Plant Comparison
Hop vs Rosemary
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 Rosemary: they share 5 indicated uses (arthritis / joint pain, bloating, indigestion, …); 3 pharmacological actions in common.
Evidence face-off — shared uses
| Condition | Hop | Rosemary | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arthritis / joint pain | 1/10 | 3/10 | Stronger for Rosemary |
| Bloating | 1/10 | 3/10 | Stronger for Rosemary |
| Indigestion | 1/10 | 3/10 | Stronger for Rosemary |
| Inflammation (general) | 1/10 | 8/10 | Stronger for Rosemary |
| Skin irritation | 1/10 | 3/10 | Stronger for Rosemary |
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.
The volatile oil, dominated by 1,8-cineole and camphor, gives the characteristic aroma and much of the antimicrobial activity.
Potent antioxidant diterpenes considered largely responsible for rosemary's strong preservative and antioxidant activity.
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 anticancer action
inferred from neuroprotective action
inferred from antimicrobial action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from antispasmodic action
inferred from antispasmodic action
inferred from anti-inflammatory 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).
Culinary use is entirely safe. Essential oil should not be ingested in large amounts; avoid during pregnancy in medicinal doses. May trigger epileptic seizures in predisposed individuals at high doses. May interact with anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs.
Duke (2002) does not appear to include a dedicated entry for rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus / Rosmarinus officinalis) as a primary herb entry in the section searched; however, rosemary is referenced throughout the text in relation to antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of its key compounds (carnosol, rosmarinic acid). Commission E (KOM) approves rosemary for dyspeptic complaints and externally for rheumatic conditions and circulatory problems.
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]
Evergreen, woody shrub (Lamiaceae), 1-2 m tall, with dense, needle-like, dark green, aromatic leaves, white-felted beneath. Small, pale blue to violet, two-lipped flowers are borne in the leaf axils.[1]
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 to the Mediterranean coast, growing on dry, rocky, sunny slopes and coastal scrub; widely cultivated as a culinary and medicinal herb worldwide, tolerating poor, well-drained soils and drought.[1]
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]
Leafy sprigs are cut throughout the year (the plant is evergreen), though essential-oil content is often considered highest just before or during flowering; leaves are stripped from the stem and dried, or used fresh.[1]
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]
Rosemary has an ancient Mediterranean reputation as a memory and circulation tonic ('rosemary for remembrance'), a digestive carminative, and an antiseptic for minor wounds. Commission E approves it for dyspeptic complaints internally and for rheumatic conditions and circulatory problems externally; modern research on rosmarinic acid and carnosic acid supports antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and cognitive-supportive activity.[1]
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.
Commission E approves rosemary for dyspeptic complaints (internal use) and, externally, for rheumatic conditions and circulatory problems; typical internal use is roughly 2-4 g dried leaf as tea, up to three times daily. Educational reference only, not a prescription; avoid concentrated essential oil internally and in pregnancy/epilepsy.
References
Drug Class Interactions
Not documented
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/
- de Oliveira, J.R., Camargo, S.E.A. and de Oliveira, L.D (2019) 'Rosmarinus officinalis L. (rosemary) as therapeutic and prophylactic agent', Journal of Biomedical Science, 26(1), pp. 5. doi:10.1186/s12929-019-0499-8 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12929-019-0499-8 - Ghasemzadeh Rahbardar, M. and Hosseinzadeh, H (2025) 'Toxicity and safety of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis): a comprehensive review', Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Archives of Pharmacology, 398(1), pp. 9-23. doi:10.1007/s00210-024-03336-9 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00210-024-03336-9 - Zhang, L. and Lu, J (2024) 'Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) polyphenols and inflammatory bowel diseases: Major phytochemicals, functional properties, and health effects', Fitoterapia, 177, pp. 106074. doi:10.1016/j.fitote.2024.106074 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fitote.2024.106074 - Ahmed, H.M. and Babakir-Mina, M (2020) 'Investigation of rosemary herbal extracts (Rosmarinus officinalis) and their potential effects on immunity', Phytotherapy Research, 34(8), pp. 1829-1837. doi:10.1002/ptr.6648 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.6648 - Li, T., Wang, W., Guo, Q., Li, J. and others (2023) 'Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) hydrosol based on serotonergic synapse for insomnia', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 318(Pt B), pp. 116984. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2023.116984 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2023.116984 - Hassani, F.V., Shirani, K. and Hosseinzadeh, H (2016) 'Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) as a potential therapeutic plant in metabolic syndrome: a review', Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Archives of Pharmacology, 389(9), pp. 931-949. doi:10.1007/s00210-016-1256-0 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00210-016-1256-0 - Gonzalez-Vallinas, M., Reglero, G. and Ramirez de Molina, A (2015) 'Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) Extract as a Potential Complementary Agent in Anticancer Therapy', Nutrition and Cancer, 67(8), pp. 1221-1229. doi:10.1080/01635581.2015.1082110 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1080/01635581.2015.1082110 - Hussain, S.M., Syeda, A.F., Alshammari, M., Alnasser, S. and others (2022) 'Cognition enhancing effect of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) in lab animal studies: a systematic review and meta-analysis', Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research, 55, pp. e11593. doi:10.1590/1414-431X2021e11593 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1590/1414-431X2021e11593 - Nematolahi, P., Mehrabani, M., Karami-Mohajeri, S. and Dabaghzadeh, F (2018) 'Effects of Rosmarinus officinalis L. on memory performance, anxiety, depression, and sleep quality in university students: A randomized clinical trial', Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 30, pp. 24-28. doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2017.11.004 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2017.11.004 - Ulbricht, C., Abrams, T.R., Brigham, A., Ceurvels, J. and others (2010) 'An evidence-based systematic review of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration', Journal of Dietary Supplements, 7(4), pp. 351-413. doi:10.3109/19390211.2010.525049 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3109/19390211.2010.525049 - Hoffmann, D (2003) 'Medical Herbalism'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Medical%20Herbalism - Moss, M., Cook, J., Wesnes, K. and Duckett, P (2003) 'Aromas of rosemary and lavender essential oils differentially affect cognition and mood in healthy adults', 113(1), pp. 15--38. doi:10.1080/00207450390161903 Clinical study
https://doi.org/10.1080/00207450390161903 - Petersen, M. and Simmonds, M.S.J (2003) 'Rosmarinic acid', 62(2), pp. 121--125. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Rosmarinic%20acid - 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
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.