Hops Extract Eases Anxiety, Stress in Young Adults

observational-study PMID: 28742505

Quick Summary: A 2017 study tested if hops extract, a natural plant supplement used for mood issues, could lower anxiety, depression, and stress in healthy young adults. Researchers found that taking it daily for four weeks significantly improved these symptoms compared to a placebo, with no side effects on weight or stress hormones.

What The Research Found

This pilot study showed hops extract helped reduce feelings of anxiety, depression, and stress in young people with mild symptoms. People reported better moods after using it, and the improvements were bigger than with a fake pill (placebo). No changes happened in body weight, body fat, or morning stress hormone levels (cortisol).

Key results from the mood survey (DASS-21 scale):
- Anxiety scores dropped from 9.2 to 5.1
- Depression scores fell from 11.9 to 9.2
- Stress scores decreased from 19.1 to 11.6

All changes were statistically meaningful, meaning they're unlikely due to chance. This backs up hops' traditional use for calming anxiety and mood problems, as approved by experts like the German Commission E.

Study Details

Who was studied: 36 healthy young adults (mostly university students) aged about 25, with 31 women and 5 men. They all reported at least mild anxiety, depression, or stress on a quick mood quiz.

How long: Two four-week periods of taking the supplement or placebo, with a two-week break in between to clear it from the body (crossover design, so everyone tried both).

What they took: Two capsules of hops dry extract (0.2 grams each, total 0.4 grams per day) once daily, or matching placebo capsules. It was double-blind, so neither participants nor researchers knew who got the real thing.

The study was randomized and controlled to ensure fair results.

What This Means For You

If you're a young adult dealing with everyday stress, mild anxiety, or low moods, hops extract might offer a natural way to feel better without affecting your weight or hormones. Start with 0.4 grams daily for four weeks, but talk to a doctor first—especially if you have health conditions or take meds, as hops could interact. It's not a cure for serious mental health issues, but it could be a gentle add-on to lifestyle changes like exercise or better sleep. Look for quality supplements like Melcalin Hops to match the study dose.

Study Limitations

This was a small pilot study, so results might not apply to everyone. With only 36 finishers (out of 42 starters) and mostly women, we need bigger trials with more men and diverse groups to confirm effects. The four-week timeline shows short-term benefits but not long-term ones. Mood scores were self-reported, which can vary by person, and the study didn't explain exactly how hops works in the body (like through its plant compounds). Always view it as early evidence, not final proof.

Key Findings

This 2017 pilot study found that daily supplementation with a hops dry extract (Melcalin Hops) significantly reduced self-reported depression, anxiety, and stress levels in healthy young adults with at least mild symptoms. Compared to placebo, hops led to greater improvements in all three domains as measured by the DASS-21 scale, with no adverse effects on body weight, composition, or cortisol levels.

Study Design

The study employed a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover design. Researchers screened university students using the DASS-21 questionnaire and enrolled 36 participants (31 females, 5 males; mean age 24.7±0.5 years) who reported mild-to-moderate symptoms. Each intervention period lasted 4 weeks, separated by a 2-week washout. Assessments included DASS-21 scores, cortisol plasma levels, and anthropometric measurements at baseline and post-intervention.

Dosage & Administration

Participants received two 0.2 g capsules of Melcalin Hops extract daily (total 0.4 g/day) or placebo for 4 weeks. The supplement was administered once daily, with interventions crossing over after the washout period.

Results & Efficacy

Anxiety: Hops reduced DASS-21 anxiety scores from 9.2±7.3 to 5.1±5.9 (p < 0.05 vs. baseline).
Depression: Scores dropped from 11.9±7.9 to 9.2±7.4 (p < 0.05 vs. baseline).
Stress: Scores decreased from 19.1±8.1 to 11.6±8.1 (p < 0.05 vs. baseline).
All improvements were statistically greater than placebo (p < 0.05 for between-group comparisons). No significant changes were observed in cortisol levels or body weight/composition.

Limitations

Small sample size: Only 36 participants completed the study, limiting generalizability.
Gender imbalance: 86% of participants were female, raising questions about male-specific effects.
Short duration: 4-week intervention periods may not capture long-term efficacy or safety.
Self-reported outcomes: Reliance on subjective DASS-21 scores introduces potential bias.
Attrition: 6 of 42 enrolled participants dropped out, possibly affecting results.
Lack of mechanistic data: No exploration of hops' active compounds (e.g., xanthohumol) or their biological pathways.

Clinical Relevance

For young adults experiencing mild depression, anxiety, or stress, this study suggests that daily hops extract supplementation (0.4 g/day) may offer measurable symptom relief within 4 weeks. The results align with the German Commission E’s approval of hops for anxiety/mood disorders. However, due to the small, gender-skewed sample and short follow-up, these findings should be interpreted cautiously. Larger, long-term trials in diverse populations are needed to confirm efficacy and explore hormonal or neurochemical mechanisms. Supplement users seeking natural options for stress management may consider hops as a potential adjunct, but should consult healthcare providers to rule out underlying conditions or interactions with medications.

Note: This analysis is restricted to the stated study and does not generalize to other hops formulations, dosages, or populations.