Abstract
IntroductionThe hop (Humulus lupulus L.), a component of beer, is a sedative plant whose pharmacological activity is principally due to its bitter resins, in particular to the α-acid degradation product 2-methyl-3-buten-2-ol. The mechanism of action of hop resin consists of raising the levels of the neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), an inhibitory neurotransmitter acting in the central nervous system (CNS).ObjectivesTo analyze the sedative effect of hops as a component of non-alcoholic beer on the sleep/wake rhythm in a work-stressed population.MethodsThe experiment was conducted with healthy female nurses (n = 17) working rotating and/or night shifts. Overnight sleep and chronobiological parameters were assessed by actigraphy (Actiwatch®) after moderate ingestion of non-alcoholic beer containing hops (333 ml with 0,0% alcohol) with supper for 14 days (treatment). Data were obtained in comparison with her own control group without consumption of beer during supper.ResultsActigraphy results demonstrated improvement of night sleep quality as regards the most important parameters: Sleep Latency diminished (p≤0.05) in the Treatment group (12.01±1.19 min) when compared to the Control group (20.50±4.21 min), as also did Total Activity (p≤0.05; Treatment group = 5284.78±836.99 activity pulses vs Control = 7258.78±898.89 activity pulses). In addition, anxiety as indexed by the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) decreased in the Treatment group (State Anxiety 18.09±3.8 vs Control 20.69±2.14).ConclusionThe moderate consumption of non-alcoholic beer will favour night-time rest, due in particular to its hop components, in addition to its other confirmed benefits for the organism.
Highlights
The hop (Humulus lupulus L.), a component of beer, is a sedative plant whose pharmacological activity is principally due to its bitter resins, in particular to the a-acid degradation product 2-methyl-3-buten-2-ol
Clinical trials with hops gave satisfactory results as the improvement of sleep quality in patients with insomnia is concerned [12], and in patients suffering from non-organic sleep disorder [13]
Sleep related properties were assessed by means of the actimeters (ActiwatchH) that the subjects wore on the non-dominant wrist throughout participation, and statistical techniques of time series [33,34]. analysis (Sleep AnalysisH software), we studied the following sleep parameters: N Time in bed: The time spent in bed
Summary
The hop (Humulus lupulus L.), a component of beer, is a sedative plant whose pharmacological activity is principally due to its bitter resins, in particular to the a-acid degradation product 2-methyl-3-buten-2-ol. The mechanism of action of hop resin consists of raising the levels of the neurotransmitter c-aminobutyric acid (GABA), an inhibitory neurotransmitter acting in the central nervous system (CNS). Its sedative activity lies mainly in its bitter acids, and in particular in their oxidative degradation products such as that resulting from the a-acid content: 2-methyl-3-buten-2-ol [1]. Other active components such as the flavonoid xanthohumol are added to degradation products such as 2-methyl-3-buten-2-ol [2], and the terpene, myrcenol [3]. It is known that both hops and other derivatives of beer can have impact on the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA(A) [1]
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