Omnia SanaPlant Comparison
Centaury vs Hop
A side-by-side comparison of two medicinal plants — every documented constituent, action, use, safety note and cited source, assembled automatically from the Omnia Sana database.
At a glance
Centaury and Hop: they share 5 indicated uses (arthritis / joint pain, bloating, indigestion, …); 2 pharmacological actions in common.
Evidence face-off — shared uses
| Condition | Centaury | Hop | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arthritis / joint pain | 1/10 | 1/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Bloating | 1/10 | 1/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Indigestion | 1/10 | 1/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Inflammation (general) | 1/10 | 1/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Skin irritation | 1/10 | 1/10 | Comparable evidence |
Evidence scores (1–10) are computed from the tier of each cited source. “Comparable” means the two scores are within one point. Follow a score to its detailed sources.
Key Constituents
The intensely bitter principles that stimulate digestive secretions.
Alpha- and beta-bitter acids responsible for the characteristic bitterness and much of the sedative, GABA-A-receptor-active and antimicrobial activity.
Xanthohumol has antioxidant activity; 8-prenylnaringenin has notable phytoestrogenic activity, the basis of the mild oestrogenic caution.
Aromatic volatile oil contributing to the characteristic hop aroma.
Pharmacological Actions
Digestive aid for mild dyspeptic complaints such as indigestion and bloating (stimulates gastric and bile secretion) - a comprehensive review also documents gastroprotective, hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory activity
Aromatic bitter tonic for temporary loss of appetite
Digestive aid for mild dyspeptic complaints such as indigestion and bloating (stimulates gastric and bile secretion) - a comprehensive review also documents gastroprotective, hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory activity
Digestive aid for mild dyspeptic complaints such as indigestion and bloating (stimulates gastric and bile secretion) - a comprehensive review also documents gastroprotective, hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory activity
Traditional & Indicated Uses
inferred from gastroprotective action
Aromatic bitter tonic for temporary loss of appetite
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
Digestive aid for mild dyspeptic complaints such as indigestion and bloating (stimulates gastric and bile secretion) - a comprehensive review also documents gastroprotective, hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory activity
inferred from hepatoprotective action
Digestive aid for mild dyspeptic complaints such as indigestion and bloating (stimulates gastric and bile secretion) - a comprehensive review also documents gastroprotective, hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory activity
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from hepatoprotective action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from digestive action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from sedative action
Safety, Cautions & Contraindications
Because bitters increase stomach-acid secretion, centaury is contraindicated in peptic (stomach or duodenal) ulcer disease and hyperacidity.
Traditional use only; appetite loss or dyspepsia that persists needs medical assessment. Use during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not recommended.
Generally safe at therapeutic doses for short-term use. Hop preparations may enhance the sedative effects of alcohol, benzodiazepines, and other CNS depressants — avoid combination. Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. May have mild oestrogenic effects due to 8-prenylnaringenin — caution in hormone-sensitive conditions. Fresh hops can cause contact dermatitis in pickers.
Duke (2002) rates hops as +++ and provides clinical evidence (score 2) for sedative activity, consistent with Commission E approval for nervousness, unrest, and sleep disturbances. The primary sedative compound is 2-methyl-3-buten-2-ol, formed from humulone during storage. Duke notes that hop cones have estrogenic activity, explaining occupational menstrual irregularities reported among hop pickers. Dose: 0.5 g dried flower in tea before bed; often combined with valerian. Hops should not be used in depression, as its CNS-depressant effect may worsen depressive symptoms (Duke, 2002).
External Ids
Botanical Description
Slender annual or biennial herb with a basal rosette of oval leaves and an erect, wiry, four-angled flowering stem branching near the top. Small, star-shaped, pink flowers with five pointed petals open only in sunshine, borne in dense, flat-topped clusters at the stem tips.[12]
Vigorous, twining perennial climbing vine with rough, hairy stems and deeply lobed, opposite leaves resembling grape leaves. The plant is dioecious; female plants bear the characteristic papery, cone-like flower clusters ('hops'), covered in yellow, resinous lupulin glands, that are the medicinal and brewing part.[1]
Habitat
Grows in dry grassland, chalk downland, dunes and open woodland on well-drained, often calcareous soils; native to Europe, North Africa and Western Asia.[12]
Grows in hedgerows, woodland edges and damp thickets, climbing over other vegetation; native to Europe, Western Asia and North America, and widely cultivated for brewing.
