for cancer prevention and treatment. IUBMB Life 2021, 73, 1016–1044. DOI: 10.1002/iub.2522
25. Korpelainen, H.; Pietiläinen, M. Hop (Humulus lupulus L.): Traditional and present use, and future potential. Econ. Bot. 2021, 75, 302–322. DOI: 10.1007/s12231-021-09528-1
26. Mohammed, F.S.; Günal, S.; Pehlivan, M.; Doğan, M.; Sevindik, M.; Akgül, H. Phenolic content, antioxidant and antimicrobial potential of endemic Ferulago platycarpa. Gazi Univ. J. Sci. 2020, 33, 670–677. DOI: 10.35378/gujs.707555
27. Mohammed, F.S.; Kına, E.; Sevindik, M.; Doğan, M.; Pehlivan, M. Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of ethanol extract of Helianthemum salicifolium (Cistaceae). Indian J. Nat. Prod. Resour. 2021, 12, 459–462.
28. Bhattacharya, S.; Virani, S.; Zavro, M.; Haas, G.J. Inhibition of Streptococcus mutans and other oral streptococci by hop (Humulus lupulus L.) constituents. Econ. Bot. 2003, 57, 118–125. DOI: 10.1663/0013-0001(2003)057[0118:IOSMAO]2.0.CO;2
29. Frölich, S.; Schubert, C.; Bienzle, U.; Jenett-Siems, K. In vitro antiplasmodial activity of prenylated chalcone derivatives of hops (Humulus lupulus) and their interaction with haemin. J. Antimicrob. Chemother. 2005, 55, 883–887. DOI: 10.1093/jac/dki123
30. Gerhäuser, C. Broad spectrum antiinfective potential of xanthohumol from hop (Humulus lupulus L.) in comparison with activities of other hop constituents and xanthohumol metabolites. Mol. Nutr. Food Res. 2005, 49, 827–831. DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.200500091
31. Luzak, B.; Golanski, J.; Przygodzki, T.; Boncler, M.; Sosnowska, D.; Oszmianski, J.; Rozalski, M. Extract from spent hop (Humulus lupulus L.) reduces blood platelet aggregation and improves anticoagulant activity of human endothelial cells in vitro. J. Funct. Foods 2016, 22, 257–269. DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2016.01.041
32. Cermak, P.; Olsovska, J.; Mikyska, A.; Dusek, M.; Kadleckova, Z.; Vanicek, J.; Bostik, P. Strong antimicrobial activity of xanthohumol and other derivatives from hops (Humulus lupulus L.) on gut anaerobic bacteria. APMIS 2017, 125, 1033–1038. DOI: 10.1111/apm.12747
33. Kobus-Cisowska, J.; Szymanowska-Powałowska, D.; Szczepaniak, O.; Kmiecik, D.; Przeor, M.; Gramza-Michałowska, A.; Szulc, P. Composition and in vitro effects of cultivars of Humulus lupulus L. hops on cholinesterase activity and microbial growth. Nutrients 2019, 11, Art. No: 1377. DOI: 10.3390/nu11061377
34. Sangiovanni, E.; Fumagalli, M.; Santagostini, L.; Forino, M.; Piazza, S.; Colombo, E.; Dell'Agli, M. A bio-guided assessment of the anti-inflammatory activity of hop extracts (Humulus lupulus L. cv. Cascade) in human gastric epithelial cells. J. Funct. Foods 2019, 57, 95–102. DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2019.03.041
35. Paventi, G.; De Acutis, L.; De Cristofaro, A.; Pistillo, M.; Germinara, G.S.; Rotundo, G. Biological activity of Humulus lupulus (L.) essential oil and its main components against Sitophilus granarius (L.). Biomolecules 2020, 10, Art. No: 1108. DOI: 10.3390/biom10081108
36. Arruda, T.R.; Pinheiro, P.F.; Silva, P.I.; Bernardes, P.C. Hop (Humulus lupulus L.) extracts: Applications in food preservation and safety. LWT 2021, 141, Art. No: 110905. DOI: 10.1016/j.lwt.2021.110905
37. Macchioni, V.; Carbone, K.; Cataldo, A.; Fraschini, R.; Bellucci, S. Lactic acid-based deep natural eutectic solvents for the extraction of bioactive metabolites of Humulus lupulus L.: Supramolecular organization, phytochemical profiling and biological activity. Sep. Purif. Technol. 2021, 264, Art. No: 118039. DOI: 10.1016/j.seppur.2021.118039
38. Ovidi, E.; Laghezza Masci, V.; Taddei, A.R.; Torresi, J.; Tomassi, W.; Iannone, M.; Garzoli, S. Hemp (Cannabis sativa L., Kompolti cv.) and hop (Humulus lupulus L., Chinook cv.) essential oil and hydrolate: HS-GC-MS chemical investigation and apoptotic activity evaluation. Pharmaceuticals 2022, 15, Art. No: 976. DOI: 10.3390/ph15080976
39. Sun, T.; Wang, F.; Wang, J.; Wang, L.; Sun, Y. Insecticidal activity of different solvent extracts and partitioned extracts from Humulus scandens. J. Plant Resour. Environ. 2012, 21, 64–67.
