Lupulinum

BotanicalHops extractBest before bed

What is it

Lupulinum is the historical pharmaceutical name for lupulin, the yellow resinous powder from the hops plant (Humulus lupulus). It contains the main bioactive resins, bitter acids and volatile oils of hops.

Evidence for 2 uses

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Sleep support (with valerian)

Good Evidence

Combined hops + valerian preparations show modest improvements in sleep latency in some RCTs.

Menopausal symptoms (preclinical)

Limited Evidence

8-prenylnaringenin shows estrogenic activity; clinical data is limited.

How it works

Lupulin contains alpha and beta acids (humulones and lupulones), the prenylflavonoid xanthohumol, and 8-prenylnaringenin (a potent phytoestrogen). Hops constituents have sedative effects mediated through GABA-related signaling and adenosine receptors, and the prenylflavonoids have estrogenic and anti-inflammatory activity in preclinical studies. Hops have traditional use for sleep and anxiety; combined with valerian, they have some clinical evidence for improving sleep latency.

Dosage

Traditional sedative use: 0.5-1 g of hops cones per dose; lupulin is more concentrated. Standardized hops extracts in research use 200-400 mg per day.

When and how to take it

Sedative use: 30-60 minutes before bed.

2 commercial forms

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Lupulin powder

Historical pharmaceutical form.

Concentrated active resin from hops.

Hops flower / strobile extract

Used in sleep and menopausal formulas.

Standard supplement form.

Safety

Generally well tolerated. Allergic reactions to hops can occur. Estrogenic activity from 8-prenylnaringenin raises theoretical concerns in hormone-sensitive conditions.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in pregnancy, breastfeeding, hormone-sensitive cancers, and with sedatives.

Interactions

May potentiate sedatives (alcohol, benzodiazepines). Estrogenic activity may interact with hormonal therapies.

Food sources

Beer (hopped)

Amount
varies
%DV
—

Frequently asked questions

Is lupulinum the same as hops?⌄

Lupulinum is the resinous powder extracted from hops cones, more concentrated than the whole flower.

Does it really help sleep?⌄

Combined with valerian there is some clinical support; alone the evidence is more limited.

References

Lupulinum on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Lupulinum (PubMed search) — PubMed link

Track Lupulinum with Pilora

Set up dose reminders, check interactions, and join the community in the Pilora iPhone app.

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.