Plant Comparison
Hop vs Speedwell
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 Speedwell: they share 5 indicated uses (arthritis / joint pain, bloating, indigestion, …); 3 pharmacological actions in common.
Evidence face-off — shared uses
| Condition | Hop | Speedwell | 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.
Pharmacological Actions
Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant
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
Traditional expectorant for cough and respiratory complaints (iridoid glycosides inhibit lung inflammation) - a standardised extract suppressed COX-2 and eotaxin via the NF-kB pathway in human lung epithelial cells
Mild digestive / stomach tonic (indigestion)
Traditional expectorant for cough and respiratory complaints (iridoid glycosides inhibit lung inflammation) - a standardised extract suppressed COX-2 and eotaxin via the NF-kB pathway in human lung epithelial cells
inferred from expectorant action
Soothing for skin irritation (topical)
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).
Traditional use only; clinical evidence is limited, so a persistent cough or digestive complaint needs medical assessment. Safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding is not established.
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, creeping, mat-forming perennial herb with softly hairy, oval, finely toothed leaves along trailing stems that root as they spread. Small, pale lilac-blue flowers with darker veining are borne in slender upright spikes rising from the leaf axils.[8]
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.
Grows on dry heath, moorland, open woodland, grassland and banks on acidic, well-drained soils; native to Europe and naturalised in North America.[8]
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]
The flowering aerial parts are cut in summer while in flower and dried in a warm, shaded, airy place; the closely related Veronica chamaedrys is a frequent adulterant, so careful identification (or a reputable source) is important.[8]
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]
Speedwell has a long European folk history as a mild digestive tonic and traditional expectorant for cough and respiratory complaints, and has also been used topically as a soothing wash for irritated skin; modern research on its iridoid glycosides supports a molecular basis for the traditional respiratory use.
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.
Not documented
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.
Not documented
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/
- Mocan, A., Vodnar, D.C., Vlase, L., Crisan, O. and others (2015) 'Phytochemical Characterization of Veronica officinalis L., V. teucrium L. and V. orchidea Crantz from Romania and Their Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties', International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 16(9), pp. 21109-21127. doi:10.3390/ijms160921109 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms160921109 - Crisan, G., Tamas, M., Miclaus, V., Krausz, T. and others (2007) 'A comparative study of some Veronica species', Revista Medico-Chirurgicala a Societatii de Medici si Naturalisti din Iasi, 111(1), pp. 280-284. Preclinical
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=A%20comparative%20study%20of%20some%20Veronica%20species - Korzhikova, E.B (1991) 'Speedwell (Veronica officinalis)', Feldsher i Akusherka, 56(2), pp. 37-39. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Speedwell%20%28Veronica%20officinalis%29 - Scarlat, M., Sandor, V., Tamas, M. and Cuparencu, B (1985) 'Experimental anti-ulcer activity of Veronica officinalis L. extracts', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 13(2), pp. 157-163. doi:10.1016/0378-8741(85)90003-0 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/0378-8741(85)90003-0 - Wojcik, E (1973) 'Phytochemical studies of the Veronica officinalis L', Acta Poloniae Pharmaceutica, 30(2), pp. 195-201. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/4703978/ Preclinical
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/4703978/ - Wojcik, E (1977) 'Occurrence of 6-hydroxyluteolin 7-glucoside in the herb of Veronica officinalis L', Acta Poloniae Pharmaceutica, 34(3), pp. 295-298. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/906876/ Preclinical
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/906876/ - Bellia, G. and Pieroni, A (2015) 'Isolated, but transnational: the glocal nature of Waldensian ethnobotany, Western Alps, NW Italy', Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine, 11, pp. 37. doi:10.1186/s13002-015-0027-1 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13002-015-0027-1 - (2017) 'Veronica officinalis Product Authentication Using DNA Metabarcoding and HPLC-MS Reveals Widespread Adulteration with Veronica chamaedrys', Frontiers in Pharmacology. doi:10.3389/fphar.2017.00378 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2017.00378 - Wojcik, E (1973) 'Flavonoids of the Veronica officinalis L. herb', Acta Poloniae Pharmaceutica, 30(4), pp. 447-451. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/4762340/ Preclinical
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/4762340/ - Salehi, B., Shivaprasad Shetty, M., V. Anil Kumar, N., Zivkovic, J., Calina, D., Oana Docea, A. and others (2019) 'Veronica Plants - Drifting from Farm to Traditional Healing, Food Application, and Phytopharmacology', Molecules, 24(13), pp. 2454. doi:10.3390/molecules24132454 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24132454 - HerbaZest (n.d.) 'Veronica (Speedwell)'. Available at: https://www.herbazest.com/herbs/veronica Traditional / reference
https://www.herbazest.com/herbs/veronica - Grundemann, C., Garcia-Kaufer, M., Sauer, B., Stangenberg, E., Konczol, M., Merfort, I., Zehl, M. and Huber, R (2012) 'Traditionally used Veronica officinalis inhibits proinflammatory mediators via the NF-kB signalling pathway in a human lung cell line', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 145(1), pp. 118--126. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2012.10.039 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2012.10.039
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.