Plant Comparison
Hop vs Cowslip
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
Hop and Cowslip: they share 4 indicated uses (arthritis / joint pain, inflammation (general), insomnia / sleeplessness, …); 3 pharmacological actions in common.
Evidence face-off — shared uses
| Condition | Hop | Cowslip | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arthritis / joint pain | 1/10 | 1/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Inflammation (general) | 1/10 | 1/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Insomnia / sleeplessness | 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
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
Traditional & Indicated Uses
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from digestive action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from sedative action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from sedative action
Safety, Cautions & Contraindications
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).
Allergy risk: avoid if you’re allergic to cowslip/other Primula species (European Medicines Agency, 2012). Stomach sensitivity: use caution if you have gastritis or a stomach ulcer—cowslip can upset the stomach in some people (European Medicines Agency, 2012). Possible side effects (especially high dose): nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; allergic reactions can happen (European Medicines Agency, 2012). Pregnancy/breastfeeding: not recommended due to lack of good safety data (European Medicines Agency, 2012). Kids: many preparations are not recommended under 12 (and some root extracts under 4) unless a labeled product specifically allows it (European Medicines Agency, 2012).
Duke (2002) provides clinical evidence (score 2) for cowslip's expectorant and secretolytic activities, consistent with Commission E approval for bronchitis and cough with mucus. Dose: 0.5–1 g root or 1–2 g herb as tea three times daily. Saponins in the root are responsible for the expectorant action. Duke warns that the plant may cause hemolysis in large doses due to saponin content, and caution is warranted in individuals with aspirin sensitivity due to phenolic acid content (Duke, 2002).
External Ids
Botanical Description
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]
Low perennial herb (Primulaceae) forming a basal rosette of wrinkled, oval, softly hairy leaves that taper abruptly to a winged stalk. A single leafless flowering stem rises from the rosette bearing a one-sided umbel of small, fragrant, deep yellow, funnel-shaped flowers with orange spots at the throat, nodding on slender pedicels.[10]
Habitat
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.
Native across Europe and western Asia, growing in unimproved, species-rich grassland, meadows, pastures, open woodland and hedge banks on calcareous or well-drained soils.[10]
Harvesting
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]
Flowers are picked in spring as they open; the root/rhizome is dug in autumn.
Traditional Uses
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]
Cowslip has a long European folk tradition as an expectorant remedy for coughs and bronchial catarrh, and the flowers have traditionally been used as a mild sedative and for headache. Modern research on its saponin-rich root supports secretolytic (mucus-thinning) expectorant activity, and its flowers are rich in antioxidant phenolics.[1, 6]
Preparations
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 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
Drug Class Interactions
Pairings
Lookalikes Review
Dangerous Lookalikes
Not documented
References & Sources
- 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/
- Veldman, J., Bordewijk, E., Lloyd, A.R., Vlieger, A.M. and others (2023) 'Mechanistic Evidence of Andrographis paniculata, Pelargonium sidoides, Echinacea Species and a Combination of Hedera helix, Primula veris/elatior and Thymus vulgaris/zygis in the Treatment of Acute, Uncomplicated Respiratory Tract Infections: A Systematic Literature Review and Expert Interviews', Pharmaceuticals (Basel), 16(9), pp. 1206. doi:10.3390/ph16091206 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3390/ph16091206 - Baczek, K.B., Kosakowska, O., Przybyl, J.L., Pioro-Jabrucka, E. and others (2017) 'Phenolics in Primula veris L. and Primula elatior (L.) Hill Raw Materials', International Journal of Analytical Chemistry, 2017, pp. 2871579. doi:10.1155/2017/2871579 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/2871579 - Prokofiev, A.B., Latypova, G.M., Bondarenko, T.A., Romanenko, E.B. and others (2023) 'Solid herbal extract of Primula veris L. improves morphofunctional condition of rats' myocardium in chronic alcohol intoxication', Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, 13(3), pp. 306-314. doi:10.1016/j.jtcme.2023.02.006 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtcme.2023.02.006 - Tarapatskyy, M., Gumienna, A., Sowa, P., Kapusta, I. and Puchalski, C (2021) 'Bioactive Phenolic Compounds from Primula veris L.: Influence of the Extraction Conditions and Purification', Molecules, 26(4), pp. 997. doi:10.3390/molecules26040997 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26040997 - Trendafilova, A., Ivanova, V., Todorova, M., Aneva, I. and others (2025) 'Phytochemical Characterization and Anti-Biofilm Activity of Primula veris L. Roots', Molecules, 30(8), pp. 1702. doi:10.3390/molecules30081702 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30081702 - Colombo, P.S., Flamini, G., Rodondi, G., Giuliani, C. and others (2017) 'Phytochemistry of European Primula species', Phytochemistry, 143, pp. 132-144. doi:10.1016/j.phytochem.2017.07.005 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phytochem.2017.07.005 - Latypova, G.M., Bondarenko, T.A., Katayev, V.A., Romanenko, E.B. and others (2019) 'Composition and cardioprotective effects of Primula veris L. solid herbal extract in experimental chronic heart failure', Phytomedicine, 54, pp. 17-26. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2018.09.015 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2018.09.015 - Brys, R. and Jacquemyn, H (2015) 'Disruption of the distylous syndrome in Primula veris', Annals of Botany, 115(1), pp. 27-39. doi:10.1093/aob/mcu211 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1093/aob/mcu211 - Muller, A., Ganzera, M. and Stuppner, H (2006) 'Analysis of phenolic glycosides and saponins in Primula elatior and Primula veris (primula root) by liquid chromatography, evaporative light scattering detection and mass spectrometry', Journal of Chromatography A, 1112(1-2), pp. 218-223. doi:10.1016/j.chroma.2005.10.067 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chroma.2005.10.067 - Graikou, K., Damianakos, H., Ganos, C., Syklowska-Baranek, K. and others (2023) 'Comparative Phytochemical Analyses of Flowers from Primula veris subsp. veris Growing Wild and from Ex Situ Cultivation in Greece', Foods, 12(13), pp. 2623. doi:10.3390/foods12132623 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12132623 - European Medicines Agency (2012) 'European Union herbal monograph on Primula veris L'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=European%20Union%20herbal%20monograph%20on%20Primula%20veris%20L - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (n.d.). Available at: https://powo.science.kew.org Traditional / reference
https://powo.science.kew.org - Wicke, L (2007) 'Primula veris in the treatment of upper respiratory infections', pp. 109--116. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Primula%20veris%20in%20the%20treatment%20of%20upper%20respiratory%20infections - 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
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.