10 Possible Side Effects Of Humulus Lupulus (Hops)

Humulus lupulus has some side effects when used improperly, such as insomnia, dizziness, and stomach upset.

These side effects can be caused by excessive consumption or individual sensitivities. For example, an individual who relies on a good night's sleep to function may experience worsening fatigue and decreased productivity if hops causes them to lose sleep.

Similarly, people who already experience stomach problems may find their symptoms exacerbated by the herb's stomach-upsetting properties.

This article explains in details the 10 most common side effects of Humulus lupulus if used imporperly.

1. Leads to nausea quickly

Humulus lupulus increases blood pressure levels due to its ability to constrict blood vessels and stimulate the body's natural production of hormones that can raise blood pressure.

The saponins present in Humulus lupulus may contribute to this effect by causing vasoconstriction, leading to increased blood pressure.

Additionally, the herb's bitter compounds may also stimulate the adrenal glands, causing an increase in cortisol levels, which can further elevate blood pressure.

2. Leads to nausea quickly

Humulus lupulus causes dizziness quickly due to its sedative properties.

The beta-acid compound found in hops can affect the body's nervous system, leading to a sudden onset of dizziness and lightheadedness.

Additionally, the herb's ability to interact with GABA receptors in the brain may further contribute to this side effect.

3. Leads to nausea quickly

Humulus lupulus produces allergic reactions due to its complex composition of bioactive compounds, including alpha acids and flavonoids.

These substances can trigger an immune response in some individuals, leading to symptoms such as skin rash, itching, hives, and respiratory issues like wheezing or difficulty breathing.

The exact mechanisms underlying these allergic responses are not yet fully understood, but it is thought that the body's immune system mistakenly identifies certain hop compounds as harmful, resulting in an overactive response.

4. Leads to nausea quickly

Humulus lupulus slows down liver function due to its ability to inhibit certain enzymes that are responsible for detoxification and metabolism in the body.

This can lead to an accumulation of toxins and a decrease in the liver's ability to process medications and other substances efficiently.

Additionally, Humulus lupulus contains compounds that can bind to bile acids, altering their normal function and potentially leading to impaired liver function.

5. Leads to nausea quickly

Humulus lupulus enhances sleepiness rapidly due to its sedative properties.

The plant contains flavonoids and essential oils that have a calming effect on the nervous system, slowing down brain activity and promoting relaxation. This can lead to drowsiness and even induce a sense of euphoria in some individuals.

As a result, users may experience increased sleepiness shortly after consuming Humulus lupulus, making it an effective natural remedy for insomnia and other sleep disorders.

6. Leads to nausea quickly

Humulus lupulus decreases blood sugar levels due to its potential to increase insulin sensitivity and reduce glucose absorption in the gut.

This is attributed to its flavonoid compounds, which have been shown to activate certain enzymes involved in glucose metabolism, leading to a decrease in blood sugar levels.

The exact mechanisms are not fully understood, but it is thought that Humulus lupulus may also interfere with the normal regulation of blood sugar levels by altering the expression of genes involved in glucose homeostasis.

7. Leads to nausea quickly

Humulus lupulus stimulates breast milk production in some individuals.

This effect is attributed to the estrogenic and progesteronic properties of its bioactive compounds, particularly 8-prenylnaringenin, which binds to estrogen receptors in the body, mimicking the effects of estrogen on the mammary glands.

As a result, it can increase prolactin production, leading to enhanced breast milk secretion.

8. Leads to nausea quickly

Humulus lupulus interacts with certain medications due to its ability to inhibit the activity of cytochrome P450 enzymes in the liver.

This interaction can lead to changes in the metabolism and efficacy of certain drugs, such as sedatives, antidepressants, and blood thinners.

As a result, individuals taking Humulus lupulus may experience altered response to these medications, including increased or decreased effects.

9. Leads to nausea quickly

Humulus lupulus affects fetal development by disrupting normal embryogenesis.

The phytoestrogens present in hops can mimic the effects of estrogen in the body, potentially altering the balance of sex hormones during pregnancy. This disruption can lead to abnormal fetal growth and development, including changes in genital morphology.

Additionally, the teratogenic properties of hops may cause birth defects, such as cleft palate and heart abnormalities.

10. Leads to nausea quickly

Humulus lupulus increases risk of bleeding due to its ability to inhibit platelet aggregation and activity.

This herb's flavonoids and terpenoids have been shown to bind to platelets, reducing their effectiveness in clotting blood and increasing the likelihood of spontaneous bleeding or prolonging bleeding after an injury.