Harvesting
The flowering aerial parts are cut in summer while in flower, when the intensely bitter secoiridoid content is highest, and dried in a warm, shaded, airy place.[12]
The female flower cones are picked in late summer once mature (when the lupulin glands are fully developed and sticky), then dried quickly to preserve the volatile oils and bitter resins.[1]
Traditional Uses
Centaury is one of the classic European bitter digestive herbs, traditionally used for temporary loss of appetite and mild dyspeptic complaints such as indigestion and bloating, stimulating gastric and bile secretion.[12]
Hop cones have a long European tradition as a calming, sedative herb for nervous tension, restlessness and insomnia, and as a bitter digestive tonic; the sedative reputation, historically noted among hop-pickers who became drowsy from handling the cones, is now linked to GABA-A receptor-active bitter resins.[1]
Preparations
Dried herb macerated in cold water for several hours, which extracts the bitter principles while minimising extraction of harsher tannins; a traditional preparation method for bitters.
Dried herb infused briefly in hot water and taken shortly before meals as a bitter digestive tonic.
Tincture of the dried herb; the EU herbal monograph gives 1.5-5 g up to three times daily. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
Dried flower cones infused in hot water as a herbal tea, 500-1000 mg in 150-200 ml, taken 30-60 minutes before bedtime per the EU herbal monograph. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
Tincture (1:5) of the dried cones, 1-2 ml up to three times daily per the EU herbal monograph. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
Concentrated extract standardised to xanthohumol/humulone content, studied for sleep-enhancing activity via GABA-A receptor modulation.
Dosage
The EU herbal monograph gives 1-4 g of the comminuted herb in 200 mL of boiling water as an infusion, up to 4 times daily, in adults and elderly; a powdered herbal substance at 0.25-2 g up to 3 times daily, liquid extract 2-4 mL up to 3 times daily, and tincture 1.5-5 g up to 3 times daily are also listed. Not recommended under 18 years, and contraindicated in peptic ulcer. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
The EU herbal monograph distinguishes two uses, in adolescents, adults and elderly. To aid sleep - 500-1000 mg of the comminuted flower in 150-200 mL of boiling water as an infusion, 30-60 minutes before bedtime. In mental stress - 500 mg in 150-200 mL as an infusion, up to 4 times daily. A 1:5 tincture at 1-2 mL up to 3 times daily is also listed. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
References
Lookalikes Review
Drug Class Interactions
Not documented
Pairings
Dangerous Lookalikes
Not documented
References & Sources
- Tuluce, Y., Ozkol, H., Koyuncu, I. and Ine, H (2011) 'Gastroprotective effect of small centaury (Centaurium erythraea L) on aspirin-induced gastric damage in rats', Toxicology and Industrial Health, 27(8), pp. 760-768. doi:10.1177/0748233710397421 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1177/0748233710397421 - Chabane, S., Boudjelal, A., Bouaziz-Terrachet, S., Spinozzi, E. et al (2023) 'Analgesic effect of Centaurium erythraea and molecular docking investigation of the major component swertiamarin', Natural Product Research, 38(24), pp. 4511-4517. doi:10.1080/14786419.2023.2278160 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1080/14786419.2023.2278160 - Akşit, H., Gözcü, S. and Altay, A (2022) 'Isolation and cytotoxic activities of undescribed iridoid and xanthone glycosides from Centaurium erythraea Rafn. (Gentianaceae)', Phytochemistry, 205, pp. 113484. doi:10.1016/j.phytochem.2022.113484 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phytochem.2022.113484 - El Menyiy, N., Guaouguaou, F.E., El Baaboua, A., El Omari, N., Taha, D. and others (2021) 'Phytochemical properties, biological activities and medicinal use of Centaurium erythraea Rafn', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, pp. 2021. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2021.114171 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2021.114171 - Guedes, L., Reis, P.B.P.S., Machuqueiro, M., Ressaissi, A., Pacheco, R. and Serralheiro, M.L (2019) 'Bioactivities of Centaurium erythraea (Gentianaceae) Decoctions: Antioxidant Activity, Enzyme Inhibition and Docking Studies', Molecules, 24(20), pp. 3795. doi:10.3390/molecules24203795 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24203795 - Dordevic, M., Mihailovic, M., Arambasic Jovanovic, J., Grdovic, N., Uskokovic, A., Tolic, A., Sinadinovic, M., Rajic, J., Misic, D., Siler, B., Poznanovic, G., Vidakovic, M. and Dinic, S (2017) 'Centaurium erythraea methanol extract protects red blood cells from oxidative damage in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 202, pp. 172-183. