Plant Comparison
Hop vs Common Sorrel
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 Common Sorrel: they share 5 indicated uses (arthritis / joint pain, bloating, indigestion, …); 3 pharmacological actions in common.
Evidence face-off — shared uses
| Condition | Hop | Common Sorrel | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arthritis / joint pain | 1/10 | 1/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Bloating | 1/10 | 1/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Indigestion | 1/10 | 2/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Inflammation (general) | 1/10 | 2/10 | 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.
Gives the leaf its characteristic sour taste; the basis for the caution around kidney stones and mineral absorption at high intakes.
Minor constituents typical of the Rumex genus, studied alongside other isolated compounds for antibacterial activity against Helicobacter pylori.
The basis for the plant's traditional antiscorbutic (anti-scurvy) reputation.
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 digestive action
inferred from antimicrobial action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from diuretic action
inferred from diuretic action
inferred from diuretic 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).
High in oxalates (the sour taste): Large, frequent amounts can be a bad idea if you’re prone to kidney or bladder stones, or certain “rheumatic-type” complaints (Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, n.d.). Moderation matters: Measured oxalate levels in leaves can be high, and researchers recommend treating sorrel more like an occasional delicacy than a daily staple (Tuazon-Nartea & Savage, 2013). Mineral binding: Oxalic acid can reduce how much calcium you absorb from a meal (Tuazon-Nartea & Savage, 2013). Sensitive stomach/mouth: Very sour leaves can irritate some people (common-sense caution; strongest source is the oxalate discussion above). Pregnancy/lactation: As a normal food herb in culinary amounts is generally considered fine, but avoid high-dose “medicinal” use because safety data are limited (Bello et al., 2019). Foraging safety (important): Sorrel can accumulate heavy metals depending on where it grows; avoid harvesting near roads/industrial areas (Gawęda, 2009).
Duke (2002) rates sorrel as ++ and notes diuretic, antiscorbutic (high vitamin C), and depurative activities at experimental and folkloric levels. The plant is traditionally used for anemia, fever, and scurvy prevention. High oxalic acid content is an important consideration — excessive consumption can promote kidney stone formation (oxalate stones) and may be harmful in individuals with gout or existing kidney disease. Duke advises limiting medicinal use and avoiding in those with a history of calcium oxalate kidney stones (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]
Perennial herb (Polygonaceae), 30-100 cm tall, with erect, often reddish, ridged flowering stems. Basal leaves are arrow- (hastate-) shaped with backward-pointing basal lobes, and sour-tasting from oxalic acid content. Tiny reddish-brown flowers are borne in narrow, branched spikes; the species is dioecious, with separate male and female plants.[11]
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 throughout Europe and temperate Asia, common in meadows, grassland, pastures and roadside verges on a wide range of soils, tolerating both damp and dry ground.[11]
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]
Leaves are gathered fresh in spring and early summer, before flowering, when they are most tender and least bitter. Avoid harvesting near roads or industrial areas, given the plant's tendency to accumulate heavy metals.[11]
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]
Common sorrel has a long European culinary-medicinal tradition as a refreshing, vitamin-C-rich spring green and digestive bitter, and folk-medicinally as a diuretic and mild antiscorbutic (anti-scurvy) remedy. Modern research confirms antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity of its leaf extracts.[11]
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.
Sorrel is best treated as an occasional food rather than a daily medicinal herb, given its oxalate content; traditional infusions use roughly 2-4 g dried leaf per cup, taken occasionally rather than regularly. Educational reference only, not a prescription; avoid large or frequent amounts if prone to kidney stones or gout.