40. Wang, L.; Liu, Y.; Zhu, X.; Zhang, Z.; Huang, X. Identify potential allelochemicals from Humulus scandens (Lour.) Merr. root extracts that induce allelopathy on Alternanthera philoxeroides (Mart.) Griseb. Sci. Rep. 2021, 11, Art. No: 22084. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-01202-1
41. Zhang, D.; Tan, L.H.; Feng, Y.J.; Yao, L.; Yan, X.W.; Cao, W.G. Evaluation of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory activity and identification of active compounds of Humulus scandens. S. Afr. J. Bot. 2021, 141, 126–132. DOI: 10.1016/j.sajb.2021.04.028
42. Krupodorova, T.; Sevindik, M. Antioxidant potential and some mineral contents of wild edible mushroom Ramaria stricta. AgroLife Sci. J. 2020, 9, 186–191.
43. Bal, C.; Sevindik, M.; Akgül, H.; Selamoglu, Z. Oxidative stress index and antioxidant capacity of Lepista nuda collected from Gaziantep/Turkey. Sigma J. Eng. Nat. Sci. 2019, 37, 1–5.
44. Selamoglu, Z.; Sevindik, M.; Bal, C.; Ozaltun, B.; Sen, İ.; Pasdaran, A. Antioxidant, antimicrobial and DNA protection activities of phenolic content of Tricholoma virgatum (Fr.) P. Kumm. Biointerface Res. Appl. Chem. 2020, 10, 5500–5506. DOI: 10.33263/BRIAC103.50065006
45. Saridogan, B.G.O.; Islek, C.; Baba, H.; Akata, I.; Sevindik, M. Antioxidant, antimicrobial, oxidant and element contents of Xylaria polymorpha and X. hypoxylon (Xylariaceae). Fresenius Environ. Bull. 2021, 30, 5400–5404.
46. Eraslan, E.C.; Altuntaş, D.; Baba, H.; Bal, C.; Akgül, H.; Akata, I.; Sevindik, M. Some biological activities and element contents of ethanol extract of wild edible mushroom Morchella esculenta. Sigma J. Eng. Nat. Sci. 2021, 39, 24–28.
47. Sevindik, M. Anticancer, antimicrobial, antioxidant and DNA protective potential of mushroom Leucopaxillus gentianeus (Quél.) Kotl. Indian J. Exp. Biol. 2021, 59, 310–315.
48. Mohammed, F.S.; Uysal, I.; Sevindik, M. A review on antiviral plants effective against different virus types. Prospect. Pharm. Sci. 2023, 21, 1–21. DOI: 10.56782/pps.230
49. Bal, C.; Akgül, H.; Sevindik, M.; Akata, I.; Yumrutas, O. Determination of the antioxidative activities of six mushrooms. Fresenius Environ. Bull. 2017, 26, 6246–6252.
50. Islek, C.; Saridogan, B.G.O.; Sevindik, M.; Akata, I. Biological activities and heavy metal contents of some Pholiota species. Fresenius Environ. Bull. 2021, 30, 6109–6114.
51. Katsiotis, S.T.; Langezaal, C.R.; Scheffer, J.J.C.; Verpoorte, R. Comparative study of the essential oils from hops of various Humulus lupulus L. cultivars.
Flavour Fragr. J. 1989, 4, 187–191. DOI: 10.1002/ffj.2730040407
52. Malizia, R.A.; Molli, J.S.; Cardell, D.A.; Grau, R.J. Essential oil of hop cones (Humulus lupulus L.). J. Essent. Oil Res. 1999, 11, 13–15. DOI: 10.1080/10412905.1999.9701060
53. Patzak, J.; Matoušek, J.; Krofta, K.; Svoboda, P. Hop latent viroid (HLVd)-caused pathogenesis: effects of HLVd infection on lupulin composition of meristem culture-derived Humulus lupulus. Biol. Plant. 2001, 44, 579–585. DOI: 10.1023/A:1013733417082
54. Bernotienė, G.; Nivinskienė, O.; Butkienė, R.; Mockutė, D. Chemical composition of essential oils of hops (Humulus lupulus L.) growing wild in Aukstaitija. Chemija 2004, 15, 31–36.
