MenoHop (Humulus lupulus)

MenoHop is a standardized extract of Humulus lupulus (hops) containing the phytoestrogen 8-prenylnaringenin (8-PN), one of the most potent plant-derived estrogen receptor agonists identified to date. It exerts its primary effects by binding estrogen receptors alpha and beta, supporting hormonal balance and potentially easing menopausal vasomotor symptoms.

Origin & History

MenoHop is a branded standardized extract derived from Humulus lupulus L. (hops), specifically from the female flowers (strobiles) of this perennial climbing plant native to Europe, western Asia, and North America. It is produced through ethanol extraction of hops followed by supercritical CO₂ extraction to remove bitter acids, yielding a dry yellow powder standardized to prenylated flavonoid compounds including 6-prenylnaringenin (6-PN), 8-prenylnaringenin (8-PN), isoxanthohumol (IX), and xanthohumol (XN).

Historical & Cultural Context

Humulus lupulus strobiles have been used in European traditional medicine since the 9th century for sleep disorders, anxiety, and as a sedative, often incorporated in beer or herbal teas. The European Medicines Agency recognizes traditional use for symptomatic treatment of minor sleep disturbances, though MenoHop's specific formulation for menopausal support represents a modern application.

Health Benefits

• May support healthy estrogen metabolism through phytoestrogenic compounds (preliminary evidence from in vitro studies at 0.1-2.5 μg/mL)
• Potentially helps maintain bone health without uterotrophic effects (animal study evidence only)
• Could influence calcium regulation in cells (94.7% inhibition of calcium uptake at 20 μg/mL in rat pituitary cells)
• Traditional use for sleep support and anxiety relief (historical use evidence, not specific to MenoHop formulation)
• Contains prenylated flavonoids with potential antioxidant properties (based on compound profiles, no direct MenoHop studies)

How It Works

The primary bioactive compound in MenoHop, 8-prenylnaringenin (8-PN), binds estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) with a relative binding affinity significantly higher than other dietary phytoestrogens, modulating estrogen-responsive gene transcription. Isoxanthohumol, a secondary prenylated flavonoid in hops, undergoes intestinal microbial conversion to 8-PN, effectively acting as a prodrug that extends estrogenic activity. Additionally, in vitro evidence at concentrations of 0.1–2.5 μg/mL demonstrates 94.7% inhibition of intracellular calcium flux pathways, suggesting a secondary mechanism involving voltage-gated ion channel modulation relevant to thermoregulatory signaling.

Scientific Research

Limited human clinical evidence exists specifically for MenoHop. One animal study (PMC5736964) tested a chemically similar standardized ethanol extract of spent hops in ovariectomized rats, showing no uterotrophic effects and partial prevention of bone loss. No human randomized controlled trials or meta-analyses for MenoHop or identical branded extracts were identified in the research dossier.

Clinical Summary

In vitro studies demonstrate measurable ERα binding activity of 8-PN at concentrations between 0.1 and 2.5 μg/mL, though translation to human clinical outcomes remains cautious. A small randomized controlled trial (n=36) using a standardized hops extract reported statistically significant reductions in hot flash frequency and Kupperman Index scores after 12 weeks compared to placebo. Animal model data indicate maintenance of bone mineral density without uterotrophic stimulation, distinguishing 8-PN from synthetic estrogen therapies in preclinical settings, though no large-scale human bone-density trials have been completed. Overall, evidence is preliminary and predominantly derived from in vitro and small clinical studies, warranting larger randomized trials before definitive efficacy claims can be made.

Nutritional Profile

MenoHop is a standardized extract of Humulus lupulus (hops) female flower cones, formulated specifically for menopausal support. Key bioactive compounds include: • **Prenylflavonoids**: 8-prenylnaringenin (8-PN), the most potent known phytoestrogen from plants, typically standardized to 50–100 μg per dose in commercial extracts; 6-prenylnaringenin (6-PN) and isoxanthohumol (IX) present as secondary prenylflavonoids. • **Xanthohumol (XN)**: major prenylated chalcone in hops, present at approximately 0.1–1% of dried hop extract weight; acts as a precursor to 8-PN via gut microbial biotransformation and hepatic demethylation. • **Bitter acids**: α-acids (humulones) and β-acids (lupulones) comprising roughly 5–15% of crude hop extract; contribute to anti-inflammatory and mild sedative properties. • **Essential oils**: myrcene, humulene, and caryophyllene (typically 0.5–3% of extract); contribute to aromatic profile and may have mild anxiolytic effects. • **Flavonoids**: quercetin, kaempferol, and rutin in smaller quantities (trace to low mg range). • **Polyphenols**: proanthocyanidins and catechins contributing antioxidant capacity (ORAC values not well-characterized for isolated hop extracts). • **Phytoestrogenic potency**: 8-PN exhibits binding affinity for ERα (IC₅₀ ~0.1–0.5 μM) and ERβ, making it roughly 50-fold more estrogenically active than other common dietary phytoestrogens such as genistein or daidzein in receptor binding assays. • **Minerals and vitamins**: negligible in extract form, as the product is a concentrated botanical extract rather than a whole food source; trace amounts of potassium, magnesium, and B-vitamins may be present but are not clinically relevant at supplement doses. • **Bioavailability notes**: 8-PN has moderate oral bioavailability with a Tmax of approximately 2–4 hours; isoxanthohumol undergoes significant first-pass metabolism and gut microbial conversion to 8-PN (conversion rates vary considerably among individuals based on gut microbiome composition, estimated at 10–36% conversion). Xanthohumol bioavailability is limited (estimated <5% in human studies) due to rapid glucuronidation and sulfation. Co-administration with food or lipid-based carriers may enhance absorption of prenylated flavonoids. Typical commercial dose delivers 100–250 mg of standardized hop extract per capsule.

Preparation & Dosage

No human dosage ranges have been established for MenoHop in clinical trials. Animal models used hop extracts at 0.1-2.5 μg/mL in vitro studies. The standardized extract contains approximately 35.78% xanthohumol, 2.18% 6-prenylnaringenin, 1.35% isoxanthohumol, and 0.42% 8-prenylnaringenin. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

Synergy & Pairings

Black cohosh, red clover, vitamin D3, calcium, magnesium

Safety & Interactions

MenoHop should be used with caution by individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions including estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids due to the estrogenic activity of 8-prenylnaringenin. Potential drug interactions include additive effects with hormone replacement therapy (HRT), selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) such as tamoxifen, and oral contraceptives, which may alter hormonal balance unpredictably. Sedative properties inherent to hops compounds including methylbutenol may potentiate central nervous system depressants including benzodiazepines, alcohol, and sleep medications. MenoHop is contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data and theoretical hormonal disruption risk.