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2017.03.016 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2017.03.016 - Dordevic, M., Grdovic, N., Mihailovic, M., Arambasic Jovanovic, J., Uskokovic, A., Rajic, J., Sinadinovic, M., Tolic, A., Misic, D., Siler, B., Poznanovic, G., Vidakovic, M. and Dinic, S (2019) 'Centaurium erythraea extract improves survival and functionality of pancreatic beta-cells in diabetes through multiple routes of action', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 242, pp. 112043. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2019.112043 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2019.112043 - Chda, A., El Kabbaoui, M., Fresco, P., Silva, D., Goncalves, J., Oliveira, A.P., Andrade, P.B., Valentao, P., Tazi, A., El Abida, K. and Bencheikh, R (2019) 'Centaurium Erythraea Extracts Exert Vascular Effects through Endothelium- and Fibroblast-dependent Pathways', Planta Medica, 86(2), pp. 121-131. doi:10.1055/a-1023-8918 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1055/a-1023-8918 - Kumarasamy, Y., Nahar, L., Cox, P.J., Jaspars, M. and Sarker, S.D (2003) 'Bioactivity of secoiridoid glycosides from Centaurium erythraea', Phytomedicine, 10(4), pp. 344-347. doi:10.1078/094471103322004857 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1078/094471103322004857 - Kachmar, M.R., Oliveira, A.P., Valentao, P., Gil-Izquierdo, A., Dominguez-Perles, R., Ouahbi, A., Badaoui, K.E., Andrade, P.B. and Ferreres, F (2018) 'HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS phenolic profile and in vitro biological potential of Centaurium erythraea Rafn aqueous extract', Food Chemistry, 278, pp. 424-433. doi:10.1016/j.foodchem.2018.11.082 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2018.11.082 - Mandova, T., Audo, G., Michel, S. and Grougnet, R (2017) 'Off-line coupling of new generation centrifugal partition chromatography device with preparative high pressure liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry triggering fraction collection applied to the recovery of secoiridoid glycosides from Centaurium erythraea Rafn. (Gentianaceae)', Journal of Chromatography A, 1513, pp. 149-156. doi:10.1016/j.chroma.2017.07.023 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chroma.2017.07.023 - European Medicines Agency (HMPC) (n.d.) 'Assessment report on Centaurium erythraea Rafn s.l., herba (Centaurii herba)'. Available at: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-report/assessment-report-centaurium-erythraea-rafn-sl-herba_en.pdf Traditional / reference
https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-report/assessment-report-centaurium-erythraea-rafn-sl-herba_en.pdf - Herbal Reality (n.d.) 'Centaury (Centaurium erythraea): Benefits, Safety, Uses'. Available at: https://www.herbalreality.com/herb/centaury/ Traditional / reference
https://www.herbalreality.com/herb/centaury/ - European Medicines Agency (HMPC) (2015) 'European Union herbal monograph on Centaurium erythraea Rafn s.l., herba (Centaurii herba)'. Available at: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/european-union-herbal-monograph-centaurium-erythraea-rafn-sl-herba_en.pdf Traditional / reference
https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/european-union-herbal-monograph-centaurium-erythraea-rafn-sl-herba_en.pdf
- Lee, H., Chung, S.H., Kwon, D.J., Nam, M.J. et al (2024) 'Sleep-enhancing effect of Hongcheon-hop (Humulus lupulus L.) extract containing xanthohumol and humulone through GABA-A receptor', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 338(Pt 2), pp. 119019. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2024.119019 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2024.119019 - Kenda, M., Glavač, N.K., Nagy, M. and Sollner Dolenc, M (2021) 'Herbal Products Used in Menopause and for Gynecological Disorders', Molecules, 26(24), pp. 7421. doi:10.3390/molecules26247421 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26247421 - Dietz, B.M., Hajirahimkhan, A., Dunlap, T.L. and Bolton, J.L (2016) 'Botanicals and Their Bioactive Phytochemicals for Women's Health', Pharmacological Reviews, 68(4), pp. 1026-1073. doi:10.1124/pr.115.010843 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1124/pr.115.010843 - Sun, X.L., Xia, T.S., Jiang, Y.P., Wang, N.N., Xu, L.C. and Han, T (2022) 'Humulus lupulus L. extract and its active constituent xanthohumol attenuate oxidative stress and nerve injury induced by iron overload via activating AKT/GSK3beta and Nrf2/NQO1 pathways', Journal of Natural Medicines, 76(4), pp. 801-814. doi:10.1007/s11418-022-01642-1 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11418-022-01642-1 - Karbalaei, N., Sadeghi, N., Nekoeian, A. and Malekzadeh, A (2019) 'Impact of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Humulus Lupulus L. on Sperm Quality, Reproductive Organs and Hormones in Male Rats', Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine, 25(9), pp. 1-8. doi:10.1007/s11655-019-3025-7 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11655-019-3025-7 - Xia, T.S., Lin, L.Y., Zhang, Q.Y., Jiang, Y.P., Li, C.H. and Liu, X.Y (2019) 'Humulus lupulus L. Extract Prevents Ovariectomy-Induced Osteoporosis in Mice and Regulates Activities of Osteoblasts and