55. Jirovetz, L.; Bail, S.; Buchbauer, G.; Denkova, Z.; Slavchev, A.; Stoyanova, A.; Geissler, M. Antimicrobial testings, gas chromatographic analysis and olfactory evaluation of an essential oil of hop cones (Humulus lupulus L.) from Bavaria and some of its main compounds. Sci. Pharm. 2006, 74, 189–201. DOI: 10.3797/scipharm.2006.74.189
56. Ligor, M.; Stankevičius, M.; Wenda-Piesik, A.; Obelevičius, K.; Ragažinskienė, O.; Stanius, Ž.; Buszewski, B. Comparative gas chromatographic–mass spectrometric evaluation of hop (Humulus lupulus L.) essential oils and extracts obtained using different sample preparation methods. Food Anal. Methods 2014, 7, 1433–1442. DOI: 10.1007/s12161-013-9763-5
57. Tyśkiewicz, K.; Gieysztor, R.; Konkol, M.; Szałas, J.; Rój, E. Essential oils from Humulus lupulus scCO₂ extract by hydrodistillation and microwave-assisted hydrodistillation. Molecules 2018, 23, Art. No: 2866. DOI: 10.3390/molecules23112866
58. da Rosa Almeida, A.; Maciel, M.V.D.O.B.; Cardoso Gasparini Gandolpho, B.; Machado, M.H.; Teixeira, G.L.; Bertoldi, F.C.; Barreto, P.L.M. Brazilian grown cascade hop (Humulus lupulus L.): LC-ESI-MS-MS and GC-MS analysis of chemical composition and antioxidant activity of extracts and essential oils. J. Am. Soc. Brew. Chem. 2021, 79, 156–166. DOI: 10.1080/03610470.2020.1838996
59. Jin, F.; Zhao, L.; Zhang, Y.; Wu, J.; Peng, X. Analysis of volatile chemical constituents of dried and fresh Humulus scandens in Guizhou by HS-SPME-GC-MS. Chin. Pharm. 2014, 25, 2931–2934.
60. Peng, X.; Shao, J.; Liu, B.; Zhang, F.; Jin, F.; Wu, J. Volatile oil composition and content in different parts of fresh Guizhou Humulus scandens. Guizhou Agric. Sci. 2014, 42, 178–181.
61. Fidyt, K.; Fiedorowicz, A.; Strządała, L.; Szumny, A. β-Caryophyllene and β-caryophyllene oxide—natural compounds of anticancer and analgesic properties. Cancer Med. 2016, 5, 3007–3017. DOI: 10.1002/cam4.816
62. Francomano, F.; Caruso, A.; Barbarossa, A.; Fazio, A.; La Torre, C.; Ceramella, J.; Sinicropi, M.S. β-Caryophyllene: A sesquiterpene with countless biological properties. Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, Art. No: 5420. DOI: 10.3390/app9245420
63. de Lacerda Leite, G.M.; de Oliveira Barbosa, M.; Lopes, M.J.P.; de Araújo Delmondes, G.; Bezerra, D.S.; Araújo, I.M.; Kerntof, M.R. Pharmacological and toxicological activities of α-humulene and its isomers: A systematic review. Trends Food Sci. Technol. 2021, 115, 255–274. DOI: 10.1016/j.tifs.2021.06.018
64. Surendran, S.; Qassadi, F.; Surendran, G.; Lilley, D.; Heinrich, M. Myrcene—what are the potential health benefits of this flavouring and aroma agent? Front. Nutr. 2021, 8, Art. No: 699666. DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2021.699666
65. Meznar, B.; Kajba, S. Bronchial responsiveness in hops processing workers. Plucne Bolesti 1990, 42, 27–29.
66. Skórska, C.; Mackiewicz, B.; Góra, A.; Golec, M.; Dutkiewicz, J. Health effects of inhalation exposure to organic dust in hops farmers. Ann. Univ. Mariae Curie-Skłodowska Sect. D Med. 2003, 58, 459–465.
67. Godnic‐Cvar, J.; Zuskin, E.; Mustajbegovic, J.; Schachter, E.N.; Kanceljak, B.; Macan, J.; Ebling, Z. Respiratory and immunological findings in brewery workers. Am. J. Ind. Med. 1999, 35, 68–75. DOI: 10.1002/(SICI)1097-0274(199901)35:1<68::AID-AJIM9>3.0.CO;2-B
68. Spiewak, R.; Dutkiewicz, J. Occupational airborne and hand dermatitis to hop (Humulus lupulus) with non-occupational relapses. Ann. Agric. Environ. Med. 2002, 9, 193–196.
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Ghadir A. El-Chaghaby, Emre Sevindik, Mustafa Sevindik, Oguzhan Koçer, Imran Uysal
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
For all articles published in Prospects in Pharmaceutical Sciences copyright is retained by the authors. The journal publishes articles in the Open Access policy, within the CC BY 4.0 licence.
This is a human-readable summary of (and not a substitute for) the license. Disclaimer.
You are free to:
Share — copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format
Adapt — remix, transform, and build upon the material for any purpose, even commercially.
The licensor cannot revoke these freedoms as long as you follow the license terms.
Under the following terms:
Attribution — You must give appropriate credit, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. You may do so in any reasonable manner, but not in any way that suggests the licensor endorses you or your use.
No additional restrictions — You may not apply legal terms or technological measures that legally restrict others from doing anything the license permits.
Notices:
You do not have to comply with the license for elements of the material in the public domain or where your use is permitted by an applicable exception or limitation.
No warranties are given. The license may not give you all of the permissions necessary for your intended use. For example, other rights such as publicity, privacy, or moral rights may limit how you use the material.
How to Cite