References
Drug Class Interactions
Not documented
Pairings
Lookalikes Review
Dangerous Lookalikes
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/
- Jeong, D., Irfan, M., Kim, S.D., Kim, S. and others (2020) 'Rumex acetosa modulates platelet function and inhibits thrombus formation in rats', BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, 20(1), pp. 98. doi:10.1186/s12906-020-02889-5 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-020-02889-5 - Oh, D.R., Kim, Y., Choi, E.J., Jung, M.A. and others (2025) 'Rumex acetosa L. enhances learning and cognitive function by modulating NMDA receptor and BDNF pathways in vitro and in vivo', Metabolic Brain Disease, 40(5), pp. 185. doi:10.1007/s11011-025-01608-8 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11011-025-01608-8 - Kang, Y.M., Lee, K.Y., An, H.J. and others (2023) 'Anti-Helicobacter pylori Activity of Six Major Compounds Isolated from Rumex acetosa', ACS Omega, 8(45), pp. 42548-42554. doi:10.1021/acsomega.3c05282 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.3c05282 - Sun, Y.Y., Su, X.H., Jin, J.Y., Zhou, J. and others (2015) 'Rumex acetosa L. induces vasorelaxation in rat aorta via activation of PI3-kinase/Akt- and Ca2+-eNOS-NO signaling in endothelial cells', Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, 66(6), pp. 907-915. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26769840/ Preclinical
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26769840/ - Selbach, S., Klocke, A., Peters, U., Beckert, S. and others (2021) 'Microbiological and Clinical Effects of a Proanthocyanidin-enriched Extract from Rumex acetosa in Periodontally Healthy Carriers of Porphyromonas gingivalis: a Randomized Controlled Pilot Study', Planta Medica, 89(11), pp. 1052-1062. doi:10.1055/a-1728-2249 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1055/a-1728-2249 - Ahn, S.H., Jeon, J.H., Kim, H.J., Maeng, H.J. and others (2020) 'Effect of Rumex acetosa Extract, a Herbal Drug, on the Absorption of Fexofenadine', Pharmaceutics, 12(6), pp. 547. doi:10.3390/pharmaceutics12060547 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics12060547 - Feduraev, P., Skrypnik, L., Nebreeva, S., Dzhobadze, G. and others (2022) 'Variability of Phenolic Compound Accumulation and Antioxidant Activity in Wild Plants of Some Rumex Species (Polygonaceae)', Antioxidants (Basel), 11(2), pp. 311. doi:10.3390/antiox11020311 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox11020311 - Li, J.J., Li, Y.X., Li, N., Zhu, H.T. and others (2022) 'The genus Rumex (Polygonaceae): an ethnobotanical, phytochemical and pharmacological review', Natural Products and Bioprospecting, 12(1), pp. 21. doi:10.1007/s13659-022-00346-z Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1007/s13659-022-00346-z - Prakash Mishra, A., Sharifi-Rad, M., Shariati, M.A., Mabkhot, Y.N. and others (2018) 'Bioactive compounds and health benefits of edible Rumex species - A review', Cellular and Molecular Biology, 64(8), pp. 27-34. doi:10.14715/cmb/2018.64.8.5 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.14715/cmb/2018.64.8.5 - Pan, Y., Zhao, X., Kim, S.H., Kang, S.A. and others (2020) 'Anti-inflammatory effects of Beopje curly dock (Rumex crispus L.) in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells and its active compounds', Journal of Food Biochemistry, 44(7), pp. e13291. doi:10.1111/jfbc.13291 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1111/jfbc.13291 - Chevallier, A (1996) 'The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=The%20Encyclopedia%20of%20Medicinal%20Plants - Grieve, M (1931) 'A Modern Herbal'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=A%20Modern%20Herbal - 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 - Foraging Course Company 'Foraging Guide: Lords and Ladies (Arum maculatum)'. Available at: https://www.foragingcoursecompany.co.uk/post/foraging-guide-lords-and-ladies Traditional / reference
https://www.foragingcoursecompany.co.uk/post/foraging-guide-lords-and-ladies - Wild Food UK (2020) 'Wild garlic impostors'. Available at: https://www.wildfooduk.com/articles/identifying-mushrooms-and-plants/wild-garlic-impostors/ Traditional / reference
https://www.wildfooduk.com/articles/identifying-mushrooms-and-plants/wild-garlic-impostors/
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.