Osteoclasts', Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine, 27(1), pp. 31-38. doi:10.1007/s11655-019-2700-z Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11655-019-2700-z - Hurth, Z., Faber, M.L., Gendrisch, F., Holzer, M., Haarhaus, B. and Cawelius, A (2022) 'The Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Humulus lupulus Extract In Vivo Depends on the Galenic System of the Topical Formulation', Pharmaceuticals, 15(3), pp. 350. doi:10.3390/ph15030350 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/ph15030350 - Caban, M., Chojnacka, K., Owczarek, K., Laskowska, J., Fichna, J. and Podsedek, A (2020) 'Spent hops (Humulus Lupulus L.) extract as modulator of the inflammatory response in lipopolysaccharide stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages', Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, 71(1). doi:10.26402/jpp.2020.1.05 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.26402/jpp.2020.1.05 - Wang, S., Dunlap, T.L., Howell, C.E., Mbachu, O.C., Rue, E.A. and Phansalkar, R (2016) 'Hop (Humulus lupulus L.) Extract and 6-Prenylnaringenin Induce P450 1A1 Catalyzed Estrogen 2-Hydroxylation', Chemical Research in Toxicology, 29(7), pp. 1142-1150. doi:10.1021/acs.chemrestox.6b00112 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.chemrestox.6b00112 - Kyrou, I., Christou, A., Panagiotakos, D., Stefanaki, C., Skenderi, K. and Katsana, K (2017) 'Effects of a hops (Humulus lupulus L.) dry extract supplement on self-reported depression, anxiety and stress levels in apparently healthy young adults: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover pilot study', Hormones, 16(2), pp. 171-180. doi:10.14310/horm.2002.1738 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.14310/horm.2002.1738 - Hege, M., Jung, F., Sellmann, C., Jin, C., Ziegenhardt, D. and Hellerbrand, C (2017) 'An iso-alpha-acid-rich extract from hops (Humulus lupulus) attenuates acute alcohol-induced liver steatosis in mice', Nutrition, 41, pp. 70-77. doi:10.1016/j.nut.2017.07.010 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nut.2017.07.010 - European Medicines Agency (HMPC) (2014) 'Community herbal monograph on Humulus lupulus L., flos, Revision 1'. Available at: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-community-herbal-monograph-humulus-lupulus-l-flos-revision-1_en.pdf Traditional / reference
https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-community-herbal-monograph-humulus-lupulus-l-flos-revision-1_en.pdf - Becker, A., Felgentreff, F., Schröder, H., Meier, B. and Brattstrom, A (2014) 'The anxiolytic effects of a Valerian extract is based on valerenic acid', pp. 267. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=The%20anxiolytic%20effects%20of%20a%20Valerian%20extract%20is%20based%20on%20valerenic%20acid - Koetter, U. and Blumenthal, M (2010) 'Valerian and hops for insomnia: overview of clinical data', pp. 44--50. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Valerian%20and%20hops%20for%20insomnia%3A%20overview%20of%20clinical%20data - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (n.d.). Available at: https://powo.science.kew.org Traditional / reference
https://powo.science.kew.org - Duke, J.A (2002) 'Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, Second Edition'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Handbook%20of%20Medicinal%20Herbs%2C%20Second%20Edition - Ghasemzadeh Rahbardar, M. and Hosseinzadeh, H (2024) 'Therapeutic potential of hypnotic herbal medicines: A comprehensive review', Phytotherapy Research, 38(6), pp. 3037-3059. doi:10.1002/ptr.8201 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.8201 - Block, K.I., Gyllenhaal, C. and Mead, M.N (2004) 'Safety and efficacy of herbal sedatives in cancer care', Integrative Cancer Therapies, 3(2), pp. 128-148. doi:10.1177/1534735404265003 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1177/1534735404265003 - Koetter, U., Schrader, E., Kaeufeler, R. and Brattstroem, A (2007) 'A randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled, prospective clinical study to demonstrate clinical efficacy of a fixed valerian hops extract combination (Ze 91019) in patients suffering from non-organic sleep disorder', Phytotherapy Research, 21(9), pp. 847-851. doi:10.1002/ptr.2167 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.2167 - Ngan, A. and Conduit, R (2011) 'A double-blind, placebo-controlled investigation of the effects of Passiflora incarnata (passionflower) herbal tea on subjective sleep quality', Phytotherapy Research, 25(8), pp. 1153-1159. doi:10.1002/ptr.3400 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.3400 - Totally Wild UK 'Hops (Humulus lupulus) Identification Guide'. Available at: https://totallywilduk.co.uk/2022/12/08/hops-humulus-lupulus-identification-guide/ Traditional / reference
https://totallywilduk.co.uk/2022/12/08/hops-humulus-lupulus-identification-guide/
Generated automatically from the Omnia Sana plant database and its cited sources. For educational purposes only — not medical advice. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using medicinal plants.